While researching outdoor renovation projects or fencing, you may have come across battens. If you are not quite sure what battens are or how they can be used effectively on your property, we are here to help. This quick guide will give you an introduction to this interesting form of architecture and how it can be used to benefit your outdoor living area.
What Is A Batten Used For?
Battens have many uses, but when we are talking about fencing, battens are a type of construction that can increase the privacy and strength of a fence. Battens can be used to add contrast and additional screening. It can be used for a front fence features, outdoor entertainment areas, or it can be used to screen a gate. Traditionally, battens have always been wood, but today there are new options when it comes to this interesting architectural element.
Aluminum Battens
Aluminum battens can now be designed to give that same timber-like look but with far more durability. There are so many benefits to using aluminum battens.
Ready to go: Aluminum battens come completely prepared and ready to go. Timber battens often required sanding, painting, and staining before they could be effectively installed. With metal, you can skip all of these prep steps and simply install. This can drastically reduce the completion time of your project.
Pre-sized: Metal battens also eliminate the issue of trying to choose pieces of timber that are straight and symmetrical. In order for the battens to look their best, it is necessary for there to be a great deal of symmetry. Finding wood pieces that are identical can be very difficult. Using metal battens solves this problem as they are manufactured to be identical.
Keeps shape: You can also rest assured that a metal batten will not warp, shrink or bloat over time. If the batten needs to be cut to size, you also do not need to worry about splitting during cutting.
Variety of colors: Just because this product is made of metal does not mean you are restricted to just using gray. Aluminum battens come in a variety of colors to match your style and taste. Battens come in timber grain as well to give you the appearance of wood.
Variety of sizes: Battens can also come in a variety of sizes to make even the most customized fencing job a breeze.
Easy to work with: Aluminum is lightweight and easy to work with. It is much easier to complete your battens as a DIY project when the materials are lightweight.
If you are wondering what are popular types of aluminum battens, you can consult with a fencing professional to learn more.