Battens

Battens are narrow strips or bars of material, typically wood, but also metal, plastic, or composite, used as fixing or support components in construction, manufacturing, and stagecraft. They serve to align, space, or support other materials, and can also create a ventilation or mounting plane.

In construction, roofing battens are fixed across roof rafters to support roof coverings such as tiles or slates. They help establish the correct pitch, spacing, and alignment, and can create an air gap to aid moisture control and ventilation. Wall and ceiling battens are used to support cladding, plasterboard, or sheathing, while also allowing space for insulation and drainage behind exterior finishes. The choice of batten material, size, and spacing depends on the application, climate, and local building codes.

Other common uses include theatre and stage battens, which are long rigid bars or pipes suspended from a rigging system to hang lighting, scenery, or rigging hardware. In marine and sailing contexts, battens are slender strips inserted into sails to help maintain shape and improve performance.

Battening is the process of installing these strips, typically fastened with nails, screws, or adhesive, and may involve creating a ventilated cavity or mounting plane. While versatility and regional practices vary, battens are a fundamental component for providing support, alignment, and ventilation across various industries.