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Can I make my own shutters?
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 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 do I need to build shutters?
DIY Board and Batten Window Shutters Wood (cedar or pine work fine) – 1″X 6″ boards. Make sure they are nice and straight. Nails. Wood glue. Miter saw (or get them cut at your local home improvement store) Decorative Plastic Hinges.
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.
Should shutters be the same size as the window?
For the most authentic look, we recommend measuring only the window opening not including any frame or trim around it. Typically, the width of your shutters should be half of your total window width. Keep in mind that the shutters should look like if they could close to cover the window.
How thick should wood shutters be?
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.
Do shutters increase home value?
High-End Window Treatments Like Polywood Plantation Shutters They are a permanent addition to your home and increase its resale value. Plantation shutters are not only durable, but also energy efficient, which means potential home buyers will spend less money on utilities.
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.
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.
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.
Is it OK to put shutters on the back of the house?
Whether it’s high winds or flying debris, functional shutters act as a shield for your windows and help keep everything inside safe. Windows at the back of a home are just as vulnerable to weather damage as those in the front; therefore, shutters can provide the same benefits on both sides.
How far should shutters be from window?
In most cases, the height of decorative shutter that is most appropriate is from the top to the bottom of the window trim. If there is a sill at the bottom of the window and you are installing vinyl shutters, it is important to leave a gap of at least 1/4 inch to allow the vinyl material to expand and contract.
Do you put shutters on double windows?
Contrary to popular belief, not every window needs shutters. Proper shutters should at least appear large enough to cover the entirety of the window when shut (as that’s, you know, the whole point of shutters). Shutters should be avoided on double-mulled windows, picture windows, bay windows, and most dormer windows.
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.
How do you attach wood shutters to stucco?
Using metal screws with painted heads is an alternate method to install exterior shutters on all types of siding, stucco and masonry. Use a drill with a multi-purpose 11/64-inch bit to pre-drill holes through the shutter for the screws at each reference mark. Reposition the shutter on the wall.
How thick are exterior shutters?
Measure Exterior Shutter Depth It is preferable for functional outdoor shutters to fit entirely within the window opening. Measure from the back of the side jamb to the front of the window casing. Premium wood shutters require a void of 1.5 inches, while composite shutters need 1.25 inches and Pine shutters 1 inch.
How thick are plantation shutters?
Warm Transitional Living Room With Wood Shutters Plantation shutters, sometimes called plantation blinds, are interior shutters with wide louvers, usually 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 inches wide. They’re the most popular type of shutter across the country, but particularly in the warmer Southern and Western states.
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 is 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.
How much should shutters cost?
Wood shutters cost $200 to $350 per window, while faux or composite shutters cost between $70 and $260 per window.Average Cost of Plantation Shutters. National Average Cost $2,350 Average Range $1,450 to $3,360.
