For the majority of people, powder-coated aluminum shutters are the best option for their home. After that, wood (preferably Cedar) is a good choice depending on your climate. For budget-friendly options, check out higher-quality wood composites.
Cost to Install Exterior Shutters
| Exterior Shutters Cost | Zip Code | Shutters |
|---|
| Basic | Better |
|---|
| Exterior Shutters – Installation Cost | $41.00 - $51.10 | $71.20 - $81.30 |
| Exterior Shutters – Total | $118.00 - $157.70 | $201.84 - $232.00 |
| Exterior Shutters – Total Average Cost per unit installed | $68.92 | $108.46 |
When you compare exterior shutters, vinyl shutters are generally regarded as a less authentic, yet less expensive option. Most vinyl shutters have a molded wood grain surface to provide texture and depth. Our exterior wooden shutters are produced to not only look good, but to withstand the test of time.
Exterior window shutters come in four basic types: paneled, louvered, board and batton (sometimes called BnB) and Bermuda. They are available in a variety of materials including MDF (medium density fiber), vinyl, synthetic foam, faux wood and wood. Basswood is the most popular wood for shutters.
Measure for the shutter height at the left side, middle, and right side of the window opening from the top of the window to the bottom excluding any window sill. If the heights vary at each of these points, use the SMALLEST of the three measurements. This measurement will be the height of the shutter you need to order.
Length of Life. Cedar decks last 15 to 20 years, compared to 10 to 15 years for pressure-treated wood.
After the shutters have thoroughly dried, prime them with a high-quality latex primer. Next, if you're top-coating in a light color, spray a very light fog coat of a stain-blocking alkyd primer on the front of the shutters.
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.
Just like exterior applications, your interior sealing projects should start with clean cedar. Open a window or door in the room to help ventilate the area. Brush or roll the chosen sealant onto the interior cedar piece. Let the coating dry completely before you apply another coat.
To achieve maximum paint life, follow these steps:
- On bare new or restored cedar, apply one coat only of water-repellent preservative (1% or less of wax by volume and content).
- Apply a good quality stain-blocking primer as soon as possible after the water-repellent has dried.
- Apply the top coat over the primer.
What's the best way to prep and paint new cedar shutters? A. After the shutters have thoroughly dried, prime them with a high-quality latex primer. Next, if you're top-coating in a light color, spray a very light fog coat of a stain-blocking alkyd primer on the front of the 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. We recommend using an oil-based primer that is tinted as close to the final color as possible and using a spray system to apply.
- Step 1: Measure and Cut. Gather materials.
- Step 2: Join Boards Together. Using the Kreg K4 Master System, drill pocket holes every 6–8 inches across one long side of each 1×6 plank.
- Step 3: Attach Middle Rail.
- Step 4: Prime and Paint.
- Step 5: Mark and Drill.
- Step 6: Hang Shutters.
Do It yourself Hurricane Shutters and Storm Panels. Do-it-yourself hurricane shutters will safegaurd your structure. When you install metal storm shutters your home will be very secure. Rolladen hurricane shutters will boost market value of your condominium and are the most expensive but cannot be self-installed.
Compared to other forms of hurricane protection, such as impact windows, hurricane shutters are fairly cost-effective. Hurricane shutters are great for homeowners on a smaller budget. Armor Screen products offer tremendous strength while preserving the architectural integrity of your home or business.
Impact Windows. When you choose to install impact windows (hurricane proof) in your home, you are not required to have hurricane shutters in place. These cost-effective windows cannot be damaged during any storm, no matter how strong it is.
The instructions and materials listed are based on the construction of a hurricane shutter to cover a typical residential window.
- measure windows and cut plywood. Measure Windows and Cut Plywood.
- install shutters on frame around windows.
- Securing Shutters on a Concrete Block Structure.
- Top Lab Pick: Rolling Shutters. Getty Images. Prices vary.
- Best Value: AstroGuard Fabric Storm Panel. homedepot.com. $245.49.
- Best Quick Fix: Storm Panels. Lowes. $92 and up.
- Most Stylish: Colonial Shutters. larsonshutter.com. $164.50.
- Most Versatile: Bermuda Shutters. Timberlane.
- Best Sliding Doors: Accordion Shutters.
National Hurricane Center spokesman Dennis Feltgen recommends putting up your hurricane shutters when a hurricane watch is issued for your area. A hurricane watch means that tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in 48 hours. A hurricane warning is when tropical storm conditions are expected in 36 hours.