Window shutters instantly add visual interest, dimension, and architecture to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Far from superficial, they also provide the practical perks of light control, privacy, security, and insulation to windows. With endless
This post is my ultimate window treatment guide. Many of you have been mentioning a lot recently are my thoughts about interior window shutters.
I knew the workshop needed shutters. There was too much siding and the windows weren't "substantial" enough...shutters would balance everything out. So this is a story about the shutters that Heidi built. Not jack. Oh yeah, did I mention they cost me less than $5 per shutter to build?! You should need only one 8' or 10' (depending on your shutter size) pine 1x4 per shutter. That's cheaper than a large pumpkin spice latte with an extra shot of espresso! I was determined to build these shutters 100% by myself, no help from Brent. Seriously, how hard can shutters be?! Building them wasn't tricky, but the process of assembling was a little harder than I thought. To begin, I took some measurements next to a window to determine how tall and wide the shutters needed to be. I decided to make them the same height as the top of the window trim and then stop them just above the window sill at the bottom. Here's my reasoning for that...if we pretended these shutters were able to close over the window, like their original intention, the shutter would almost rest on top of the sill, not cover the sill. Since I knew I was going to use 1x4's to build the shutters, I just needed to determine if I wanted the shutters to be 3 boards wide or 4, to minimize the amount of cutting needed. 3 boards wide looked like it would be perfect. I wanted to begin by cutting my 1x4's to the correct height first. These happen to be 31.5 inches. I began by trimming a half inch off of the end of my 1x4 to square it up. Now here is a tiny tip. Since I needed to make 8 shutters and each shutter would be three 1x4's wide...I was going to need to cut this same length 24 times. Brent said instead of measuring and then cutting each piece, we needed to set up a "stop". See that short piece of wood clamped to the table on the left side of the picture? That's the stop. Instead of measuring each piece, you just slide it to that piece of wood and make your cut. After cutting all 24 of my pices, I needed to figure out how wide to cut the piece that would go across the top and bottom of the shutter to hold the whole thing together. I just laid my 3 pieces out and left a small gap between each one. When I had the spacing that I liked, we measured across the middle to get a length. Using the same process as before, I set up a stop and cut 2 pieces for each shutter, so 16 total. Brent isn't actually doing anything, just posing for a photo. Owen is learning the ropes. Here are all of my pieces, ready for assembly. I laid one out to make sure everything was going to fit together. At this point I was singing, "perrrrrfeeeecccct!" Brent gave me another tip here, but did not, for the record, touch my wood (he he he). He said to get the two outside pieces screwed together first, and then slip the middle piece in last and just eyeball it to make sure you have the same gap on each side. Then you aren't trying to hold three pieces steady at once. After I measured and marked 4 inches from each bottom to determine where the cross bar would go, I flushed up the edges and clamped it together. Then I held a piece at the ends to make sure they were flush there as well. This took a little adjusting to get them perfect. Here's what it looked like all clamped together. Here's the important part...flip it over!! That way the screws will go in from the back of the shutter and you will not see any screws from the front!! My mind wandered off on a few of my shutters during this step and I forgot to flip...so those shutters ended up on the backside of the shed where we can't see them. Oops. I used 1.25 inch exterior screws, two in each board. 12 total in each shutter. In this next photo, you can see how I have screwed the outside pieces together and am lining up the center piece. I just did the best I could to eyeball it and then sent a few screws through to finish her off. And this is what they look like assembled. Adorbs. Time to really finish them now. Owen's job was to give them a light sanding to remove any rough spots. Here is my primer of choice. I use it for interior and exterior projects-but not for cabinetry. I like to use an oil based primer for that. After I had applied the first coat of color, you could see white lines in the vertical spaces between the boards where my brush couldn't reach. I found some light blue spray paint left over from a previous project and used it to hit the vertical lines. My top coat of paint covered the spray paint color. A person could have prepainted all of the boards before assembly to avoid this problem, but I think that would taken longer. I did allow Brent to hang them. Since cement board is so hard he has to pre-drill holes. He just held the shutter up to the position we wanted and drilled through the shutter and the siding. Then just sunk a screw in. One on top and one on the bottom. These are the 3 inch screws he used. And done! Halleluja!! I will probably dab a bit of paint on the screws so they aren't as noticeable. UPDATE** The workshop is done - see the final pics here!
