Thermowood Batten System
Timber Battens Behind Timber Cladding
Using the correct battens behind timber cladding is essential for both performance and appearance. A well-designed batten system provides structural support, creates the ventilation cavity needed to manage moisture, and keeps the cladding stable over time.
Timber battens form the hidden structure that allows cladding to perform properly. Correct batten profile, thickness and spacing are essential for effective ventilation, drainage and long-term stability.
5 Golden Rules for Battens Behind Timber Cladding
1. Don’t use tile battens
They are not strong enough for timber cladding installations.
2. Use angled horizontal battens
A sloped or profiled top surface sheds water away from the cladding and wall.
3. Use counter-battens where required
Horizontal battens behind overlapping cladding should be fixed over vertical counter-battens to maintain drainage and ventilation.
4. Size battens correctly
Primary battens should be at least twice the thickness of the cladding to allow proper structural fixings.
5. Use stainless steel fixings
All metal fixings should be stainless steel or corrosion-resistant.
Typical Batten Specification
Material: Thermowood, naturally durable or chemically treated timber
Thickness: Minimum 2 × cladding board thickness.
Spacing: 400–500mm centres, depending on cladding profile.
Fixings: Stainless steel or corrosion-resistant fixings.
Ventilation: Continuous drainage and airflow at the top and bottom of the cladding cavity.
Insect mesh: Wrap all potential access points.
Moisture content: Maximum 20% at the time of fixing
Why Choose Thermowood Battens?
Thermowood battens offer two key advantages:
Durability throughout the timber
Unlike treated softwood, protection is not limited to the surface. Profiling or drilling the battens does not expose untreated wood.
Excellent stability
Thermowood moves less than treated softwood, helping battens remain straight and supporting a clean, consistent cladding finish.
Call us to discuss your cladding project
Timber Batten Profiles
Timber Batten Systems
To simplify specification, we recommend four battening systems depending on the cladding orientation and building structure.
Type A
Horizontal cladding on masonry or timber structure
VBAT2 installed vertically at 400 / 500mm centres
Order:
2.8m per m² (400mm centres)
2.2m per m² (500mm centres)
Type B
Vertical open-joint cladding on masonry or timber structure
VBAT1 installed horizontally at 400 / 500mm centres, with the sloped top surface angled away from the building.
Order:
2.8m per m² (400mm centres)
2.2m per m² (500mm centres)
Type C
Vertical overlap cladding on timber structure
VBAT3 counter-batten installed vertically at 400 / 500mm centres, fixed to timber structure.
VBAT1 installed horizontally at 400 / 500mm centres, with sloped top surface. Fixed through counter-batten into the structure.
Order:
2.8m of each per m² (400mm centres)
2.2m of each per m² (500mm centres)
Type D
Vertical overlap cladding on masonry structure
VBAT2 counter-batten installed vertically at 400 / 500mm centres, fixed to masonry.
VBAT1 installed horizontally at 400 / 500mm centres, with sloped top surface. Fixed into counter-batten.
Order:
2.8m of each per m² (400mm centres)
2.2m of each per m² (500mm centres)
For enhanced performance, a strip of GUMOD Distance Band can be installed between the cladding and the primary batten. This reduces prolonged contact between damp surfaces, helping prevent staining and improving the long-term durability of the cladding system.
Know what you want?
FAQs on Timber Battens Behind Timber Cladding
Why are timber battens used behind cladding?
Can I use tile battens behind timber cladding?
What material is best for cladding battens?
Do horizontal cladding battens need a special profile?
What is the difference between primary battens and counter-battens?
How thick should cladding battens be?
Do I need a ventilation gap behind cladding?
Can I improve the performance of the batten system?
Will Thermowood battens last longer than treated softwood?
Are cladding battens required by Building Regulations?
What happens if cladding is installed without battens?
What spacing should cladding battens be fixed at?
What fixings should be used for timber battens?
Should battens be treated or durable?
Do cavity barriers affect the batten system?
Disclaimer
While the utmost care has been taken to provide accurate information, Vastern Timber shall not be held responsible for any consequences arising from any errors or omissions on this website nor for any damages resulting from the use of the information.
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