Install Wood Exterior Shutters Video

This video explains how to install exterior wood shutters using either functional hinges or fixed mounting brackets. It covers preparation, shutter orientation, hinge and pintle placement, shutter dogs, bracket installation, masonry mounting, pre-drilling, spacing, leveling, and final fastening for a secure, professional result.

Transcript:

Let’s walk through the steps for installing exterior wood shutters.

This guide is the second in a two-part series that begins with the measuring video for solid wood exterior shutters. We will start by explaining how to install wood shutters with functional hinges, followed by instructions for installing stationary wood shutters with fixed mounting brackets.

Before beginning, gather the listed tools and materials. Additional resources may be required depending on the installation surface and conditions.

Unpack and inspect the shutters immediately after delivery. If installation will be delayed, store the shutters upright and angled against a wall. Stagger the shutters and leave space between them to allow air to circulate.

Painted shutters arrive with the finish applied to all surfaces. Unfinished shutters must be primed and painted before installation.

The solid panels used in raised-panel, flat-panel, and Shaker-style shutters are constructed from composite material for long-term stability.

Installing Wood Shutters with Functional Hinges

Temporarily hold one shutter against the window in its intended position. The shallow window opening shown in this video requires the shutters to close in front of the window. The exact placement should have been determined during the measuring process.

On wood louvered shutters, the top rail will be smaller than or equal in size to the bottom rail. When the shutter is closed, the louvers should point downward toward the exterior.

We recommend marking the hinge locations on the shutters with painter’s tape to prevent mix-ups.

Remove the shutter and place it horizontally on a table or sawhorses, with the side that was facing outward now facing up.

Position a hinge along the outside edge of the shutter, centered on the bottom rail. Mark the screw locations with an awl.

Pre-drill each location with a 1/16-inch drill bit. Do not drill deeper than the length of the screws. Fasten the hinge by installing screws through all of the holes.

For this installation, we are using cast-iron, New York-style L-shaped hinges with plate-mounted pintles.

Position and secure the top hinge using the same process.

With the help of an assistant, return the shutter to its closed position against the window. The assistant should stabilize the shutter while the pintles are installed.

Align the lower pintle with the barrel of the bottom hinge and raise it into position. Mark the location of the lowest screw hole.

Insert and tighten one screw through the pintle plate at the marked location. Some building materials may require pre-drilling.

Return the shutter to the window and rest the bottom hinge on the lower pintle. Level the shutter, position the upper pintle through the top hinge, and install a screw through the lowest hole in the upper pintle plate.

Carefully swing the shutter partially open and lift it off the pintles without disturbing their alignment. Install the remaining pintle screws.

Uneven siding may require a shim behind the pintle plate to provide proper support.

Return the shutter to the window for the final time.

Place adhesive furniture pads along the center edge of the first shutter to create an approximately ¼-inch gap between the shutters. Other suitable spacer materials may also be used to create an even gap.

Attach the hinges to the second shutter and raise it into position. Align it with the first shutter and press it firmly against the spacers.

Secure the pintles to the house using the same process used for the first shutter.

Installing Inset Functional Shutters

Shutters that nest inside the window opening can be installed using a similar method.

Place all shutters inside the opening, using shims around the perimeter and between the panels to create consistent spacing.

Attach the hinges and secure the pintles to complete the installation.

Installing Shutter Dogs

Shutter dogs hold functional shutters in the open position.

Swing the shutters fully open and identify a mounting location approximately one-quarter of the shutter width inward from the outside edge.

Measure below the bottom edge of the shutter, allowing enough clearance for the shutter dog to rotate.

Pre-drill a hole sized to accommodate the shutter-dog mounting bolt.

Install and tighten the bolt only enough for the back of the shutter dog to meet the face of the shutter when it is fully open.

The iron scroll shutter dogs shown in this installation rotate to release the shutters and allow them to swing closed.

Install the shutter dog on the opposite side to complete the functional shutter installation.

Installing Stationary Wood Shutters

The polycarbonate brackets used to install wood shutters in a fixed position are V-shaped. One side of the bracket attaches to the building, while the other attaches to the top or bottom of the shutter.

Long stainless-steel screws secure the brackets to the structure. Shorter screws secure the shutter to the brackets.

Begin by drilling two ¼-inch holes along one side of the bracket. Position each hole approximately 1½ inches from the corresponding end.

Turn the bracket and drill two additional holes on the opposite side. Again, position each hole approximately 1½ inches from the ends and slightly toward the front lip.

Temporarily hold one shutter beside the window in its intended position.

Place a bracket upside down beneath the bottom of the shutter, with the wall-facing side pointed upward. The bracket may be slightly shorter than the shutter width, so center it beneath the shutter.

Remove the shutter and rotate the bracket upward by one-quarter turn. Mark the siding through the hole closest to the window.

Remove the bracket and pre-drill the marked wall location using a ⅛-inch drill bit to a depth of approximately 1½ inches.

When installing into brick, use a 5/16-inch masonry bit to drill a hole deep enough to accommodate a No. 10 screw anchor. Insert the anchor and tap it flush with a hammer.

Alternatively, Tapcon screws may be used to secure the bracket directly to masonry without a separate wall anchor.

Insert one of the longer screws through the bracket and tighten it into the pre-drilled hole.

Place a level on the lip of the bracket and rotate the bracket until it is horizontal. Mark and pre-drill the second hole on the side farthest from the window, then install the second screw.

Lift the shutter and rest it on the bottom bracket. Push the shutter as far back against the wall as possible.

Place a second bracket upside down on top of the shutter, with the wall-facing side pointing downward.

Remove the shutter, rotate the upper bracket down, and mark the hole location closest to the window.

Pre-drill the hole and install the first screw through the bracket and into the building.

Level the bracket, mark the second hole, pre-drill it, and install the screw on the side farthest from the window.

Lift the shutter back into position. There should be slight tension between the top and bottom brackets.

When installing beside window trim, allow a small air gap between the trim and the shutter.

Mark the top and bottom edges of the shutter at each bracket-hole location.

Remove the shutter and pre-drill each marked location using a 5/32-inch drill bit to a depth of at least 1 inch.

Do not skip this step. Failing to pre-drill the shutter can cause the wood to split.

Return the shutter to the brackets and align the pre-drilled holes. Install the four shorter screws through the brackets and into the shutter.

Make the final turns with a hand-held screwdriver to avoid over-tightening the screws.

Repeat the process for the shutter on the opposite side of the window. Once complete, stand back and admire your work.

These installation methods can be used with most exterior wood shutter styles, including wood louvered, wood solid-panel, wood combination, and wood board-and-batten shutters.

ShutterLand is committed to helping you select the best exterior shutters for your windows. Visit ShutterLand.com to explore our complete range of custom exterior shutter styles and exterior shutter materials, along with detailed specifications, pricing, and ordering information.

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