Bought wood shutters can be extremely expensive – but if you don’t want to spend lots of money, you can just make your own. If that sounds like the kind of solution you’re looking for, this plan will show you how to build shutters yourself – while spending less than $40 on the project.

What kind of wood should I use for exterior shutters?

Cedar
Cedar is the most commonly used wood as a material for creating exterior shutter. Not only shutters, but cedar wood is also actually used for many exterior applications. The chief reason for using cedar is that it’s dimensionally stable. This means it’s resistant to warping and twisting.

Is Pine a good wood for shutters?

Pine can be the best material for exterior shutters for the application if the climate is relatively mild with minimal temperature fluctuations. However, Pine is a soft wood that expands and contracts more than other woods. With each passing season, the internal movement makes them more susceptible to water damage.

Can I use untreated wood for shutters?

There are definitely more than one way to construct and hang shutters – I am simply sharing how we did it! Supplies needed to build shutters: Untreated Pine (we used 1.5 inch thick pine wood for the backboards and 3/4 inch thick pine for the cross board)

Should I use shutter spikes or screws?

Screws are primarily used to attach outdoor shutters to wood and other soft siding. Spikes are designed to secure shutters to masonry, brick, stucco, hardboard or other hard surfaces….Vinyl Shutter Spikes or Screws.

SidingSpikes*Screws
StoneBestRequires Wall Anchors

What is the best material for exterior shutters?

Vinyl. If you are looking for cheap exterior shutters,vinyl is a good option.

  • Wood. Natural wood exterior shutters have been used for centuries.
  • Wood Composite. An alternative to natural wood is wood composite outdoor shutters.
  • PVC Composite. PVC composite exterior shutters bring together the best aspects of the other shutter materials.
  • Author Bio.

    • How to measure for exterior window shutters?

    Inspect the Windows Observe and make note of any obstructions on either side of the window which may prevent proper installation of exterior shutters (downspouts,building corners,roof lines,flagpole

  • Measure Exterior Shutter Depth It is preferable for functional outdoor shutters to fit entirely within the window opening.
  • Measure Window Width Measure from the inside left of the window opening to the inside right.
  • Measure Window Height Measure from the inside top of the window opening to the inside bottom.
  • Establish Divider Rail Location A divider rail is a horizontal bar,much like the top rail,that creates top and bottom louver areas within the exterior shutter.

    • How do I measure for window shutters?

    Measure for the shutter width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window from the left side to the right side as shown in the diagram. If the widths at each of these points are not the same, use the SMALLEST measurement of the three. This measurement is then divided by 2 to give you your operable shutter width.

    How to install exterior shutters?

    – Position a shutter in the desired location next to the window on the exterior of the house. – Leave a 1/4-inch gap between vinyl shutters or composite exterior shutters and the window trim to allow room for expansion and contraction in different temperatures. – Use a level to ensure the shutter is plumb and mark the location of the outside corners with a pencil.