Minot Builders Supply Deep Grain Collection Trim Batten (19/32″ x 3″ x 16' LP SmartSide)

This pre-finished LP SmartSide batten trim combines 16-foot lengths with authentic cedar grain texture, giving contractors fewer butt joints and zero jobsite painting compared to fiber cement alternatives. The actual dimensions measure 0.578” thick by 2.5” wide by 16 feet long, with each board weighing approximately 6.3-6.5 pounds.

The ColorStrand two-tone coating technology delivers a multi-layer specialized finish that arrives ready to install. Professional contractors praise it for reducing installation time and often prefer it over fiber cement for weight and durability advantages.

The 16-Foot Length Changes Everything

Standard fiber cement battens come in 12-foot lengths. These LP SmartSide battens stretch to 16 feet, cutting the number of butt joints by 25% on typical installations. Fewer joints mean cleaner vertical lines and less caulking work. The combination of longer lengths and pre-finished surfaces significantly reduces installation time.

At roughly 6.5 pounds per board, these battens weigh less than fiber cement equivalents while being less prone to breakage during handling. Standard woodworking tools cut through them cleanly — no special diamond blades, no silica dust clouds. Crews move faster and break fewer pieces.

ColorStrand Finish and SmartGuard Protection

The ColorStrand Deep Grain Collection uses a specialized two-tone coating process that contractors frequently cite for its ‘realistic’ and ‘rich’ finish mimicking high-end stained wood. Eight color options include Teton, Sierra, Acadia, Yellowstone, Cedar, Tahoe, Walnut, and Country Red.

Northwest Factory Finishes backs their ColorStrand coating with a 30-Year No-Fade Limited Warranty. That matters in Montana where UV exposure at elevation accelerates finish degradation. The pre-finished convenience eliminates jobsite labor and waste — no primer, no first coat, no waiting for weather windows to paint.

Underneath the finish, SmartGuard treatment with zinc borate, marine-grade waxes, and resin-saturated overlays resists fungal decay, termites, and rot. LP backs the substrate with a 5/50-Year Limited Warranty: 5 years of 100% labor and material replacement, then 50 years prorated substrate coverage including hail damage. The impact resistance testing covers hail, wind-blown debris, and accidental impacts — real concerns in Montana’s storm-prone regions.

Specification	Value
Actual Thickness	0.578 inches
Actual Width	2.5 inches
Length	16 feet
Weight per Board	6.3-6.5 lbs
Finish Warranty	30 years no-fade
Substrate Warranty	5/50 years

Installation Requirements for Montana Conditions

Critical clearances protect the warranty: maintain 6-inch clearance from finish grade and 2-inch clearance from rooflines and decks. Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles demand that ground clearance — snow piles against siding, melts, refreezes, and destroys unprotected wood products. The 3/16-inch gap requirement at butt joints allows for expansion and contraction through temperature swings.

Use corrosion-resistant fasteners — either hot-dipped galvanized nails or stainless steel. Regular nails corrode and stain the finish. Cut ends must be sealed with NWFF color-matched touch-up paint to maintain warranty integrity. Touch-up kits and color-matched sealants are sold separately.

The California Wildland-Urban Interface listing matters for Montana’s extreme wildfire zones. These battens work with LP SmartSide Precision Series panels (38 Series and 76 Series) for complete board-and-batten systems.

Primary applications include vertical board and batten siding installations, exterior trim accents for residential and light commercial buildings, and corner boards or window and door trim applications.

FAQ

How much do these 16-foot battens actually weigh compared to fiber cement? Each 16-foot batten weighs approximately 6.3-6.5 pounds. They’re lighter than fiber cement equivalents and less prone to breakage during handling.

What tools do I need to cut this material? Standard woodworking tools including saws, hammers, and drills work perfectly. Unlike fiber cement, you can cut these with standard wood tools — no special blades required.

Do I need to paint these battens after installation? No, they arrive pre-finished and ready to install. You only need to seal cut ends with color-matched touch-up paint. The boards are compatible with 100% acrylic exterior paints for future maintenance or custom touch-ups if desired.

What’s the actual warranty coverage? The finish carries a 30-Year No-Fade Limited Warranty from Northwest Factory Finishes. The substrate has a 5/50-Year Limited Warranty from LP: 5 years of 100% labor and material replacement, then 50 years prorated substrate warranty that includes hail coverage.

Can these handle Montana’s temperature swings and hail? Yes, they’re tested for impact resistance including hail, wind-blown debris, and accidental impacts. Hail coverage is specifically included in the warranty. They’re certified for use in high-wind and impact zones including California Wildland-Urban Interface areas.