Homeowner Forum / Construction / June 2008

I'm not sure about the nailing of a wide board only once in the
middle.  I approach it like it's a cedar shingle or piece of slate
roofing.  Two nails is good, three nails is bad, regardless of the
width.  The way I've done it is to nail each board about 1" from each
edge, then nail the batten once in the middle.  The batten is a
relatively narrow strip - if you install it with the bark side out,
it's unlikely that it will curl away from the boards.

R

Hi Don,
You have hit the proverbial nail on the head question when it comes to board
and batt siding.......

I have to tell you I have heard all stories and tried all............
One thing is what kind of wood it is, what the structure is like, and how
wet is it?
Wet wood will alway change, and warp or split......
Dry wood will absorb moisture and swell.......
The batt can hold down either side of the board but when one nail is placed
in the batt it tends to warp.......

I have finally favored nailing the "piss" out of it, and use a stainless
staple for the batt.
Of course kiln dry wood is best for shrinkage and or warping also, and if
you secure it in place with a nail on either side of the board it seems to
say,"ok, I give, this is my spot."With a sealer or clear seal on that
product it will not absorb.....
I have to tell you I have seen board and batt nailed religiously in the
middle and look like heck.......
Also batts with one nail and look potatoe chipped....
Some nail alternately on the board also......On the left about 2 ft....down
on the right 2 ft.  then down lower on the left 2 ft. and so on......
Some leave a wide margin in the center between boards for swelling///
Anyway, I would love to hear from an expert.....if there are any.....
jloomis