How Much Does it Cost to Install Exterior Shutters?

Exterior shutters add character and curb appeal to your home. If they’re functional shutters, they also create privacy, block heat and sunlight, and act as a barrier in severe storms or high winds.

Shopping for shutters can be confusing because there are so many options, all with varying price tags. This article will help you understand the different types of shutters and the approximate cost associated with each.

About Exterior Shutters

Functional or decorative? This is the first and most important decision you’ll make when shopping for shutters.

There’s no harm in buying shutters simply because they look nice; just don’t assume they will protect you during a hurricane or tornado Functional shutters can be decorative, but not vice versa. Functional shutters must cover the entire window when closed; decorative versions often do not close at all.

Then, you’ll need to choose a style. They include:

• Bahama - Top-mounted shutters that are popular in tropical climates because they provide great window protection and can be closed quickly (in other words, they’re very functional, as far as shutters go).
• Board-and-batten - Side-mounted shutters made of several horizontal wooden boards, often overlaid with two or three vertical wooden boards. Originally designed as window coverings for barns, these are classic and simple.
• Louvered - Side-mounted shutters made by slacking slats (louvers) of wood inside a frame. Louvered shutters with larger slats are typically referred to as plantation shutters. Traditional louvered shutters with smaller slats are common on New England-style homes.
• Panel - Side-mounted shutters in a classic style that work well on colonial and New England-style homes. They consist of basic doors with raised panels for a decorative touch.

Finally, you’ll need to select a material. Choose hardwood, engineered wood, PVC (poly vinyl chloride) or other synthetics. Click out this The Shutter Source consumer’s guide to read more about the pros and cons of each material.

Cost of Exterior Shutters

The price of shutters depends mostly on the material. However, the size and type of the shutters and your geographic location also play a role.

• Vinyl shutters are the least expensive, starting at about $40-$60 per pair. Vinyl is nearly maintenance-free, but color choices can be limited and most people don’t consider vinyl as attractive as more expensive materials.
• Hardwood shutters start at about $80-$100 per pair. They are beautiful and timeless, but they require significant upkeep, including regular painting or staining. Premium woods, such as cedar, start at about $130-$150 per pair.
• PVC shutters also start at about $80-$100 per pair.
• Composite shutters, which offer the look of wood without the maintenance, start at $100-$120 per pair. They will outlast wood shutters, too.
• Hurricane-rated shutters start at about $180-$200 per pair.
• Custom shutters, which are often handmade, can run several hundred dollars to many thousands, depending on the difficulty of the work.
• Motorized shutters start at about $1,000-$1,500 each.

In addition to the cost of the shutters, budget extra for professional installation. Most installers charge anywhere from $25-$100 per pair.

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