Learn how to combine Gentek Sequoia Select horizontal siding with 7-inch Board & Batten to create balanced exterior designs. Explore gables, entries, upper stories, color strategies, profile selection, transitions and contractor sales techniques.

Suburban Wholesale Siding Sales Academy

How to Combine Sequoia Select Horizontal Siding and Board & Batten

One of the strongest ways to create architectural interest with Gentek Sequoia Select is to combine its horizontal siding profiles with its 7-inch Board & Batten vertical profile.

The horizontal siding establishes the main exterior rhythm. Board & Batten changes the direction of the lines and gives the contractor an opportunity to emphasize a gable, entry, dormer, bump-out, upper story or another architectural feature.

But simply putting horizontal siding on one wall and vertical siding on another does not automatically create good design.

The best combinations have a reason for every profile change.

Horizontal siding establishes the house.

Board & Batten emphasizes the architecture.

The transition between them should look intentional—not like the contractor simply wanted to use two siding profiles.

Why Horizontal and Vertical Siding Work Together

Horizontal siding naturally moves the eye across the house. Board & Batten introduces a vertical rhythm that moves the eye upward.

Combining the two allows the contractor to create visual hierarchy without necessarily introducing another cladding material.

↔

Horizontal

Creates the primary wall pattern and emphasizes the width of the elevation.

↕

Vertical

Creates a different visual direction and can emphasize height or a selected feature.

Combined

Creates contrast in profile direction while allowing the exterior to remain within the Sequoia Select family.

The profile change should explain the architecture.

If the homeowner cannot understand why the siding changes direction at a particular location, reconsider the design.

Know the Sequoia Select Profiles You're Combining

Gentek currently offers Sequoia Select in four popular horizontal profiles along with a 7-inch Board & Batten vertical profile.

The horizontal profiles use a cedargrain texture and .046-inch nominal thickness. The Board & Batten profile uses a Light Roughsawn texture and has its own product specifications. Contractors should verify current Gentek literature and local availability before quoting or ordering.

Profile	Direction	Visual Character
Double 4" Clapboard	Horizontal	Narrower, frequent traditional horizontal rhythm
Double 4½" Dutch Lap	Horizontal	Moderate exposure with more defined profile shadow
Double 5" Clapboard	Horizontal	Broader traditional horizontal scale
Double 5" Dutch Lap	Horizontal	Broader horizontal scale with stronger Dutch Lap definition
7" Board & Batten	Vertical	Strong repeating vertical pattern with Light Roughsawn texture

Profile selection changes more than the size of the siding.

It changes the scale, shadow pattern and visual rhythm that the Board & Batten accent will be working against.

Start With the Architecture—Not the Catalog

Before discussing which Sequoia Select profiles to combine, walk around the house.

Look for places where the architecture already creates a natural break.

Front Gables

Often the easiest location for a horizontal-to-vertical change.

Dormers

Already separated visually by their own roof form.

Bump-Outs

A projection can become an intentional architectural feature.

Entries

Can use vertical siding to reinforce a defined entrance.

Upper Stories

Work when a legitimate architectural break separates the levels.

Garage Features

Front-facing garage gables or projections may provide a natural accent location.

Find the feature first. Choose the profile second.

Combination #1: Horizontal Main Walls + Board & Batten Front Gable

This is one of the simplest and most understandable ways to combine the profiles.

The main walls stay horizontal while a prominent front-facing gable changes to vertical Board & Batten.

Main Walls

Horizontal Sequoia Select

Front Gable

7" Board & Batten

Result

Clear Focal Point

“The gable already stands apart from the main wall. We can keep it horizontal, or we can change just that section to Board & Batten so the architecture becomes more noticeable.”

Combination #2: Horizontal Lower Level + Board & Batten Upper Level

Another option is to use horizontal siding on the lower portion of the house and Board & Batten above it.

This works best when the house already provides a logical place for the transition: a porch roof, band detail, floor-line feature, masonry break or another legitimate architectural division.

UPPER SECTION

7" Board & Batten

Intentional Transition / Architectural Band

LOWER SECTION

Horizontal Sequoia Select

Do not invent a horizontal break simply because you need somewhere to stop the Board & Batten.

Combination #3: Horizontal Main House + Board & Batten Entry

Board & Batten can help strengthen an entrance when the house already has a defined entry projection, recess or porch feature.

This approach can work particularly well when the homeowner wants the front door area to become the focal point.

“Instead of changing the entire front of the house, we could keep the main walls horizontal and use Board & Batten only around this entry section. That would help direct attention toward the front door.”

The key is having an architectural boundary for the vertical siding. Avoid creating an arbitrary rectangle around a door simply to add another siding treatment.

