How Much Does It Cost To Install Exterior Shutters?

Shutter installation cost

Installing new exterior shutters is a simple yet effective way to give your home a fresh, new look. Shutters also protect your windows and give the home additional shade to keep the interior cooler during the hot summer months. If you don’t have exterior shutters, you miss out on vital protection during a storm. Some people may already have these types of shutters, but they could wear out and be damaged, needing replacement.

Whether you’re getting brand-new exterior shutters for your windows or replacing old ones, it’s important to know how much the cost of installing shutters will be from start to finish. The amount of money you’ll pay depends on several factors. The shutters’ material type is the determining factor that will dictate your total project cost.

How much do exterior shutters cost?

Most exterior shutters are available in two basic styles: decorative and functional. The style you choose will determine the cost of your project. Decorative shutters are fine for most homeowners, especially if you don’t live in a storm-prone area. However, it’s recommended that you choose functional shutters if you live in a part of the country that sees a lot of storm activity, such as hurricanes or severe thunderstorms.

While functional shutters are more protective, there are some decorative designs you can choose from so your windows can be beautiful while also getting the protection they need. On the other hand, shutters that are solely decorative won’t provide you with the strength required to prevent window damage during a storm. Consider your location, climate, and which features are the most important to you before you make a decision.

Interior shutter cost

Exterior shutters provide an important layer of protection for your home while enhancing its curb appeal, but interior shutters can be just as important for storm protection. If you need to install interior shutters as well, you can expect to spend $300 to $500 per pair.

Hurricane shutter cost

If you live in a part of the country where hurricanes, severe thunderstorms and other weather challenges are commonplace, you should strongly consider installing hurricane shutters on your home. These specialty shutters are designed to withstand high winds, providing important protection for your windows, and more importantly for the interior of your home.

Hurricane shutters cost more than purely decorative shutters, but the extra cost is well worth it for the protection you receive. You can expect to spend about $180 to $200 for each pair of hurricane shutters you buy, plus extra for labor and installation costs if you choose to hire a pro to do the work.

Cost to replace exterior shutter

The cost of installing exterior shutters for windows varies depending on what type of material you choose. If you decide to hire a contractor to install them, this will also affect your total price compared to if you attempt to install them yourself. Most low-cost vinyl exterior shutters range from about $40 to $60 per pair. PVC or wood shutters cost approximately $80 to $100 per pair. Hurricane-rated shutters always cost more than standard shutters and tend to be anywhere from $180 to $200 per pair or more, but the additional protection is well worth the upfront investment.

Labor cost to install exterior shutter

Hiring a pro to install your exterior shutters can be a smart move, especially if you are less than comfortable tackling home improvement projects. The average cost to install a pair of exterior shutters is between $120 and $200, but some contractors will provide quantity discounts for multiple installations.

Exterior shutter cost by type

The type of shutter you select will impact the cost of installing shutters on your home. There are several options available when looking for exterior shutters for windows, including:

Accordion shutters

Accordion shutters have a folding design that provides convenience for a wide range of applications. This style is common in hurricane-prone regions; typically, the shutters installation cost for materials is between $15 to $25 per square foot. Make sure you measure each window first to help you determine how much money accordion shutters will cost.

Folding shutters

Folding exterior shutters are also quite versatile and cost much less than accordion-style shutters. Plan to pay somewhere between $7 and $8 per square foot for standard folding exterior shutters.

Rolling shutters

Rolling shutters are quite durable and provide exceptional protection for your windows. These shutters are typically priced per window rather than per square foot and typically cost between $300 to $600 per average-sized window.

Industrial shutters

As the name suggests, the design of industrial-style exterior shutters is to protect commercial buildings. These ultra-durable shutters can protect windows during hurricanes and other severe storms. The average price of industrial shutters begins at around $350, but shutters for larger windows will cost more.

Hurricane shutters

In certain areas of the country, hurricane shutters are a fundamental necessity. These durable shutters offer an additional layer of protection for homes in hurricane-prone regions (such as Florida and other Atlantic coast states). Plan to pay more for hurricane shutters made with premium materials and from specialized manufacturers.

Cost of exterior shutters by material

When you ask how much do shutters cost, the most significant determining factor is the type of material you choose. Materials alone will have the most significant impact on your total project cost and budget. Here are the average prices for a variety of exterior shutter materials.

PVC shutters

PVC shutters have a number of advantages, including durability and low maintenance requirements. These shutters typically cost between $80 and $100 per pair.

Aluminum shutters

Aluminum is a stylish choice for home exterior shutters, with exceptional durability and classic good looks. Aluminum shutters do come with a steep price tag, typically around $200 to $300 per pair.

Vinyl shutters

Vinyl shutters are the least expensive, averaging just $40 to $60. Like PVC, vinyl has low maintenance requirements.

Composite shutters

Composite shutters combine the classic good looks of wood with the low maintenance of vinyl and PVC. These shutters typically cost between $100 and $120 per pair.

Cedar shutters

Cedar is a premium wood, with a higher price tag than other types of wooden shutters. You can expect to spend about $130 to $150 per pair to outfit your home in cedar.

Mahogany shutters

Mahogany exterior shutters can give your home a premium look, but these shutters are also more expensive than other kinds of wood. Mahogany shutters start at about $150 per pair.

Cost factors

As you plan the replacement or installation of your home's exterior shutters, it is important to understand all the factors that will influence the cost. The installation or replacement of exterior shutters may seem like a relatively simple home improvement, but there are some complexities you need to be aware of. Here are some of the cost factors you should know about as the planning phase of your project moves forward.

Materials

The type of material you choose for your exterior shutters will obviously play a big role in how much the project costs. Cheap materials may save you some money up front, but in the long run those substandard materials may not be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Fancy materials will also cost more, and you will need to weigh the ascetic benefits against the higher price.

Window size

This one is pretty obvious; the larger your windows the more your exterior shutters will cost. The height of the window is a big factor in determining the cost of a shutter replacement or installation, so measure carefully and plan your project accordingly.

Accessories

As you plan out your exterior shutter installation project, you may find other parts of your windows that need upgraded as well. The cost of these accessories can drive up the final installation price, possibly sending your project over budget.

Professional installation

Some homeowners will be comfortable installing their own exterior shutters, while others will prefer to hire a professional to complete the work. Taking a DIY approach can obviously save you money, but only if you have the skills needed to do the job right. Before you take the DIY approach, you will want to make sure your carpentry skills are up to the task, and that you will have access to all the tools and materials you need to complete the installation.

DIY vs. hire a pro

You may wonder whether it’s best to hire a handyman or contractor to install your new exterior shutters or if this is something you should tackle DIY. It’s important to look at the pros and cons of attempting to perform this type of project independently. If you decide to do it DIY, you’ll need to ensure you have all the tools and materials, including buying store-bought shutters or making them yourself.

It’s recommended that you hire a professional to install exterior shutters for windows since they have access to the best materials and tools. Shutter installers are also experts who can ensure that the job gets done right the first time. Even if it costs a little more, it’s usually best to have the pros handle this type of project.