QA

How To Build Wooden Window Shutters

What kind of wood do you use to make shutters?

Cedar is the most common material for construction of exterior shutters because of its resistance to both insects and decay. It is a straight wood that finishes very well and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions well.

What kind of wood do you use for board and batten shutters?

Western Red Cedar is the most common material for building exterior board and batten shutters in the industry. Cedar has many of the same qualities as Redwood, yet is less dense, making it easier to sand and finish.

How thick should wood be for shutters?

Thickness, Width, Height Our default standard thickness is 1 5/16″, but that can be varied from 7/8″ to 2 1/4″ to match existing exterior shutters. The length and height can be specified to the nearest 1/16″ inch.

Is MDF good for shutters?

MDF is a much cheaper material than “real” wood, and therefore MDF shutters cost much less than wooden shutters. The robustness of MDF window shutters also make them particularly suitable for playroom or children rooms. MDF shutters are less prone to dent and scratches.

How long do exterior wood shutters last?

These shutters can last up to 20 to 30 years (or another 30 years if stripped and recoated!), for an affordable price, with little maintenance.

How wide should board and batten shutters be?

Building Board and Batten Shutters Go ahead and cut all of your boards to length on a miter saw, and then make any rips that you need to accommodate the width of your window. Each batten will run diagonally across the boards and should be just shy of the width of your shutter.

How wide should board and batten be?

The battens should butt tightly against the top trim board and be flush at the bottom with the wider vertical boards. While the width of the battens is your choice, they should be wide enough to overlap the edges of the larger boards by at least ½ inch on both sides.

Are board and batten shutters popular?

Existing on historical cottages, European homes, and early American colonials for centuries, these classic shutters continue to be a popular choice, especially when the homeowner wants to create a rustic or modern farmhouse feel.

Which material is best for shutters?

Basswood. Basswood has taken over the world as the best material for plantation shutters. Also, Basswood offers inimitable flexibility when it comes to designing and styling. Basswood shutters can be sanded, painted and stained to any color of choice.

What’s the difference between plantation shutters and regular shutters?

Plantation shutters have wider louvers, ranging in width from 1 7/8 to 5 ½ inches. The louvers are either flat or elliptical in shape. Elliptical louvers are stronger than flat louvers and resist sagging. Traditional shutters have narrow wedge-shaped louvers that are only 1¼ inches wide.

Do wooden shutters warp?

Do wood shutters really warp? Wood is a natural material that is subject to humidity so it’s true that some woods are prone to warping. Some shutter companies have been known to produce louvers that warp over time, but there are certain precautions that a reputable shutter company will take to avoid this.

Do I need to seal wood shutters?

Use an adhesive exterior caulking sealant to secure the cap to the top of the shutter and to weatherproof. Exterior wood shutters must be primed before they are painted. Applying exterior latex paint to your wood shutters will ensure that they do not chalk or fade as they would with an oil-based paint.

Do wood shutters rot?

Exterior wood shutters take a lot of abuse from the elements. Over time this can cause the wood in shutters to rot or the joints in the shutter frame to come apart.

How long will pine exterior shutters last?

The takeaway: Wood shutters are relatively long-lasting AND they can be repainted. Generally speaking, you may get anywhere from 10 to 20+ years out of use out of your shutters. However, they are more vulnerable to rot, termites and moisture damage comparatively.

What is the difference between shiplap and board and batten?

Shiplap and Board and Batten are two different wooden wall treatments. Shiplap refers to wooden boards of the same width with grooves that help each board fit together tightly, while board and batten refers to boards of different widths installed with space between, usually vertically.

How do you calculate batten spacing?

Add 1 to your number of spaces to get the number of battens on the wall. Now multiply your batten width by the number of battens. Subtract that number from your total wall length. Divide that number by the number of spaces you calculated earlier, and THAT number will be your exact spacing between each batten.

Is there a standard height for board and batten?

It should generally measure either one-third or two-thirds the height of the ceiling. But it should never settle at half the height of a room. Using board and batten can completely alter the face of a home or the style of a room because it adds detail onto an otherwise flat surface.

How many boards board and batten shutters?

Depending on the size, you’ll want to use two or three boards to make up the shutter body. For my rather large window openings, I needed 21 inches of shutter per side. This was best made up of three 1″ X 8″’s ripped to a combined dimension of 21 inches. I took off about 1/2″ from each board.

What is board and batten shutters?

Exterior Board & Batten Shutters Spaced or joined board & batten shutters are a charming addition to traditional homes. This style of shutter replicates old-world craftsmanship with its attention to detail and variety of styles to fit different shapes of windows. Standard Three-Board Spaced Shutter.

Can you put shutters on board and batten siding?

Bringing it home might be easier than you think. Swapping in board and batten shutters is a simple way to do it, but you can also completely swap out your home’s exterior for board and batten siding with a little expert help and some patience.