Combination #4: Horizontal House + Board & Batten Bump-Out

A bump-out already changes the wall plane, making it a natural candidate for a profile change.

The vertical siding can reinforce that projection and turn it into a deliberate feature.

Different wall plane + different siding direction = an easy-to-understand design decision.

Combination #5: Horizontal Siding + Multiple Board & Batten Accents

Using Board & Batten in more than one location can create repetition and balance.

But repetition should be intentional.

Good Repetition

Two matching front gables
Repeated dormers with similar proportions
Entry and related architectural projection
Balanced features on opposite sides of an elevation

Random Repetition

Every gable receives Board & Batten automatically
Small wall sections receive vertical siding for no architectural reason
Accent locations have unrelated sizes and shapes
Profile changes compete with stone, shakes, brick and multiple colors

Repeat an architectural idea—not merely a siding product.

Which Horizontal Profile Works Best With Board & Batten?

There is no single Sequoia Select horizontal profile that must be paired with Board & Batten.

The horizontal profile should be selected based on the architecture and the homeowner's preferred scale and shadow pattern.

Horizontal Profile	General Visual Direction	With Board & Batten
Double 4" Clapboard	More frequent horizontal lines	Creates a pronounced change from narrow horizontal rhythm to vertical rhythm
Double 4½" Dutch Lap	Defined shadow character with moderate scale	Combines stronger horizontal shadow detail with vertical accent definition
Double 5" Clapboard	Broader, calmer horizontal rhythm	Creates a clean contrast between wider horizontal scale and vertical Board & Batten
Double 5" Dutch Lap	Broad horizontal scale with defined shadow lines	Creates a more dimensional field siding against the vertical accent

Choose the horizontal profile for the house—not simply for the Board & Batten.

Clapboard + Board & Batten

Clapboard provides a relatively straightforward horizontal face. Board & Batten then introduces the stronger change in direction.

This can be a good combination when the homeowner wants the Board & Batten feature to do most of the architectural work.

Clapboard = quieter horizontal field

Board & Batten = stronger directional accent

Dutch Lap + Board & Batten

Dutch Lap already creates more pronounced horizontal profile character.

Combining Dutch Lap with Board & Batten therefore gives the exterior two strong profile treatments.

“The Dutch Lap already gives the main walls a strong shadow pattern. If we add Board & Batten to the gable, I would keep the rest of the exterior disciplined so the profiles remain the design instead of competing with several additional materials.”

The stronger the field siding, the less work the accent may need to do.

Same Color Is Often the Best Place to Start

Contractors often assume an accent needs a different color.

It does not.

Horizontal and vertical siding already create contrast because the lines run in different directions and the profiles have different surface characteristics.

Same-Color Combination

Horizontal Sequoia Select and Board & Batten remain in the same color family.

Profile creates the contrast.

Contrasting-Color Combination

Board & Batten changes both direction and color.

Profile + color create the contrast.

Change one variable for a quieter accent.

Change two variables for a stronger accent.

Why Same-Color Profiles May Still Look Different

This is an important expectation to set with the homeowner.

Gentek notes that color, texture and grain can appear somewhat different depending on lighting, viewing angle and exposure. The manufacturer also advises that the same color can appear slightly different when different profiles or products are used together.

That matters when combining Sequoia Select horizontal siding, which uses a cedargrain texture, with Board & Batten's Light Roughsawn texture.

Same color name does not guarantee the two profiles will appear identical from every angle and in every light.

Compare actual samples side by side, in their planned orientation, outdoors in natural daylight before the homeowner makes the final selection.

Use Contrast Color Carefully

A contrasting Board & Batten color can create a powerful focal point.

It can also become too dominant.

Before Adding a Contrasting Color, Ask:

Is this feature important enough to emphasize twice?

Does the contrast coordinate with the roof?

Does it coordinate with brick or stone?

What happens to the window trim?

What color are the corners?

Does the front door remain the focal point?

Are there already other accent materials?

Would same-color Board & Batten be enough?

Don't Forget the Trim Between the Profiles

A homeowner may focus on the two siding profiles.

The contractor also needs to focus on how those profiles meet.

The transition is part of the design.

A horizontal-to-vertical transition may require properly planned receiving channels, finish components and flashing details. PEPA's current installation guidance specifically addresses horizontal-to-vertical siding transitions and includes head flashing, J-channel, finish trim and drainage provisions.

The exact detail should follow the current manufacturer instructions, applicable industry guidance and the conditions of the project.

J-channel is a receiving and finishing accessory. It is not a substitute for proper flashing or the wall's water-management system.

Use a Band Only When It Makes Architectural Sense

A horizontal band can create a clean visual separation between horizontal and vertical siding.

