Battening is a framework of wooden strips or battens fixed to a wall, floor, or ceiling as a support structure for boards, insulation, or cladding. The battens form a grid onto which plasterboard, tongue-and-groove boards, plywood, or other finish materials are screwed.
Where is battening used?
- Interior walls — Battens on the wall as a base for plasterboard or cladding
- Timber frame construction — Studs and rails form the skeleton of the wall
- Ceiling — Battens on the ceiling for tongue-and-groove boards or plasterboard
- Insulation — Battening creates space for insulation material
- Exterior cladding — Vertical battens on the outside wall for weatherboard
Standard dimensions
| Batten size (mm) | Application |
|---|---|
| 22 x 50 | Thin stud walls, ceilings |
| 30 x 50 | Light battening, floor strips |
| 45 x 70 | Standard battening for interior walls |
| 45 x 95 | Battening with insulation (90 mm) |
| 45 x 120 | Battening with thick insulation |
| 50 x 50 | Exterior battening for cladding |
Batten spacing (centre-to-centre)
The spacing between battens depends on the material being fixed to them:
| Boarding | Batten spacing (c/c) |
|---|---|
| Plasterboard (12.5 mm) | 60 cm |
| Plasterboard (9.5 mm) | 40 cm |
| Plywood (9-12 mm) | 40-60 cm |
| Tongue-and-groove | 40-60 cm |
| Weatherboard (exterior) | 60 cm |
60 cm c/c is the standard — this matches standard board widths (120 cm) and insulation sizes.
Installing battening (interior wall)
1. Check the wall — Is the wall straight? Use a spirit level or straightedge.
2. Cut battens to size — Vertical battens, length = room height
3. Place first batten — In the corner, check for plumb
4. At 60 cm c/c — Measure 60 cm from the first batten for each subsequent one
5. Fix — With wall plugs and screws into the wall. For a timber wall: screw directly.
6. Horizontal cross-battens — At half the wall height for added rigidity
7. Install insulation — Mineral wool or PIR between the battens
8. Mount boards — Screw plasterboard or other material to the battens
Battening for exterior cladding
When fitting weatherboard to an external wall:
1. Vertical battens (50 x 50 mm) on the wall, at 60 cm c/c
2. Screw horizontal weatherboard to the battens
3. The battening creates a ventilation gap behind the cladding — essential for allowing the timber to dry
Related terms
- Timber frame construction
- OSB board
- R-value
- Centre-to-centre (c/c)
- Weatherboard