Here’s How to Install House Shutters

If you have some carpentry experience and know how to use a ladder you could install your own house shutters.  If you feel uncomfortable about doing the job, you could easily hire a professional to install the shutters for you.  However, installing house shutters is relatively easy and can be done by anyone with basic knowledge.

Do not be intimidated at the thought of installing your exterior house shutters.  If others can complete this easy job, so can you.  You only need to learn the basics.  There are two different procedures to follow when installing your shutters.  You can decide on an inside mount or an outside mount.  It is preferred to install an inside mount because it can be accomplished straight from your open window. 

Inside mount installation

For an inside mount installation, the shutter attaches upon the inside of the window casing on the window jamb.  This is usually a better manner of installation and is much preferred by carpenters because it is less complicated and requires no framing strips. 

Begin by checking to see that the window jamb is in good shape.  You will want to attach the shutter hardware with screws.  You will have to drill a hole into the jamb at the appropriate areas so that the unit can be screwed into the window jamb.  The jamb has to be solid so that the hardware will be secure. 

When you have attached the hardware, you need to make sure that the shutters align properly with the window.  You can use a level to be sure that they are lined up. Follow the enclosed literature as each brand of inside mounted shutter is different.  If you know how to use simple power tools, you will be able to easily accomplish an inside mount for your shutters. 

Outside mount installation

Predictably, an outside mount is connected to the outside of the window, most often into the trim, and sometimes the wall.  If you are using an outside mount on shutters inside your house, please don’t screw the unit into sheetrock unless it is anchored because the unit will likely rip itself out of the wall.  Some people favor an outside mount because you can be less than perfect when it comes to the measurements, which an inside mount will not allow. Of course this means that the outside mount does not look as finished as the inside mount.

Make sure you use a plumb bob and level when installing house shutters to make sure that the shutters are hung straight.  Your eyes may give you bad information, but a level will not.  You will also require an electric drill, a way to mount the screwdriver heads, as well as molly bolts if you are installing into drywall without a stud. 

Do not be afraid to install your house shutters yourself.  This is not a difficult job and when you have installed one unit, the rest will be easy to do.  As long as you have the proper tools, which are a screwdriver, drill, toggle mounts (if installing into drywall) and a level, you will be able to do this job easily and within a short period of time.

Add a Touch of Style to Your Home

Exterior house shutters are comprised of many different materials. They are also for sale in many different styles.  Shutters can be made from vinyl, aluminum, wood, and wood composite. Any kind of shutters will make your home all the more attractive. If you are purchasing shutters for your house, you ought to research the range of styles and types of shutters that are on the market before you choose your shutters.  This decision will probably last for as many years as the home. 

Choosing shutters is simple enough. Take a look at shutters in magazines or on houses around town to figure out what styles you like as well as materials and colors.  Once you have an idea what you like, you can take a few measurements and then be ready to request your shutters for installation.

Shutter Styles

There are two basic styles when it comes to exterior house shutters. Some are the narrow paneled shutters sporting small louvers. These are generally the more traditional shutters normally installed on homes.  Others are the wider louvered shutters that are known as plantation type shutters.  Take a look at both styles before making a decision. 

If you are unsure, take some more time to look at homes that you admire that have shutters.  You can ask any local cabinetmaker about available kinds of shutters if you are unsure.

Shutter Finish

If you purchase wooden shutters, you are going to have to have the shutters either stained or painted.  Staining is the technique of applying a translucent color and then wiping it off.  You can still see the grains of the wood after you stain it. Painting gives your shutters an opaque finish. As with everything else, the ideal finish is decided by personal taste.  You must be sure they are coated with sealant, however, whether they are painted or stained. 

If your shutters are made of vinyl, they do not need to be painted and cannot be stained.  Vinyl shutters are ready to hang and are maintenance free.

Unit Sizes

The size of your house shutters should be in proportion to the size of your windows.  Although they will most likely remain open, the shutters should still seem as though they are able to swing closed and cover the whole window opening. As a result the shutters should be big enough to block the entire window.  A measurement should be taken of your window so the shutters will fit.  Also keep in mind that you can choose from double tiered or single tiered shutters, a choice that could make a difference. 

Price

Check out the prices of manufacturers in your neighborhood as well as those on the internet.  You could get custom made shutters from a carpenter, and should visit any nearby that make shutters. That might not be your cheapest choice, though. You can normally get house shutters at a discount online than at a home improvement center because you should not have to pay for sales commissions or overhead.  Getting shutters from the producer can save you money.  Just remember to check your measurements and ask the salespeople questions before ordering the shutters.