But a band should not be placed randomly across an elevation just because the design needs somewhere to change profiles.

Logical Transition

At a porch roof
At a defined upper-story break
Below a gable
At an existing architectural band
Where a projection changes wall plane

Questionable Transition

Randomly through windows
Mid-wall with no architectural reason
Different heights on similar elevations
Created solely to use another siding color
Placed without considering water management

The Water-Management Detail Matters

Profile transitions are not only aesthetic.

They must also respect the drainage plane behind the siding.

PEPA's installation guidance for transitioning from horizontal to vertical siding includes head flashing and drainage provisions so water can continue to move outward rather than becoming trapped behind the cladding.

Design the profile transition.

Design the trim transition.

Design the water-management transition.

Use the House Photo to Build the Combination

Do not ask the homeowner to imagine where Board & Batten might go.

Photograph the house during the exterior inspection and use those photographs during the presentation.

Photograph:

Full front elevation

Each front-facing gable

Entry

Garage

Bump-outs

Dormers

Brick or stone areas

Potential transition locations

Now your presentation can be about their house instead of your sample bag.

Build Three Renderings—Not Fifteen

Gentek provides visualization tools that can help contractors and homeowners explore siding profiles and colors on an exterior.

The purpose of visualization should be to simplify the decision.

Design	What to Show	What It Teaches
A	Horizontal siding throughout	Establishes the baseline
B	Horizontal + same-color Board & Batten	Shows profile contrast alone
C	Horizontal + contrasting Board & Batten	Shows profile and color contrast together

Use visualization to narrow the decision—not multiply it.

Then Put the Actual Samples Together

Digital visualization helps determine placement.

Physical samples help confirm the actual profile, texture and color relationship.

Contractor Demo:

1. Place the selected horizontal Sequoia Select sample on the table.
2. Place the Board & Batten sample beside it vertically.
3. Show the actual transition or trim sample when practical.
4. Compare same-color and contrasting-color combinations.
5. Take the finalists outdoors and view them in natural light.

Don't ask the homeowner to imagine what you can demonstrate.

Coordinate the Corners

Outside corners become especially important when two siding profiles are used on the same exterior.

Decide whether the corners should disappear into the siding palette or become a deliberate architectural frame.

Blend

Keep the corner close to the siding color for a quieter transition.

Coordinate

Connect the corner color with window trim, fascia or another repeated exterior element.

Contrast

Use a stronger corner treatment only when the design benefits from visibly framed edges.

Coordinate the Windows Too

The same window may sit within horizontal siding on one elevation and Board & Batten on another.

That means the window trim strategy needs to work with both profiles.

Sell a coordinated exterior palette—not a collection of unrelated pieces.

What About Brick and Stone?

If the house already has brick or stone, the contractor may already be working with three visual systems:

Horizontal Siding

Board & Batten

Masonry

That may be enough.

Avoid automatically adding shakes, another stone treatment, multiple siding colors and several trim colors simply because the products are available.

Every new material needs a reason to be there.

A Simple Design Hierarchy

MAIN FIELD

Horizontal siding

FEATURE

Board & Batten

FRAME

Trim and corners

FOCAL POINT

Entry or key architectural element

When every element understands its role, the exterior usually becomes easier for the homeowner to understand too.

How Much Board & Batten Should You Use?

There is no universal percentage.

Do not tell homeowners that Board & Batten should cover 20%, 30% or any other arbitrary portion of the exterior.

Instead, ask whether each proposed vertical section has an architectural purpose.

The Board & Batten Test

Point to each vertical siding area and ask:

“Why does the siding change here?”

If there is a clear architectural answer, the accent probably deserves consideration.

If the answer is, “We needed another place to put Board & Batten,” remove it.

Don't Turn Every Gable Into Board & Batten

One prominent gable may be enough.

Two matching gables may create useful repetition.

Five unrelated gables all receiving vertical siding may eliminate the hierarchy the accent was supposed to create.

If everything is an accent, nothing is an accent.

How to Present the Combination at the Kitchen Table

Do not begin with:

“We can upgrade your gables to Board & Batten.”

That immediately makes the conversation about spending more money.

Instead, make it a design conversation.

“When we walked around the house, I noticed this front gable is already one of the strongest features. We can keep the Sequoia Select horizontal siding running through it, or I can show you what happens if we change only that area to Board & Batten.”

“Would you like to see both?”

Show the Design Before the Price

The homeowner should understand what the profile combination does for the house before deciding whether it is worth additional cost.

Option A

Horizontal Throughout

Selected Sequoia Select horizontal profile continues through the feature area.

