How to Measure and Calculate for a Board-and-Batten Half Wall

Adding a board-and-batten half wall is one of the most stylish and budget-friendly ways to upgrade your space. Whether you're sprucing up a hallway, adding charm to a nursery, or elevating a bathroom wall, this classic wall treatment adds depth, character, and visual interest.

Before you jump into installation, it's essential to properly measure and plan your design. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from assessing your baseboards to calculating spacing between battens and choosing your ideal wall height.

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1. Measure Your Wall Width

Start with a tape measure and note the total width of your wall in inches or centimeters. This is the foundation of your design, as it will determine how many battens (vertical boards) you can fit evenly across the surface.

2. Examine Your Baseboards

Board-and-batten trim starts at the floor and moves upward, so your baseboard plays an important role in the final look. Check if your baseboard is:

- Flat and thick enough to allow battens to sit flush on top - if you are using our battens you have to allow for at least 0.48" or 1.2 cm of thickness.

- Ornate or thin, which may cause the battens to awkwardly stick out

If your baseboards aren’t compatible, don’t worry — there's an elegant workaround.

3. The Baseboard Workaround: Cove Molding as a Transition

If your baseboards are too thin, simply install a small cove molding upside down along the top edge of the baseboard. This creates a smooth visual and physical transition between your baseboard and the battens. It’s a subtle touch, but it makes a world of difference in the finished look. We can provide this piece as well.

4. Decide on Your Wall Height

You have two main style options when it comes to the height of your half wall:

Low Half Wall (36”–42” high)

Great for hallways, bathrooms, or smaller rooms

Keeps the space open while still adding texture

High Half Wall (54”–66” high)

Adds drama and elegance to dining rooms, bedrooms, or feature walls

Still has space at the top for some wallpaper

Choose the height based on your ceiling height and room size. A taller half wall can elongate a space, while a shorter one keeps things casual and bright.

5. Calculate the Batten Spacing

Here’s the fun (and important) math part. You'll want to ensure even spacing between each batten for a balanced look.

Step-by-Step Formula:

1. Wall width - (number of battens × batten width) = space left for gaps

2. Divide that space by the number of gaps (typically one less than the number of battens)

💡 Example:

Wall width: 120”

Batten width: 2”

You want 6 battens

(120 - (6 × 2)) = 108” left for gaps
108 ÷ 5 gaps = 21.6” spacing between battens

Adjust the number of battens and spacing until it looks visually balanced and lands nicely at both ends.

Want It Pre-Cut and Ready to Install?

Feeling overwhelmed with measuring and cutting? Let us handle the hard part.

At WondrWallz, we offer custom-designed, pre-cut board-and-batten kits that are made to your exact wall dimensions. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just dipping your toes into home upgrades, we make it simple and seamless.

📩 Send us a message at support@wondrwallz.com with your wall measurements, or
🛒 Visit our Etsy shop to browse our ready-made and custom kits.

Let’s turn your vision into a stunning reality — the easy way.