When it comes to enhancing the appearance of your home’s exterior, shutters can be a game-changer. Not only do they add a touch of elegance, but they can also help protect your windows from the elements. If you’re considering adding shutters, you might be thinking about buying pre-made ones, but before you do, think about building your own custom shutters instead. With a little creativity and some basic woodworking skills, you can create unique, charming shutters that will elevate your home’s curb appeal.
Materials Needed
- 1×4 cedar boards – three for each shutter
- 1-1/2” exterior wood screws
- wood glue
- measuring tape
- paint stir sticks
- electric sander
- speed square
- clamps
- wood stain or sealant
- miter saw
- screws for installation (dependent on siding type)
Before you start building, make sure you have the right materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- 1×4 cedar boards: You’ll need three of these boards for each shutter. Cedar is a popular choice for shutters due to its natural resistance to rot, insects, and temperature changes.
- 1-1/2” exterior wood screws: You’ll need these screws to attach the slats to the cross pieces.
- wood glue: This will help hold the slats in place while the glue dries.
- measuring tape: Use this to measure the height of your windows and calculate the amount of material you’ll need.
- paint stir sticks
- electric sander
- speed square
- clamps
- wood stain or sealant
- miter saw
- screws for installation: Depending on the type of siding you have, you may need to pre-drill holes before installing the screws.
: These will come in handy when measuring the gaps between the slats.
: Sanding the rough-cut edges will smooth them out and make them easier to work with.
: Use this to ensure that the slats are perfectly aligned.
: These will help hold the slats together while the glue dries.
: Choose a product that’s suitable for exterior applications to protect your shutters from the elements.
: Use this to cut the cedar boards to size.
Step 1: Measure the Windows
Before you start cutting your materials, you’ll need to measure the height of your windows. Most shutters run from the top of the window trim to the bottom, but there are some exceptions. You’ll need to determine what will look best for your windows. Each shutter will be made with three vertical boards and two horizontal boards. The horizontal boards will be approximately 10-3/4 inches to cover three 3-5/8-inch boards plus a slight gap between two of the boards.
Calculate the Total Length: Measure the height of your windows and multiply it by the number of shutters you want to build. Add 1-2 inches to the total length to account for gaps between shutters.
Example: If you have 5 windows, each measuring 40 inches tall, you’ll need 5 x 40 = 200 inches of material. Adding 1-2 inches for gaps, you’ll need 202-204 inches of material.
Step 2: Cut Boards
Cedar is a great choice for shutters due to its natural resistance to rot, insects, and temperature changes. Measure and mark the boards using your speed square. Use a miter saw to cut the cedar boards to size. Sand the rough-cut edges on each board to smooth them out.
Tips: Use a sharp saw blade to make clean cuts, and sand the edges to prevent splinters.
Step 3: Glue Horizontal Cross Pieces
Position the three vertical slats on a flat surface, ensuring that the edges are perfectly aligned. Use paint stir sticks between each slat at the top, middle, and bottom to create evenly-spaced gaps. Measure equal distance from the top and bottom of the shutters to determine the placement of the two cross-pieces.
Apply Wood Glue: Add wood glue to each board and set the cross-piece in place. Clamp the pieces together and let dry until set.
Step 4: Attach Slats to Cross Pieces
Once the glue has set, flip the boards over and, from the backside of the shutters, attach the slats to the cross pieces using 1-1/2-inch wood screws.
Secure the Slats: Make sure the slats are securely attached to the cross pieces. If necessary, use additional screws to reinforce the attachment.
Step 5: Stain, Paint or Seal Shutters
To ensure a long life for your shutters, choose a product made for exterior applications. You may choose to paint or stain your shutters, or you can leave them natural and only apply a sealant. Semi-transparent exterior stains work especially well on cedar. They allow the natural wood grain to show through the color while protecting wood from the elements.
Apply Sealant: Seal the entire shutter, including the backside — protecting wood from water is key to longevity.
Step 6: Hang the Shutters
Hanging your shutters directly onto your siding using 2-1/2-inch screws is a straightforward process. Some siding won’t require a pre-drilled hole if you choose high-quality screws. However, if you have brick siding, pre-drill holes into the mortar between bricks with a masonry bit.
Install with Care: Make sure the shutters are level and secure before moving on to the next step.
Benefits of Building Custom Shutters
Building custom shutters can offer several benefits.
