What is ceiling batten?

Author: Zena Kshlerin  |  Last update: Sunday, November 23, 2025

Batten ceilings are a type of ceiling that is made up of timber, which is an affordable and sustainable material. Timber battens are often used in warehouses, workshops and garages as they provide good insulation against the heat and noise.

What is the purpose of a batten?

Battens are used for solid wall insulation. Regularly spaced battens are fitted to the wall, the spaces between them filled with insulation, and plasterboard or drywall screwed to the battens.

What is the difference between lath and batten?

Roof laths: Provides a secure base for lightweight roofing materials. They enhance roof stability and longevity. Roof battens: Contributes to the structural integrity of roofing systems. They offer support and ventilation and prevent water buildup.

What is the purpose of a roof Batten?

They are mainly used in roofing applications to provide a stable and secure base for metal roofing, cladding or tiles. They are also used in walling applications to provide additional support and stability to the structure.

What is the difference between ceiling battens and furring channels?

As well as ceiling battens, furring channels can also be used to attach plasterboard to walls. Ceiling battens, on the other hand, are normally only used for ceilings, and only in residential construction.

How to batten a ceiling

Why use ceiling battens?

By integrating sound-absorbing materials within the batten structure, this system can effectively reduce noise levels and control reverberation, making it ideal for offices, public spaces, and educational facilities.

What is the maximum span for ceiling batten?

Ceiling Battens shall be spaced at either 600mm maximum centres or the maximum permissible span as specified in the load span table to the right. Ceiling Battens shall span a maximum of 1200mm between supporting framing for a continuous span, and 900mm maximum for a single span.

What goes under roof battens?

Before installing the roofing battens, start with the underlay. Roofing underlays provide a waterproof barrier to prevent ingress of any water that manages to get under the roof covering. Underlays come in a variety of options.

What are the different types of ceiling batten?

Ceiling battens can be made of either steel or timber – but steel's normally preferred because it's straighter. In most cases, your plasterer should use the systems and methods that are recommended by the plasterboard manufacturer.

Are battens and rafters the same?

The trusses combine and connect to make up the roof structure. Trusses, also known as rafters, have a standard thickness of 0.6 – 1.0mm. Roof battens, also known as roofing lath or top hat, are used to provide a fixing point for roofing materials in tiled roofs.

What is the difference between batten and furring strips?

The furring strips, also referred to as battens or strapping, prevent direct contact of the wood siding with the weathertight vapor barrier, allowing it to 'breathe', preventing rot and product failure.

When did they stop using lath?

Lath and plaster was a skilled craft and a time-consuming technique and the advent of cheaper, mass produced, pre-manufactured plasterboard meant lath and plaster largely fell out of favour by the 1930s and 1940s. Plasterboard was simply faster and less expensive to install.

Are roof battens treated?

Roofing battens are treated to a number of standards including Use Class 2 for interior work and BS 5534 for roofing timber.

What is another name for roof battens?

Treated timber battens, also referred to as roofing lath or timber battening, are commonly used to support or fix roof tiles and slates to rafters.

What are battens designed for?

Battens shall be designed to carry the bending moments and shear forces arising from the transverse shear force equal to 2.5% of the total axial force.

What are metal ceiling battens?

Metal ceiling batten systems provide a stable substrate for plasterboard ceiling linings. Regular users of metal batten systems consistently have fewer call-back's for movement related ceiling defects such as peaking or cracked joints and popped fasteners.

Why do you need ceiling battens?

Due to their steel construction, Stratco Ceiling Battens will help control timber rafter movement, which will assist in preventing the plasterboard ceiling from cracking in the future. Stratco Ceiling Battens are manufactured from hi-tensile zinc/alum steel that delivers superior strength and durability.

What is it called where the wall meets the ceiling?

Ceiling moulding, also known as crown moulding or cornice, runs along the top of a room where the wall meets the ceiling.

What type of ceiling is popular now?

Flat ceilings are by far the most popular ceilings in homes today. Also called conventional ceilings, these ceilings are usually 7 to 10 feet tall, flat and finished with drywall, then painted.

Do you nail or screw battens?

Stainless steel or galvanized nails are recommended for fixing timber cladding. The nails should be corrosion-resistant and long enough to penetrate the substrate and the batten- the same is true of screws.

Why do roof battens rot?

- Using Untreated Timber: If you're using timber battens, ensure that they are properly treated to resist moisture and rot. Untreated timber can lead to early rot, weathering and insect infestation and costly repairs. - Neglecting Ventilation: Battens should be installed in a way that allows for proper ventilation.

What is the underside of my roof called?

Soffit. A soffit is the underside of an exterior or interior architectural feature such as a beam, arch, staircase or cornice. In roofing, it generally refers to the horizontal protective board on the underside of eaves. Stack Pipe.

What is the difference between furring and battens?

Furring channels are also sometimes called the 'top hat channels' because if you look at them from their ends, they're the shape of a top hat. As well as ceiling battens, furring channels can attach plasterboard to walls. Conversely, ceiling battens are used only for ceilings and residential construction.

How thick are ceiling battens?

RONDO CEILING BATTEN RANGE

Our 301 Ceiling Batten is 16mm high x 36mm wide, has a base metal thickness of 0.42 and is available in standard lengths of 4800mm and 6000mm. Our 303 Ceiling Batten is designed for cyclonic and high-wind areas.

What is the purpose of roof battens?

The primary role of roof battens is to provide a secure fixing point, allowing the roof tiles to be nailed in place.

Previous article
Why does my blower motor sound like a jet?
Next article
Is there a wood stain that doesn't require sanding?