If you're like me and you love old shutters then this post is for you! Old shutters are easy to find at thrift stores and on the side ...
Making DIY shutters can be a rewarding project that not only adds charm to your windows but also offers privacy and light control. Whether your home style is modern or rustic, learning how to build shutters for windows can help personalize your space and may even increase your home's value. Crafting shutters yourself allows for customization in size, color, and style, making sure they perfectly match the aesthetic of your home. Taking on a project like building your own shutters can initially seem daunting. However, with the right guidance, materials, and a simple step-by-step approach, anyone can transform their windows
These colorful shutters are the easiest (and cutest!) way to achieve enviable curb appeal. Read on for some vibrant shutter-design inspiration.
Emily fell in love with the idea of interior shutters trend. But is it always a good idea? Will they be going into the farmhouse? Read to see!
Everything you need to know about window shutters pros and cons. Find out all the benefits and downfalls will help you make a decision about them.
This post is my ultimate window treatment guide. Many of you have been mentioning a lot recently are my thoughts about interior window shutters.
Thinking of sprucing up the exterior of your home with some shutters? (get ready… here comes a 2 minute rant!!) Please, please, please read these shutter do’s and don’ts before you start! Hopefully then you can avoid the same mistakes so commonly found with shutters in the Midwest!! I’ve traveled across the USA, coast-to-coast, East-to-West […]
Photo: © Graziano Francesco
See the diverse selection of incredible exterior shutters manufactured by Canada Custom shutters, available to any homeowner in the world.
Contemporary window coverings are a great way to create privacy and shut the light out. We've complied a list of 7 different design options.
Today I'm answering ALL your questions about shutters! From their function, to the size they should be for your specific window, and sharing how we made our own DIY shutters for our farmhouse. If you've got shutters on your mind, it's interesting how much more likely you are to notice them as you're driving around
Emily fell in love with the idea of interior shutters trend. But is it always a good idea? Will they be going into the farmhouse? Read to see!
I’m bringing this post up to the top of the blog because I can’t believe it has been nearly three years since we made this change to our house! Hi you guys! I’m so excited to share these photos with you this week! We have been working on several projects around our house, because next...
Uncover the timeless allure of French Country Shutters Exterior. Explore practical tips, and the art of enhancing your home's exterior.
The homeowners of a 1930s Cape-style home that had been remodeled and expanded several times before they purchased it wanted an exterior facelift that would upg…
Shutter: each of a pair of hinged panels, often louvered, fixed inside or outside a window that can be closed for security or privacy or to keep out light. Before drapes and blinds came about, shu…
Replacing your windows to make them more energy efficient is one of the most desirable changes you can make to your period house
When shutter rivets wear out, make new ones to repair an original hinge.
Folks, if you showed up here today hoping to read all of my long, winding, rambling thoughts on exterior shutters, then today is your lucky day! 😀 In true Kristi fashion, I’ve been obsessing over my exterior shutter style decision. I read all of your comment on the post the other day about shutter style,...
These easy to build shutter decor will add character to any room. Place them next to your windows or even next to a vintage window.
Hanging Exterior Shutters We found this great, informative post on hanging exterior shutters at ThisOldHouse.com. For shutters that stand the test of time – visit VixenHill.com to design your…
Whether you prefer classic plantation shutters or a unique style, interior shutters add both functionality and charm to your living spaces.
At The New England Shutter Company, our solid wood window shutters are available with a number of details including Edwardian, Victorian, Georgian, Shaker, Raised and Fielded, and Fixed blades.
Emily fell in love with the idea of interior shutters trend. But is it always a good idea? Will they be going into the farmhouse? Read to see!
Today I'm answering ALL your questions about shutters! From their function, to the size they should be for your specific window, and sharing how we made our own DIY shutters for our farmhouse. If you've got shutters on your mind, it's interesting how much more likely you are to notice them as you're driving around