Option B

Horizontal + Board & Batten

Selected feature changes to 7-inch Board & Batten with the required transition and finishing details.

Demonstrate the difference before asking the homeowner to pay for the difference.

Then Price the Complete Installed Option

Do not price only the square footage of Board & Batten.

The option may affect material quantities, transition details, receiving accessories, trim and labor.

Standard Design: Sequoia Select horizontal siding throughout — $XX,XXX

Board & Batten Design: Sequoia Select horizontal siding with 7-inch Board & Batten in designated front gable, including required transition and finishing components — $XX,XXX

“The installed difference between the two designs is $X,XXX. Which appearance do you prefer for the house?”

Document Exactly Where Each Profile Goes

Do not write a proposal that simply says:

“Sequoia Select siding with Board & Batten accents.”

That is too vague.

Better Proposal Language

“Install Gentek Sequoia Select Double 5-inch Clapboard horizontal vinyl siding on designated main wall elevations. Install Gentek Sequoia Select 7-inch Board & Batten vertical vinyl siding in the designated front-facing entry gable, including applicable transition trim, receiving accessories and installation components. Final siding, accent and trim colors to be documented before material order.”

Adjust the language to match the actual profile and scope sold.

A 60-Second Horizontal + Board & Batten Presentation

“You've selected Sequoia Select for the house, so now we can decide whether you want one siding profile throughout or whether the architecture would benefit from a second profile.”

“The main walls would stay horizontal.”

“This front gable is already a natural feature, so we could change only that section to the 7-inch Board & Batten.”

“The change from horizontal to vertical creates the accent. We don't necessarily need another color.”

“First I'll show you the house with horizontal siding throughout. Then I'll show the same house with Board & Batten in the gable.”

“Tell me which one looks better to you before we talk about the price difference.”

Seven Mistakes to Avoid

1. Choosing the Accent Before Studying the House

Architecture should determine where the profile changes.

2. Assuming Board & Batten Needs a Different Color

Changing direction may provide enough contrast by itself.

3. Using Board & Batten Everywhere

Too many accents can eliminate the focal point.

4. Ignoring the Transition

Horizontal and vertical siding must meet through properly planned finishing and water-management details.

5. Ignoring Texture Differences

Horizontal Sequoia Select and Board & Batten use different surface treatments and may interact with light differently.

6. Trusting the Screen for Final Color

Use actual samples outdoors to confirm final combinations.

7. Pricing Before Designing

Determine the actual locations, transitions, accessories and installation scope before pricing the option.

Contractor Design Checklist

□ Choose the horizontal Sequoia Select profile

□ Identify genuine architectural accent locations

□ Decide whether one accent is enough

□ Compare same-color Board & Batten first

□ Test contrasting color if appropriate

□ Coordinate outside corners

□ Coordinate window and door trim

□ Coordinate soffit and fascia

□ Account for brick and stone

□ Design the profile transition

□ Plan flashing and water management

□ Review vertical panel layout

□ Confirm current product availability

□ Compare physical samples outdoors

□ Show the homeowner the actual house

□ Document each profile location in the proposal

The Sequoia Select Combination Formula

ARCHITECTURE

Find the feature.

PROFILE

Choose the horizontal field.

ACCENT

Place Board & Batten.

TRANSITION

Plan how they meet.

COLOR

Coordinate the exterior.

Architecture → Profile → Accent → Transition → Color

The Bottom Line

Combining Sequoia Select horizontal siding and Board & Batten can give a contractor much more design flexibility than using a single profile throughout the exterior.

The horizontal siding should establish the primary character of the house. Board & Batten should then be placed where changing direction strengthens an architectural feature.

Start with the house. Choose the horizontal profile. Identify the strongest accent locations. Compare same-color and contrasting designs. Plan the transition correctly. Coordinate the trim. Confirm the combination with physical samples.

Horizontal siding creates the field.

Board & Batten creates the emphasis.

Architecture decides where they meet.

Don't combine profiles because you can.

Combine them because the house gives you a reason.

Build Your Sequoia Select Exterior at Suburban Wholesale & Supply

Suburban Wholesale & Supply helps contractors compare Gentek Sequoia Select horizontal profiles, Board & Batten, colors, trim and accessory packages before materials are ordered.

Bring project photos, measurements or your customer into our Davenport showroom. Compare actual siding profiles and colors, review potential Board & Batten accent locations and work through the material package needed to turn the design into an installable project.

Use your distributor before the sale—not just after the contract is signed.

Explore Sequoia Select Contractor Siding Products Visit the Showroom Product Demonstrations

Suburban Wholesale & Supply
3602 North Harrison Street
Davenport, Iowa 52806
563-391-4000