Short answer: Battens are the timber sub-frame behind cladding. Common practice is about 60 cm centre to centre, with a ventilation gap of at least 20 mm that is open at the bottom and top, and the bottom of the cladding 20 to 30 cm above ground level. Houthandel Jan Sok supplies battens in pressure-treated pine, Douglas fir and spruce, plus membranes and fixings. prices as of 5 October 2026, incl. VAT.
Battens in stock
| Timber | Size and length | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| Spruce counter batten | 10 × 40 mm, 5.10 m | €2.80 |
| Spruce roofing batten | 20 × 50 mm, 3.00 m | €2.40 |
| Pressure-treated roofing batten | 20 × 45 mm, 3.00 m | €3.00 |
| Douglas fir roofing batten | 22 × 45 mm, 3.00 m | €3.90 |
| Pressure-treated pine, planed | 28 × 80 mm, 3.00 m | €5.85 |
| Pressure-treated pine, planed | 44 × 68 mm, 2.40 m | €5.30 |
| Pressure-treated pine, planed | 45 × 45 mm, 3.00 m | €4.50 |
| Douglas fir, planed | 45 × 45 mm, 3.00 m | €9.45 |
For outdoor battens, preferably choose pressure-treated pine or Douglas fir. Untreated spruce (counter batten, roofing batten) is for indoor use or under roof tiles.
Build-up of a ventilated facade
- Wall, with insulation if needed.
- Membrane: a breathable membrane on the outside (from €1.10 per m). A vapour control layer belongs on the warm inside.
- Battens at least 20 mm thick, about 60 cm centre to centre.
- Cladding: shiplap, Swedish shiplap, channel siding or boards. See cladding.
Leave the cavity open at the bottom and top, and keep the bottom of the cladding 20 to 30 cm clear of the ground.
Horizontal or vertical cladding
- Horizontal cladding (such as shiplap and Swedish shiplap): vertical battens. Air flows freely from bottom to top.
- Vertical cladding (such as board-on-board): first vertical counter battens, then horizontal battens. This keeps the ventilation open.
Worked example: wall 4.00 × 2.50 m
| Part | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated batten 28 × 80 mm, 3.00 m | 8 | €46.80 |
| Breathable membrane Megatec, 1.50 m wide | 9 m | €18.90 |
| Total battens and membrane | €65.70 |
Eight vertical battens at 60 cm centres across 4 metres, cut to 2.50 m. Membrane in two overlapping runs. Excluding fixings and cladding. Installing shiplap: shiplap and cladding: installation and ventilation.
Fixings
Outdoors, use stainless steel or galvanised screws. More: fixings.
Frequently asked questions
What are battens behind cladding?
Battens are the timber sub-frame that cladding is fixed to. They create a ventilation gap behind the cladding so moisture can dry out.
How thick should the battens be?
The ventilation gap behind cladding should be at least 20 mm. Battens of 22 mm or thicker meet that; for heavier cladding or larger spacing choose 28 × 80 mm or 45 × 45 mm.
What spacing should the battens have?
A common guideline is about 60 cm centre to centre. With thin or narrow cladding and high wind loads, choose closer spacing. Also follow the instructions for the cladding you choose.
Do I need counter battens for vertical cladding?
Yes. Vertical cladding hangs on horizontal battens. Underneath, fit vertical counter battens so air and water can move up and down. This is called counter battening.
Do you sell ventilation strips with insect mesh?
Ventilation profiles with insect mesh are not a standard webshop item at Jan Sok. Ask when you order. In any case, the bottom and top of the cavity must stay open for ventilation.