Cost to Install Exterior Window Shutters
Exterior shutter installation involves measuring the window, choosing fasteners and drill bits for wood, brick, or stone, drilling pilot holes, and securing each shutter with screws or shutter fasteners. It is a moderate project: getting the fit right and keeping the shutters level and plumb before final tightening takes care.
Common reasons homeowners do this job
- Replacing worn or damaged exterior shutters
- Updating the exterior appearance of a home
- Adding decorative fixed shutters
- Installing functional shutters with hinges
DIY or call a pro?
This is a moderate DIY project when the shutters fit the window and the correct fasteners and drill bits are selected for the wall material. Consider a professional if selecting fasteners for wood, brick, or stone, drilling pilot holes, or working from a ladder feels uncomfortable. Use a stable ladder on level ground and wear safety glasses when drilling into masonry or wood.
Frequently asked questions
- Is installing exterior window shutters a DIY job?
- Yes, this can be a DIY project with a power drill, appropriate drill bits, a measuring tape, level, ladder, hammer, and screwdriver. A professional is worth considering if you are unsure about measuring the opening, choosing fasteners for the wall, or drilling the pilot holes.
- What makes exterior shutter installation cost more?
- The price scales with the number of shutter pairs, labor time, and the materials selected. Small jobs can also be affected by a minimum or trip charge.
- What should I check before buying or mounting shutters?
- Measure the window height and width first to confirm the shutters fit. Also identify whether the wall is wood, brick, or stone, since that determines the appropriate fasteners and drill bits, and decide whether the shutters will be decorative fixed units or functional hinged ones.
- When should shutter fasteners be fully tightened?
- Check that the shutter is level and plumb before fully tightening all fasteners. Wear safety glasses while drilling into masonry or wood, and keep the ladder stable on level ground.
Have a different situation?
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