skip to main content

Design Dilemma Exterior Remodeling

I hate my T-111 Siding

3 years ago

I have a 70s ranch that we remodeled in 2014 and I’m kicking myself that we didn’t change the siding on the house. Now here comes the probably stupid question - Has anyone added batten to the spaces or grooves in T-111 to achieve the bones and batten look or is that a ridiculous idea ? I’m desperate to update the exterior and then going to repaint. Thanks for any advice !!

Featured Answer

Nancy Walton

3 years ago

Adding a batten at the groove points would be too close together. You would end up with about six to eight inches of exposed "board," giving the appearance of a jail cell, IMO.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (14)

Olychick
3 years ago
Pictures, please!
Laraine
Original Author
3 years ago
It’s a work in progress! I’m considering painting it white but not sure yet. Thank you.
Related Discussions
mason bees nesting in t1-11 siding
Q
Comments (1)
If you want to prevent them from using the same holes for their next season, take the following action: 1) Build a small mason bee box and place it near the old one facing South/Southeast, 2) Tape a piece of cardboard over the holes with a 1/2 inch hole cut in the middle of it. This will discourage the bees from using their old nests and encourage them to occupy the new box.
...See More
Sealing T1-11 siding to slab foundation?
Q
Comments (7)
If there is a vapor barrier under the T1-11, that would be the case. A better reason is that the T1-11 should not be touching the concrete at all---for the same reason. Moisture damage to the wood from the moisture in the concrete. Current building codes specify only pressure treated wood should be in contact with concrete. The ant problem would not be cured by sealing the T1-11 anyways---it is almost impossible to seal them little critters out. We use bait hotels and I spray the trails with Deep Woods Off---lasts a long time and is not as dangerous to pets/grandkids as poisons.
...See More
T1-11 Wood Siding Question
Q
Comments (2)
I used it on my house in 1977 when it was popular. It was the Douglas fir type. It was indestructable. When I added on in 1990, I used yellow pine. That was the biggest mistake of my life. It delaminated, wouldn't hold color, and generally fell apart. In 2000 I put stucco on the entire house and the Fir plywood was still like new. It does matter what type you use. I never sealed the vertical joints and never had a problem. The horizontal joints should have flashing to prevent water from getting behind the lower sections. I often cut narrow pieces, but because I had machinery to cut the lap joints, this was never a problem when I joined a small piece to a full sheet, or pieced in a piece. If I was butt jointing two pieces, I would definately use a paintable silicone latex caulk. I don't see it used much anywhere anymore. Most homes have manufactured stone in this area.
...See More
T1-11 Wood Siding Questions
Q
Comments (1)
Repair patch width will depend on the framing spacing--usually 16" between the center of one stud to the center of the next stud The problem with trying to replace a patch section is the gap that will be left. Replacing an entire 4' by 8' piece eliminates that gap. Caulking vertical joints is not usually necessary---the built in half lap joint is designed to make a fairly tight seal. Always prime any wood before painting. I generally use a primer that costs more than the paint---I like Sherwin Williams, Glidden, and Pratt and Lambert. Hardi siding will generally last longer than wood siding and need less maintenance. You can get Hardie siding in 4' by 8' sheets as well as the lap siding designs. Very seldom a good idea to simply install new siding over old. If the old is rotten/deteriorating, covering it will only hide the problem and it will still continue---eventually affecting the new siding job. I like T1-11---which is simply the term for that design---there are other designs of sheet siding.
...See More
Laraine
Original Author
3 years ago
And the “bones” was supposed to be “board”. Sorry bout that !
Laraine
Original Author
3 years ago
Oh ok. Bummer. I guess I’ll have to come up with some other ideas to update the exterior for some more charm. Thanks so much !
HU-230708526
2 years ago
I'm wondering what you did? We're looking at purchasing a house that has T1-11 siding which I can't stand & I'm looking for ways to camouflage it and was wondering what you ended up doing. Would you post some pics, please.

Donna
Maria Capps
last year
We bought a house last year with the same siding and I hate it. Mine is also mismatched. I would love if anyone had any ideas on how to make it look different without replacing it first. We plan to repaint it in the fall.
Nancy Walton
last year
Maria Capps, you could shingle the whole house with cedar shingles without having to remove the existing siding. Then you could paint whatever color you wanted or just let the shingles weather naturally (although it takes quite a bit of time before they weather uniformly).
Laraine
Original Author
last year
I haven’t done anything to the siding. I just cringe when I see it but for now I’m just living with it. 35k is crazy high for new siding but each of the 3 bids I got were the same.
Sigrid
last year
That's aan Attractive house with lovely landscaping. No house is perfect. Instead of focusing on what you don't like, focus on what you like and enjoy your house.
ci_lantro
last year
last modified: last year
Laraine, you absolutely can add battens to your siding. Appears that the grooves are 12" OC (on center) which is one of the traditional spacings for board & batten. Batten spacing is typically 8" or 12" OC.

ETA that this is an easy DIY project. Will cost much, much less than $35k.
debrar39
last year
i am considering doing the same with my t-111 (adding battens) but....i live in a cold and wet northern climate so need to consider that by doing so i'll be adding lots and lots of nail holes that could concievably eventually fail and allow water seepage into the framing. so even though its an aesthic improvement practicality may win out and i just may leave as is.
Justin Humphrey
2 months ago
last modified: 2 months ago
Please any update on this. We bought a house with T1-11 siding with 12 inch grooves on center. We want to place battens bu Ii cant find reliable info on if this would cause poor drainage and/or rotting issues. I imagine youd want to caulk or somehow rainguard where you place the battens somehow. Any thoughts please?
D M PNW
last month
Why would it be more likely to fail than the other trim pieces you already have?

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Renovation Detail: Board and Batten Siding

By Rachel Grace

Classic board and batten siding adds timeless appeal to traditional homes, modern structures and every style in between

DECORATING GUIDES The Dumbest Decorating Decisions I’ve Ever Made

Caution: Do not try these at home

REMODELING GUIDES 9 Top Siding Materials

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Everyone knows brick and stucco, but what about fiber cement and metal? Learn about the options in exterior siding before you choose

MATERIALS Design Workshop: Natural Wood Siding Minus the Maintenance

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

No need to worry about upkeep when you choose wood that embraces weathering

EXTERIORS Help! What Color Should I Paint My House Exterior?

By Jennifer Ott Design

Real homeowners get real help in choosing paint palettes. Bonus: 3 tips for everyone on picking exterior colors

WHITE KITCHENS Reclaimed Siding and Red Accents Personalize a White Kitchen

By Camille LeFevre

This home’s salvaged siding adds a warm touch to a kitchen with a built-in desk and nearby mudroom

WINTER GARDENING 6 Reasons I’m Not Looking Forward to Spring

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Not kicking up your heels anticipating rushes of spring color and garden catalogs? You’re not alone

REMODELING GUIDES Design Dilemma: How Do I Modernize My Cedar Walls?

8 Ways to Give Wood Walls a More Contemporary Look

DIY PROJECTS Make Your Own Barn-Style Door — in Any Size You Need

By No. 29 Design

Low ceilings or odd-size doorways are no problem when you fashion a barn door from exterior siding and a closet track

HOME INNOVATIONS Houzz Tour: Meet a Home Made With Minivan Parts

By Becky Harris

Sawn-off car roofs for the siding, windows popped out of van doors ... this California home is as resourceful as it is beautiful

Sponsored

More Discussions

Scale Drawing Help

5

what color interior door hardware?

7

Cabinet maker suggestions - rift cut walnut, grain matched slab doors

9

How would you update this fireplace?

3

floating Shelves in kitchen remodel?

0