Shutters function as window coverings, offering light control and insulation, while also adding architectural character to a home’s interior or exterior. The final cost of a shutter project involves more than just the initial price tag. It is calculated based on material selection, style, window location, and the costs associated with professional installation or customization. Understanding these variables is necessary to accurately estimate the total cost of adding or replacing shutters.
Cost Based on Shutter Material
The choice of construction material is the largest determinant of a shutter’s price per square foot. Real wood shutters, often made from hardwoods like basswood or poplar, represent the highest-cost tier due to their natural beauty, lightweight strength, and customization potential for stains and paints. These premium options typically cost between $25 and $45 per square foot, reflecting the need for precision milling and specialized finishing.
A mid-range alternative is composite or Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) shutters, which blend wood products with synthetic materials or vinyl coatings. Priced from $15 to $25 per square foot, these shutters resist moisture and warping, making them well-suited for high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms where real wood is less ideal. Composite shutters offer the look of wood but are heavier and often have fewer options for custom colors and shapes.
The most budget-friendly option is vinyl or PVC shutters, starting at approximately $10 to $20 per square foot. Vinyl is highly durable, moisture-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance, though it provides fewer customization choices and is limited in its ability to be repainted. For specialized exterior applications, such as security or hurricane defense, aluminum or metal shutters are utilized. These systems often cost between $25 and $70 per square foot due to the robust engineering required to withstand high wind loads and projectile impacts.
Cost Based on Shutter Type and Location
Beyond the raw material, the shutter’s specific design type and placement—whether interior or exterior—influence the total cost. Interior shutters, most commonly the Plantation style with wide, adjustable louvers, are priced based on the total area covered. A notable exception is the Cafe shutter, which only covers the bottom half of the window, resulting in a lower material cost.
For Plantation shutters, the size of the louver (the horizontal slat) generally does not affect the price. However, the frame type and complexity of the window opening can add labor time to the project. Full-height shutters, covering the entire window, are the standard. Specialized designs like bypass or bi-fold tracks for sliding glass doors require more complex hardware and engineering, driving up the unit price.
Exterior shutters are primarily categorized as either decorative or functional, with functional shutters demanding higher costs for durability and robust hardware. Decorative styles like Board and Batten or open Louvered shutters, typically made from vinyl or composite, can start as low as $54 per pair for stock sizes. Functional exterior shutters, such as Bahama or Colonial styles designed for storm protection, require thicker, weather-resistant materials and heavy-duty hinges and tie-backs. Hurricane-rated roll-down shutters, made from reinforced aluminum, represent the highest cost for exterior applications due to their engineered impact resistance and often include motorized operation.
Professional Installation and Additional Costs
The total project cost must account for professional installation and customization fees. Installation is a significant factor, often adding an estimated 20% to 50% to the material cost, with labor rates ranging from $50 to $150 per window or $65 to $100 per hour. Complex installations, such as mounting shutters on arched, angled, or unusually large windows, increase the labor time due to the precision required for a proper fit.
While do-it-yourself installation can save labor expense, shutters require precise measurements and secure mounting to function correctly and avoid potential warping, making professional service a common practice. Beyond installation, customization options add specific fees to the base price. For instance, requesting a specialized paint color or stain not part of the standard offering can cost an additional $40 to $95 per shutter panel. Custom hardware, such as upgraded hinges or specialized cutouts for clearance around window cranks or latches, will also contribute to the final bill.