QA

Quick Answer: How To Make Cedar Shutters

What kind of cedar is used for shutters?

Western Red Cedar shutters are a popular alternative to the more popular wood species such as Basswood.

Is cedar good for 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 much does it cost to make cedar shutters?

A simple interior cedar shutter installation might be as affordable as $40 for an hour of work, but custom fittings may be more expensive and cost as much as $900 for the entire home.

How wide should cedar shutters be?

For a classic look, the shutter width should be about half the window width. (We used one 1×4 and two 1×6s to make a 14 1/2-inch-wide shutter for our 28-inch-wide window.) Cut the 1×4 and 1×6 boards to the height of your window using a compound miter saw.

Will cedar shutters warp?

Cedar is the most commonly used wood as a material for creating exterior shutter. The chief reason for using cedar is that it’s dimensionally stable. This means it’s resistant to warping and twisting. Apart from that cedar wood contains a natural oil that prevents bugs, decay, and moisture.

Can you paint cedar wood?

While extremely old cedar can be painted, it requires heavy preparation. Even then, the paint is not expected to last long. Surface preparation is the key to success when dealing with weathered wood. The siding must be free from mold, mildew, and dirt.

What wood do you use to make shutters?

Cedar is one of the wood species most commonly used for shutters. Redwood and cypress also are viable options.

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.

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 much does it cost to make wood shutters?

Expect to spend $20 to $45 per square foot for a custom job. Wood shutters will run you $200 to $350 per window, while composite shutters cost $80 to $200.

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 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 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 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.

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.

Should I sand cedar before staining?

If your cedar deck is newly installed, you’ll need to sand* the cedar boards prior to staining. The planing process causes an oily surface on the boards that can hinder the wood stain from penetrating the wood. For an existing deck, you may need to sand* to remove loose wood fibers.

Should cedar be stained?

Although cedar is naturally resistant to rot and decay, staining your siding promptly will help in the preventing of deterioration.

What is a good stain for cedar?

Our Top 5 Best Stains For Cedar Wood Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Stain. Thompson’s WaterSeal Waterproofing Stain. Defy Extreme Transparent Exterior Wood Stain. Olympic Stain Elite Woodland Oil Stain. Cabot Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Stain.

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 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.

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.