How Much Do Estate Shutters Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,341 - $4,739
Estate shutters cost an average of $2,982, but typically range from $1,341 to $4,739. The total cost depends on window size, material, and the complexity of installation.
Installing estate shutters, formerly referred to as plantation shutters, cost $2,982 on average but can range from $300 to $8,321. The project total depends on the square footage, how many windows you have, and the material used. Estate shutters are elegant, classic window treatments that are most popular in the South. They’re excellent at blocking out light and heat. The cost of estate shutters is slightly higher than other coverings, but you’ll see a decent return on investment—typically 75%.
- Average
- $2,982
- Low end
- $300
- high end
- $8,321
Cost to Install Estate Shutters Near You
As with most home renovation projects, installing estate shutters in major metros such as Los Angeles and New York City will be more expensive than installing them in less dense places. However, much of the pricing depends on the materials used. Here is some average pricing for various regions:
| Region | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $1,280–$4,230 |
| Mobile, AL | $1,700–$2,250 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $2,000–$2,780 |
| New York, NY | $1,720–$3,580 |
| San Francisco, CA | $1,380–$3,400 |
Cost to Install Estate Shutters Yourself
Estate shutters range in price from $45 to $420 each. Materials for a house with eight windows would come in between $360 and $3,360, with real hardwood costing the most, at $55 to $420 each, and faux wood priced around $45 to $300.
If you decide to install your estate shutters on your own, you’ll likely save $65 to $100 per hour on labor costs, which vary based on the number of windows and complexity.
Unless you have experience fitting sturdy window treatments, we recommend hiring a shutter installer near you. They’ll be able to select the best panel sizes for each of your windows and install them evenly over the window frame. In addition, hiring an installer might get you wholesale pricing on the materials.
Estate Shutters Cost Breakdown
Cost by Material
There are many materials to choose from when selecting your estate shutters.
| Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Hardwood | $55–$420 |
| Faux Wood | $45–$300 |
| Vinyl | $100–$300 |
| PVC | $100–$300 |
Hardwood shutters will set you back the most, costing $55 to $420 for each window panel. Natural wood is very porous, and you should only install it in areas with low moisture and humidity, such as the living room and the bedroom. For kitchens and bathrooms, consider faux wood.
Faux wood shutters (also known as composite wood or engineered wood) cost $45 to $300 each and are suitable in any room. They’re considered a low-maintenance, sturdy choice. You likely won’t have to replace them very often.
Vinyl estate shutters cost $100 to $300 each, are easy to clean, and have low maintenance.
PVC-made window coverings are $100 to $300 each. The easy-to-clean material is also fire-resistant.
Cost by Size
The larger the size of the shutters, the higher the cost. Typically, a contractor will charge $20 to $45 per square foot, with discounts for bulk or wholesale orders.
| Shutter Size (in.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 16 x 20 | $45–$95 |
| 24 x 50 | $164–$370 |
| 36 x 54 | $270–$600 |
| 36 x 60 | $300–$680 |
| 42 x 48 | $280–$630 |
| 48 x 44 | $290–$650 |
This pricing bundles materials and labor, however it usually assumes custom-built shutters. Pre-made options may not include the price of labor.
Estate Shutters Cost by Type
| Window Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Bay Windows | $570–$800 |
| Sliding Glass Doors | $860–$1,040 |
| Patio French Doors | $640–$950 |
| California Shutters | $1,400–$3,400 |
Bay Windows
If you have bay windows, expect to pay around $800 total for your shutters to accommodate the center window panel ($350 for hardwood or $270 for faux wood) and the two side panels ($200 for hardwood and $150 for faux wood).
Sliding Glass Doors
Assuming your sliding glass doors are standard size (80 inches by 60 inches), you will likely spend around $860. Longer doors, 80-inch by 72-inch, clock in at around $1,040.
Patio French Doors
Assuming your French doors are 80 inches by 24 inches, you should expect to pay $640. A larger size of 80 inches by 36 inches will come out to about $950.
California Shutters
Some people enjoy the less dramatic look of California shutters, which have slightly smaller (one- to two-inch) louvers. The average cost for California shutters is $2,200, ranging from $1,400 to $3,400 on the high end. This figure includes the installation of eight windows, each priced from $70 to $1,140 (assuming two hours of labor, priced at $65 to $105 per hour per window). If your shutters are custom-made, the rate should follow the square foot pricing of $20 to $45 per square foot, all-inclusive of labor costs.
Estate Shutter Ongoing Expenses
Maintaining estate shutters is straightforward, with minimal ongoing expenses. If one of the slats gets broken, you can repair or replace it. The average cost of a handyman ranges from $40 to $140 per project, depending on the complexity and material. Beyond repairs, you’ll also need to dust and clean estate shutters once every two to three months. While estate shutters cost more upfront than other window treatments, they can last up to 50 years or longer with proper care and maintenance.
Cost of Common Add-Ons
You can upgrade your estate shutters by selecting a custom design or improving the look and function of your shutters.
Custom Designs
You can include a divider rail to separate one panel into two. The split allows you to operate the two sides independently. Custom pricing depends on the size of your window and what features you want.
Cloth Tape
Cloth tape is a soft fabric accent you can add to your estate shutters. The cloth can embellish and soften the look. The extra cost depends on the type and size of your shutter, but expect to pay between $20 and $100.
Routeless Slats
With routeless slats, the cords run on the outside of the slats instead of through them. The design eliminates the small holes that let in light, allowing for extra privacy and room darkening. Some homeowners choose routeless slats for bedrooms and nurseries. The cost is dependent on your shutter vendor.
Cordless Operation
Cordless estate shutters eliminate loose cords, providing a sleeker design and a safer option for small children. A cordless shutter price depends on where you buy your shutters, but they average about $130.
Motorization
Motorized estate shutters can operate on a remote, wall switch, smartphone, or voice-activated smart home system. You can adjust the shades when you’re away from home or lying in bed. Installing electric blinds costs anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per window, with an average of $650 per window.
How to Save Money on Installing Estate Shutters
You can lower the cost of installing estate shutters by:
Installing them yourself but ensuring you install them correctly to ensure their longevity and function.
Working with a contractor who has access to wholesale prices.
Placing a bulk order for all the windows in your home to save on the cost per shutter.
Opting for vinyl, faux wood, or PVC to reduce material costs.
Getting quotes from at least three contractors to compare prices.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
C.E. Larusso contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Estate shutters offer more energy efficiency, privacy, and light control than blinds. They provide better insulation against heat and cold, lowering your energy bills. They are sturdy and durable and typically last much longer than blinds, usually up to 50 years or longer. They are also low-maintenance and can add curb appeal to your home. The return on investment (ROI) for estate shutters is around 75 percent.
Faux wood estate shutters are the best value because they are durable and long-lasting. They typically cost $45 to $300 each, depending on the size and shape of the window. Faux wood is resilient to high humidity, meaning you can install it in more rooms than hardwood. The shutters offer the stately appearance of natural wood without the cost.
You can get the best price on estate shutters by working with a contractor who can buy the shutters wholesale and in bulk. If you purchase estate shutters for all of the windows in your home simultaneously, the cost per shutter also decreases. You can opt for faux wood, vinyl, or PVC shutters to save on the material costs over hardwood.
The most popular estate shutter brands include Hunter Douglas, Budget Blinds, and Graber. Hunter Douglas shutters cost $20 to $26 per square foot, offering high-quality hardwood and faux wood options. Budget Blinds shutters cost $20 to $24 per square foot, depending on if you choose natural wood or another material. Depending on the material, Graber shutters range from $18 to $24 per square foot.