Making decorative shutters for your home is a great way to add character and style to any home. The most common types of decorative shutters are louvered, board and batten, Bahama, and raised panel shutters.
The steps to making decorative shutters will slightly differ based on the type of shutter you choose.
For louvered shutters, you will need to measure the window, follow a plan and cut frames of wood, mount the louvers, and then secure to the window. Board and batten shutters are made by measuring the window, cutting the boards to size, assembling frame and installing the battens, mounting to the window and then painting or staining to finish.
Bahama shutters are created by measuring the window and cutting the pieces to size, mounting the hardware, adding the braces and then fastening the shutters to the window. For raised panel shutters, you will need to measure the window and cut the pieces to size, assemble the frame, mount the panels and the hardware, and then secure the shutters to the window and then finish with paint or stain.
Now you know how to make decorative shutters for your home. The key is to measure your window properly and to select an appropriate shutter plan. With the right tools, some patience, and the right materials you’ll be able to make decorative shutters in no time at all.
What are the four types of shutters?
The four types of shutters are Interior Shutters, Exterior Shutters, Rolling Shutters, and Bahama Shutters.
Interior Shutters are typically made from either vinyl or wood and are used to cover the windows from the inside of the home. They can come in a variety of colors and styles to match the home’s décor.
Exterior Shutters are also typically made from either vinyl or wood, although some metal versions are available. These are used to cover and secure the windows from the outside of the home and can come with a variety of colors and styles to perfectly match the exterior of the home.
Rolling Shutters are the perfect solution when security is a priority. They are made from aluminum and are commonly used to provide protection from harsh weather while also helping to lower energy costs by providing insulation.
Bahama Shutters are louvered shutters are made from either wood or vinyl, and are specifically designed to provide shade as well as a decorative touch to the home. They also provide added security and increase privacy.
Can shutters be cut to size?
Yes, shutters can be cut to size. Many shutters are made from a variety of materials including synthetic materials such as vinyl and solid wood. Each type of shutter has unique needs and requires a specialized tool for the job.
For most synthetic materials, such as vinyl and composite, a sharp utility knife can be used to make precise measurements and cuts. If you are working with solid [wood], a table saw or power saw will get the job done.
Remember to always keep safety in mind when cutting and working with tools. Be sure to wear the proper safety gear, such as goggles and gloves. It never hurts to get a second opinion on your measurements, just to make sure you get the right size.
Should shutters be longer or shorter than window?
The length of your shutters will depend on several factors, such as the size of the window and the desired look you are hoping to achieve. Generally, shutters should be slightly longer than the window for both aesthetics and practicality.
Shutter panels that are slightly longer than the window will balance the design by bringing the eye outward. This creates a more natural frame that complements the window, while also ensuring the shutters are able to provide the desired light control and privacy.
Additionally, longer shutters offer more coverage, which helps to protect the window and prevents outside elements from entering. When measuring your window to determine the most suitable shutter length, you should factor in the size of the shutter overlap and the depth of the frame.
If your window is set deep into the wall, you may want to consider longer shutters to ensure adequate coverage.
How do I know what size shutters to buy?
In order to determine which size shutters to purchase, you will need to measure the window opening, factoring in the material thickness of the existing window and trim. Take three measurements across the full width of your window opening.
Measure from the inside edge of the trim to the inside edge at the top, middle, and bottom of the window opening. You will then want to take the smallest of the three measurements and subtract 1/4 inch for expansion when mounting the shutters.
This will give you the exact width of the shutter you will need to purchase in order to fit your window opening. Additionally, measure the full height from the top of the window trim to the bottom, subtract 1/4 inch for expansion, and this will be the exact height of the shutter you will need to purchase.
What are standard shutter sizes?
Standard shutter sizes vary depending on the type of shutter and the size of the window. A typical louver or paneled shutter usually measures between 12” and 25” in width, and between 17” and 45” in height.
Raised panel shutters usually measure from 12” to 30” in width, and from 18” to 45” in height. Bahama shutters are typically designed for half-circle windows and come in sizes ranging from 12” to 30” in width, and between 18” and 40” in height.
To allow a full range of light, shutter sizes can be created that double the width of the window. Smaller plantations and roll-down shutters are also available in custom sizes, and may measure up to 6 feet in width or 4 feet in height.
How wide should shutters be on a house?
The width of shutters on a house can vary depending on the size of the house and personal preference. Generally, shutters should be 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the window they are covering. If your window is 36 inches wide, your shutters should be between 12 and 18 inches wide.
If you’re making your own shutters and you want a traditional look, then 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 inches is typically the ideal width for louvers. For bottom rails and top rails, you should allow 8 – 12 inches for the bottom and 6 – 8 inches for the top.
If your window is a custom size or a unique shape, you may need to adjust the width to achieve the desired look. If installing pre-made shutters, you may need to buy them a few inches wider than the window, so that the gaps between the shutters, the window frame, and the siding all have the same width.
