QA

How To Build Wood 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

How do shutters open and close?

Opening and Closing Shutter Louvers Most shutters have louvers connected to a tilt rod, a small rod that runs down the center of the shutter and is connected to all lovers with small staples. A simple pull up or down on the tilt rod opens and shuts your shutter louvers.

How long do pine shutters last?

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 long do wooden shutters last?

Shutters can last anywhere from 10 to 20+ years, depending on what they are made of and how often they are used. Solid wood shutters are some of the most durable with faux wood shutters being a more economical but still durable alternative.

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.

Which shutter material is best?

Similar to wood in appearance, poly (polypropylene) shutters are thought to be the best choice for a synthetic shutter. They are known for being moisture resistant. Poly shutters are an ideal choice for rooms such as bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms or garages.

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.

Which type of shutter is best?

Wood shutters are the ideal choice for window coverings in a child’s room as their lack of cords makes them preferable over blinds or drapes. Composite plantation shutters – sometimes called engineerd wood, fake wood or faux wood – are made of engineered wood, which is MDF wrapped in a vinyl or PVC coating.

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.

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.

What do you put on cedar 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.