Window treatment service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Exterior shutter installation costs between $50 and $500 per window, depending on your shutter size, material, and complexity.
Your shutter material and style impact your costs, with wood and vinyl being budget-friendly options and hurricane-rated shutters costing significantly more.
You should account for the cost of permits, decorative hardware, custom finishes, and motorized operation when you create your project budget.
Hiring a local window shutter professional ensures your shutters fit securely and helps prevent water leaks and damage.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
Exterior shutters cost an average of $822 for a typical home, with most projects ranging from $320 to $1,328. Prices vary based on the number of windows, shutter size, material, and installation complexity. Expect to pay $50 to $500 per window, depending on your choices.
Choosing the right shutters not only protects your windows, but also adds curb appeal and potential value to your home. This guide covers all the key costs, factors, and tips you need to plan your exterior shutter project with confidence.
Several factors influence the total cost of exterior shutters, from the type of shutters you choose to the prep work involved. Let's explore each in detail so you know what to expect.
The size and number of shutters you need have a major impact on your total exterior shutters cost. More windows mean higher material and labor costs. Standard-sized shutters are less expensive than custom options, but it’s important to measure accurately for a proper fit.
Custom shutters for unique window shapes, such as arches or bays, increase costs due to the extra materials and labor involved. Multi-story homes also require more time and equipment, leading to higher installation charges for upper-level windows.
| Shutter Size | Typical Dimensions (In.) | Average Cost (Per Pair) |
|---|---|---|
| Small/Standard | 15 x 39 | $50–$150 |
| Medium | 15 x 55 | $100–$250 |
| Large | 15 x 72 | $200–$400 |
| Custom/Specialty | Varies (arched, bay, etc.) | $300–$700+ |
The style you choose for your shutters affects both cost and appearance. Popular options include louvered, raised panel, board and batten, Bahama, and plantation shutters. Each style varies in price based on complexity, material choices, and labor requirements.
Some styles, like Bahama or storm-rated shutters, are ideal for specific climates or architectural designs. Consider the pros and cons of each to find the best fit for your home’s look and your budget.
| Shutter Style | Material Options | Cost Range (Per Pair) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louvered | Wood, vinyl, composite | $100–$350 | Classic look, good airflow | Requires cleaning, dust collection |
| Raised panel | Wood, vinyl, composite | $100–$300 | Traditional style, versatile | Less ventilation |
| Board and batten | Wood, composite, PVC | $150–$400 | Rustic charm, sturdy | Heavy, higher install cost |
| Bahama | Aluminum, wood, composite | $200–$600 | Shade, storm protection | Limited privacy, expensive |
| Plantation | Wood, composite, PVC | $250–$500 | Elegant, wide slats, upscale look | Not for all climates |
Where you live can make a difference in exterior shutters cost. Material and labor prices tend to be higher in urban areas and coastal regions, while rural locations may have lower rates but higher delivery fees. Local climate also plays a role—homes in hurricane-prone areas may need storm-rated shutters, which cost more. Shipping fees can increase for remote or hard-to-reach homes, especially for custom orders.
Hiring a professional ensures your shutters are properly fitted and secure. Handypeople, carpenters, and window specialists all install shutters, but rates vary. Labor can be charged hourly or per window, with hourly rates ranging from $50 to $130 depending on your area and the project’s complexity.
Minimum service fees may apply, especially for small projects. Expect higher labor costs for multi-story homes, challenging access points, or custom fitting. Urban locations and regions with high demand can also drive up installation rates.
You might need a permit for exterior shutter installation if you live in a historic district, HOA-regulated community, or if the shutters are storm-rated. Permit costs range from $25 to $150, depending on your municipality. Contractors often handle permits, but confirm this before work begins. Some areas require inspections after installation, which can add to the total cost.
Upgrades like decorative hardware, custom finishes, or motorized operation can increase your exterior shutters cost. Hardware such as hinges, locks, or holdbacks ranges from $10 to $50 per set. Custom colors and stains add $50 to $200 per pair. Motorized or operable shutters start at $300 per window, while hurricane-rated options can double the price of standard shutters due to stricter building codes.
You can save on labor by installing exterior shutters yourself, but there are important considerations. Material costs for DIY projects are the same as professional installs, but you’ll need the right tools—such as drills, levels, ladders, and fasteners. Expect to spend $50 to $200 on equipment if you don’t already own it. DIY installation requires basic carpentry skills and a strong focus on safety, especially for upper-story windows.
The time commitment for measuring, ordering, and installing shutters ranges from several hours to a weekend. Improper installation can lead to water leaks, damage, or voided warranties, so weigh the risks carefully.
Hiring a window shutter pro costs more upfront but provides peace of mind with expert installation and warranty coverage. Labor savings from DIY can be offset by mistakes or the need to redo work. Professional installers can handle challenging projects and ensure code compliance, especially for storm-rated or custom shutters.
When deciding whether to repair or replace shutters, consider the extent of the damage, the age of the shutters, and your warranty status.
Minor issues like loose hardware or faded paint are often repairable at a lower cost. However, extensive rot, warping, or outdated styles may make replacement more cost-effective in the long run. If repair costs exceed 50% of the price for new shutters, replacement is recommended.
| Scenario | Repair Cost Range | Replacement Cost Range | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loose hardware | $20–$50 | $250–$700 | Repair |
| Faded finish | $50–$150 | $250–$700 | Repair |
| Minor cracks | $40–$120 | $250–$700 | Repair |
| Extensive rot/warping | $100–$300 | $250–$700 | Replace |
| Outdated style/fit | $100–$200 | $250–$700 | Replace |
The 50% rule: If the repair cost is more than half the cost of new shutters, replacement is the better investment.
Installing exterior shutters can offer a strong return on investment (ROI), with many homeowners seeing up to 60% ROI by boosting curb appeal and modernizing their home’s look. New shutters also provide practical benefits, such as improved energy efficiency and protection from storms or sun.
Compared to other exterior upgrades like siding or new doors, shutters are a relatively affordable way to refresh your home’s appearance. The value added depends on material, style, installation quality, and neighborhood trends. Well-chosen shutters can help your home stand out in the market.
There are several ways to keep your exterior shutters project wallet-friendly without sacrificing quality or durability. Taking these steps can help you save money and get the features you want:
Obtain multiple quotes from handypeople to compare pricing and services.
Choose budget-friendly shutters with proven durability for inclement weather common in your area.
Prepare the window site yourself, such as removing old shutters, to reduce overall project costs.
Bundle your exterior shutter project with other exterior home projects to take advantage of package discounts.
Consider partial upgrades (front-facing windows only) to lower initial costs.
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 extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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 [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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