Finally, when deciding on an overall width, keep in mind that bigger isn’t necessarily better. The larger the shutters, the heavier they are, and that could add strain to your window and surrounding structure.
What type of exterior shutters are the best?
The best type of exterior shutters depend largely on your preferences as well as the climate in which you live. Plywood or vinyl shutters are a inexpensive and durable option for climates with moderate temperature and rainfall.
Aluminum shutters are ideal for colder climates and their thermal insulating properties help regulate temperatures within the house. Fiberglass shutters are an excellent choice for coastal properties, as they are resistant to moisture and corrosive salt air.
For a more decorative option, wood shutters can be stained or painted and provide excellent insulation. For an even more upscale look, composite shutters replicate the appearance of wood but are much more durable.
Ultimately, the best type of exterior shutters will depend on your specific needs, so be sure to consider climate, budget, and aesthetics before making a decision.
What is the most popular plantation shutter?
The most popular type of plantation shutters are traditional plantation shutters. These shutters are made from a solid frame and come with louvres that are adjustable. The louvres come in various widths, usually ranging from 2.5 to 4.
5 inches, and they are usually made from either wood or vinyl. They are popular because they offer both aesthetic benefits and functionality. They provide a neat and finished look to any room, as well as blocking out light and keeping heat in the room.
They are also very easy to maintain as they are durable and require little maintenance.
What is the difference between plantation shutters and regular shutters?
Plantation shutters are types of window shutters that feature wider louvers and more substantial stiles than traditional window shutters. This wider louver design allows for more light to be let in and out of the room.
The wider louvers also allow for better ventilation, privacy, and light filtration. In addition, plantation shutters are usually installed with frames that span the entire length of the window, rather than just covering the individual sashes.
This helps to give the room a more cohesive and unified look. Traditional shutters are more like pieces of wood that are hinged to the window frame, so they are less impactful to the overall look and feel of the room.
They do not offer additional features like light or air filtration, and due to their narrow louvers, they allow less light to enter the room.
What blinds look most like shutters?
Plantation shutters are the most popular window treatment to mimic the look of shutters, as they are designed to look similar to traditional interior shutters with their wide louvers and paneling. Plantation shutters can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, composite, or faux wood, and can come with or without operable louvers that you can open and close for light and privacy control.
Plantation shutters are available in a variety of colors, finishes, and even custom shapes to fit virtually any window in your home. Additionally, shutters can be installed on the interior or exterior of your windows depending on your preferences.
To replicate the look of traditional shutters, you may also consider café shutters. Café shutters are essentially half-length interior shutters that cover only the bottom portion of your window and leave the top portion of your window uncovered.
Café shutters come in the same materials as plantation shutters, including wood, composite, or faux wood and come with a variety of louver widths, colors, finishes and stains.
How many boards board and batten shutters?
The number of boards for board and batten shutters will depend on the size of the window and the look you are trying to achieve. Generally, the panels of the shutters will be divided into equal-sized boards with a 1- to 2-inch space between them.
If a wide window requires too many boards for the look you are trying to achieve, consider stacking two or more shutters together to create a larger panel. Additionally, if you’re going for a more traditional look, you can use two rows of boards to create a layered look.
Ultimately, the number of boards you will need is up to you and the look you are aiming to achieve.
How wide should wood be for shutters?
The exact width of wood used to make shutters will depend on the shape of the window and the window frame, as well as the desired appearance. Generally speaking, the wood should be at least 1-2 inches wider than the window frame, on both sides.
This will ensure that the shutters can fully cover the window and will be strong and sturdy. For planking sets, the individual planks should be 2-3 inches wide, but this can depend on the size of the window and the desired look.
It may also be necessary to use narrower or wider boards, depending on the size of the window. When installing shutters, it can be a good idea to add a few extra inches to the overall measurements to provide a bit more coverage; this will also make it easier to trim the shutters after they are attached.
Can I make my own shutters?
Yes, you can make your own shutters! Shutters are a great way to add a decorative element to your home and to provide insulation from the elements. Making your own shutters is a great DIY project that will save you money compared to buying ready made shutters.
You will need tools like a saw, drill, and some basic hand tools, as well as hardware, nails and screws. Depending on the type and style of shutters you are looking to install, you may also need paints, stains, and weatherproof sealants.
Creating your shutters requires careful measurements, proper cuts, and careful assembly. Making sure the frame of the shutters fits snugly into the window and door frames can be particularly challenging.
It is important to determine the shutter panel width, cut and shape the shutter pieces, and then join them together with nails and screws. You can then mount them to the casing of the window or door.
Lastly, if necessary, you can paint and stain them to match your decor, and seal them for protection.
All in all, creating shutters could be a fun weekend project that will not only add some decorative charm and energy efficiency to your home, but it can also save you a lot of money.
