I would like to install board and batten siding on my new house. Could I just cover my sheathing with nice plywood and then just add the battens rather than spending a lot on cedar boards?

The plywood will absorb water and rot and delaminate. Cedar or Fiber Cement siding would last much longer.

You need to cover your sheeting before installing siding, felt tar paper would be the minimum.

what ballengerb1says is also correct, but 'I need to spread more reputation around first' before I can agree with him again! :-)

Check with you local building department about rain issues. In our area, we would need two layers of tarpaper, and then install a rainguard (air gap) between the sheathing and exterior covering. All doors and windows would need drip caps over them, and then another piece on the top of any trim over the door/window.

We just did a board and battern house. We used 4x8 sheets of fibre cement (oriented vertically) nailed onto the rainguard, and then used 1x4 combface nailed onto the 4x8 sheets to give us the board and batten look.

I had the same issues. But this video helped me sort out my questions. It gives really valuable information. You can check it out if you like. =)

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xeh7fg_siding-repair-kingwood-tx-kingwood_people

Do you have some tips about siding repair? I'm planning to improve my house and repair all those furniture that has been damage.

I already got some ideas at http://sidingrepairhouston.org

However, I still need more reliable sources before finalizing my decisions and start it as soon as possible. Hope you can help me.

Thanks in advance:)