How Much Does Exterior Shutter Installation Cost?
Last Updated: January 25, 2022
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The purpose of exterior shutters is twofold: to enhance the beauty of a home and to provide it with added protection. Outdoor shutters come in a variety of materials and styles, each with distinct advantages. In this buying guide you'll learn more about the types of exterior shutters and how much you can expect to pay for them.
Types of Exterior Shutters #
Exterior house shutters can be divided in three main ways: whether they're fixed or operable, the type of material they're made from, and the style of the shutter. Below is a brief breakdown of the different shutter types.
Fixed vs. Operable #
Fixed shutters, which do not open or close but are attached to the home exterior, have a strictly decorative purpose. Operable shutters, on the other hand, are equipped with hinges that allow them to close securely over a window, providing security from thieves as well as protection from the elements.
Shutter Materials #
Outside shutters, just like home siding, are available in a wide range of building materials. The most popular shutter building material is wood, which provides classic beauty but requires regular maintenance. Wood alternatives, which include wood composite, fiberglass, and plastics, vary considerably. Many composites are cheap and may not last longer than a decade, while some plastics come with up to a 25 year warranty. Exterior window shutters made from metal (usually aluminum) and reinforced fabric care also available.
Shutter Designs #
Outdoor shutters are available in a wide variety of designs. Decorative exterior shutters include board-and-batten, louvered, and panel, while rolling shutters (which roll down manually or mechanically) and accordion shutters (composed of interlocking slats that move horizontally on a track) are also popular. Homeowners who live in areas prone to hurricanes or tornadoes may wish to invest in storm shutters (sometimes called Bahama shutters) for added wind protection.
Exterior Shutter Average Costs #
The cost of exterior shutters depends on a variety of factors, including design, local labor and material costs, and whether they are premade or custom.
Shutter cost can be as little as $50 per pair and as much as $5,000 per pair.
If you buy premade shutters in stock sizes at a home improvement store you might pay $25 to $250 per pair.
Shutters made to fit non-stock window sizes are slightly more expensive at $50 to $400 per pair.
Storm shutters can cost $50 to $500 per panel.
Motorized shutters cost $750 to $1,500 or more.
Custom exterior shutters, at around $500 to $5,000 per set, are the most expensive option. They are often handmade from fine woods and can be highly detailed.
Shutter installation cost is roughly $25 to $100 per pair for regular shutters; motorized shutters cost significantly more to install. The actual cost will depend on the size and type of the shutter.
If you are buying new exterior shutters to replaced damaged ones, consider having them repaired instead. For slat repair on a typical shutter, the cost shouldn't exceed $100. A rail replacement (where the slats fit into) can be costly, from $100 for a typical in-stock replacement part to $500 or more for a hand-crafted rail.
