Board and batten is one of the most rewarding DIY projects for an amateur carpenter. It’s a simple yet elegant way to transform your space, adding texture and depth to your walls while giving your foyer a timeless appeal.
My DIY Foyer Transformation
Hello, fellow DIY enthusiasts! Are you ready for a classic Little Engine That Could story? Because today, I’m sharing my journey of installing board and batten in my foyer—a project that pushed my limits, tested my patience, and ultimately filled me with pride.
Believe it or not, I’ve completed phase two of my foyer makeover!
Phase one began last year when I painted the walls, stripped the nasty carpet from the stairs, and gave the risers and spindles a fresh coat of paint. That alone made a world of difference. Then, months ago, I finally got around to refinishing the treads and rails with a rich, dark brownish-black stain. And now, the pièce de résistance: board and batten!
Tackling Board & Batten as a DIYer
Board and batten isn’t a groundbreaking technique many have done it before me. But for me, this was a major milestone because it was the first serious carpentry project I completed almost entirely on my own. Despite my lack of experience, I took on the challenge, determined to prove that anyone can do this with a bit of patience and a lot of persistence.
Now, let’s talk about the reality of installing board and batten on stairs. If you’ve ever seen an episode of This Old House , you know that stair projects can be tricky.
Difficulty Level: Challenging
But hey, stubbornness runs deep in my Irish genes, so I refused to back down!
My husband, Mark, is quite handy, but with his hectic schedule—work travel, coaching, and keeping up with the kids—he simply didn’t have the time or energy to tackle this. So instead of waiting another five years, I grabbed the bull by the horns and did it myself.
Mark showed me how to use our compound miter saw safely, and he helped troubleshoot a few challenges along the way. But every measurement, cut, and installation? That was all me.
The Before & After
I know you’re eager to see the results, but first—let’s take a trip down memory lane with some before pictures.
(
And now, drum roll, please… introducing my fourth child: Board & Batten!
Why I Chose This Design
I wanted the board and batten to align with the mantel height in the family room, creating a visually cohesive look. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big impact.
And let’s talk about angled cuts. Oh, how I loathe them! They became the bane of my existence. But through trial and error, I conquered them, and the end result speaks for itself.
Encouragement for First-Time DIYers
To all the women (and men) out there who have zero carpentry experience but a burning desire to transform their homes—this post is for you.
The moral of the story?
If I can do this, so can you!
- Have someone show you how to use a saw safely.
- No saw? No problem. You can rent one at Home Depot or Lowe’s.
- Both stores also offer free DIY classes on various home improvement projects.
Yes, a saw can be intimidating, but so is a stove, a mixer, or a sharp knife. Yet, we learn to use them safely! Some of you are moms—if you can raise a child, handling a saw is a piece of cake in comparison.
The Challenges of Installing on Stairs
Installing board and batten in the foyer was a breeze—simple, straight cuts that went up quickly. But the stairs? That’s a whole different beast.
Even after reading countless tutorials, the learning curve was brutal. I was determined to achieve a professional look, which meant:
- Ripping off boards after nailing them up when they weren’t perfect.
- Making 10+ trips to Lowe’s and Home Depot due to mismeasuring or rethinking trim.
- Spending hours upon hours caulking, painting, and touching up.
- Investing more money in wood than I originally budgeted.
- Obsessing over every tiny detail.
But despite all that—I did it!
And let me tell you, I love how it turned out. It’s incredibly rewarding to step back and admire something you built with your own two hands.
What’s Next?
I feel empowered after this project, and I’m already planning my next one. Crown molding, perhaps?
I also know some of you have been waiting for details on how I refinished the treads and rails, so stay tuned! I’ll be sharing that process soon, along with a detailed guide on installing board and batten.
UPDATE! Check out the progress of our foyer (and house) here!
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about adding foyer board and batten to your home, I highly encourage you to go for it. Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or a complete beginner, this project is doable—and the results are worth every minute of effort.
So, what do you think? Have you tackled board and batten before? Let me know in the comments!
