Adding Board and Batten Metal Siding: A Bold, Modern Touch to My Tiny House

After tackling the cedar tongue and groove siding on about 25% of my tiny house (which you can read about here), it was time to add the main exterior finish—the sleek, modern black board and batten metal siding. This was an exciting part of the project because the siding covers most of the house and really gives the exterior its distinct, finished look.

Why I Chose Metal Siding

When planning the exterior, I wanted something durable, low-maintenance, and modern, but also complementary to the warm, natural look of the cedar tongue and groove. The board and batten style metal siding in black ticked all the boxes. It’s weather-resistant, sleek, and adds a bold contrast against the wood tones, making the house feel both modern and rustic at the same time.

Step 1: Preparing the Surface and Materials

Before installing the siding, I had to ensure the exterior surface was properly prepped. The Tyvek house wrap was already in place (a project in itself that was both educational and fun!). Preparation is key when it comes to siding, as it ensures a weatherproof seal and proper installation.

This was my biggest order at Metal Mart. I was originally planning on using R-panel, but when I was there to order the metal, they shared the new Nostalgia line that was the board and batten style. I was instantly hooked! I purchased as much as I needed. Doug helped me understand all the various pieces needed (it’s not just the side paneling), and working with the Metal Mart folks to make sure we got all the right materials and screws. We also went ahead and ordered the roofing materials, too.

Step 2: Installing the Metal Panels

With everything prepped, it was time to get the metal panels up! This part required a bit of teamwork and precision. We started at the bottom, to add the drip edge. Each panel hooked on to the one before it. This was awesome, because it hooked over where the screws were, so it gives a nice clean finish.

The trick with this type of paneling was making sure it hooked properly from top to bottom. After hooking on the panel, we measured the top middle and bottom to make sure it was aligned properly. While we ordered the pieces to size, we must have miscalculated. We had to trim a bit off the top for each piece. Luckily my A-Team takes these small surprises in stride. 🙂

There was also a protective tape on all of the panels that were a little taxing to take off, but definitely worth it since it protected the black paint from any damage during transportation!

Working with metal was a new experience for me. It’s not as forgiving as wood, but once you get the hang of it, the process goes pretty smoothly. Plus, watching the walls of my house transform as each black panel went up was incredibly rewarding.

Step 3: Cutting Panels Around Windows and Doors

One of the trickier parts of the installation was cutting the metal panels to fit around windows and doors. This required measuring a bunch and cutting the metal in a way that allowed you enough room to fit the piece but not leave a hole/gap. Also, we trimmed all the windows surrounded in metal with matching J-trim, so it was easy to butt up against the windows metal-to-metal.

The result? Clean, sharp lines around the windows and doors, giving the house a polished and professional finish.

The Final Look: Modern Meets Rustic

The combination of the black metal siding and the cedar tongue and groove has completely transformed the exterior of my tiny house. The metal gives it a modern, industrial vibe, while the wood adds warmth and texture. I love how the two materials play off each other—the contrast between the sleek metal and the organic wood creates a unique, eye-catching design.

What I Learned

• Precision Matters: Installing metal siding requires careful measuring and alignment, especially with the vertical lines in the board and batten style. Taking the time to get everything level is well worth it.
• Cutting Metal Takes Patience: Metal can be tricky to cut, so having the right tools and taking your time is essential. I now have a healthy respect for anyone who works with metal regularly!
• Bold Choices Pay Off: I was a bit nervous about choosing black for such a large portion of the house, but I’m so glad I did. It’s striking, modern, and fits the aesthetic I envisioned perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Installing the metal siding was a big step in bringing my tiny house to life. It feels amazing to see the house with its sleek black exterior and contrasting wood accents. Every day it gets closer to becoming my dream home, and I’m so grateful for the journey—and the help from my amazing friends—along the way.

Check out the video on YouTube on Kay’s Tiny House!