battening

Battening is the process of installing battens, thin strips of material used to create a supporting framework for coverings or to form a ventilated cavity behind surfaces. Battens are commonly made of timber, but metal and plastic variants are used where appropriate. They are selected for strength, durability, and compatibility with the covering material. Typical timber battens are softwood such as pine or fir, sized to around 20–40 mm thick and 25–50 mm wide, though dimensions vary by application and local building codes.

In pitched roofs, wooden battens are fixed across the rafters, providing a base for roof coverings such as tiles or slates and a channel for ventilation and drainage. Spacing depends on tile size and wind loads, but common layouts range from 300 to 600 mm between battens. Battens also help to keep the underlayment off the deck for moisture protection and to allow air flow.

For exterior walls, battens create a ventilated cavity behind cladding, aiding moisture management and insulation installation. The cladding is fixed to the battens, while the frame remains ventilated. Interior battening can support plasterboard or decorative paneling and can facilitate services runs in a hidden channel. Battens may be installed horizontally or vertically according to the substrate and fixing pattern.

Other common forms include battening for wall insulation, flooring underlayment, and shipbuilding or sailmaking applications where battens stiffen fabric or panels. Installation must consider moisture content, expansion, and corrosion resistance of fixings; and comply with relevant building codes and weatherproofing requirements.