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How To Build Shutters For Windows Exterior

How do you make your own shutters?

What kind of wood should you use for exterior 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.

How do I build exterior louvered shutters?

Instructions Cut the Rails, Stiles, and Slats. Round Over Each Slat’s Long Edges. Cut the Mortises in the Stiles. Cut the Tenons in the Rails. Make a Louver Jig for Your Router. Cut the Grooves for the Louvers. Assemble the Louvers. Complete the Louver Assembly.

How wide should shutters be?

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.

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 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.

Can you 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)Sep 21, 2016.

How long will pine 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.

How do you make slat shutters?

Then build these slatted shutters.Seal the slats to highlight the beauty of the natural wood. Prep the Wood. Seal the slats with a clear spar varnish to bring out the natural wood’s beauty. Assemble the Slats. Begin assembly with another jig. Prep the Trim Boards. Secure Trim to Slats. Cover the Ends. Add Touch-Up Paint.

What are louvered shutters?

Louvered window shutters are constructed with overlapping uniform slats of wood set into a frame. They remain popular for many styles of architecture. Choose an eye-popping paint color to set them off against a white saltbox-style home, or simply stain them if you prefer a natural look.

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.

What size slats on shutters is best?

The 64mm and 76mm slats are perfect for reducing the flow of light. Choosing one of the smaller sizes means that there will be more shutter slats within the panels, which in turn, will allow slightly less light into a room. However, if you’re looking to increase natural light, opt for larger slats (89mm or 114mm).

Can you put shutters on only one window?

A good rule of thumb that we advise to customers is that if you install shutters in one window within a room, you should consider using them in every window of THAT room.

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 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.

What is polymer shutters?

Housing an aluminium core that provides increased strength and durability, these blades won’t crack, split, chip or warp. Allure Polymer Shutters have the aesthetic appearance of real wood, they’re fire retardant and are made from a solid, non-toxic, recyclable material.

What are basswood shutters?

Basswood shutters are a natural product built to bring warmth and character to fine homes. Like marble baths, granite countertops, oak floors and fine wool rugs, basswood shutters are deep and rich materials that create an authenticity and sense of permanence synthetic materials cannot duplicate.

Why are wood shutters so expensive?

Why are plantation shutters expensive? Plantation shutters cost more because they are a long-lasting window treatment. Their materials are often pricier than those used for blinds and curtains. They take much longer to install as well.