My husband knows carpentry so it was not difficult for us but he did create a step by step instruction manual for the novice builder. So far there is nothing I would really do differently unless it would be to put in radiant heat in the flooring instead of using a wall heater.

Check with your local building dept, you may have restrictions or regulations on building something like this in your backyard.

So, here we are needing Nook privacy–and a shed full of wooden shutters. Handsome went out and purchased four 4 x 4 posts, hinged the shutters together; and after cementing the posts in the ground nailed our hinged shutter fence to them! We are not sure why our friends had two different colors of shutters on the outside of their house?? White for some, gray for the others........ BUT, didn't matter to us, because we painted them a wonderful French blue. {We painted the other side a bark color to blend in with the trees-since this was the side facing our neighbors. We weren't sure they would be as excited about the French blue as we were. In fact, we know that they wouldn't be.}

So, if you come across (or already have!) some old wooden shutters-have fun making a little nook for yourself!

Here's what you need to make a fence out of old shutters:

* as many shutters as you would like the fence long–we have 10-6 feet hight shutters

* 4 x 4 posts (that are 2 feet taller than your shutters)-about 1 every 3-4 shutters (depending on the width of your shutters)

* 2 sets of hinges for each set of shutters

* nails/screw to attach shutters to posts

* cement for posts

1. Paint the back side of the shutters-once installed you will not be able to get to this side! (Be aware of any neighbors that may not be as excited about your nook as you are–so, be considerate in your color choices for their side. )

2. Measure off how many feet apart you will need a post, dig a hole that is 2′ deep, put post in, fill with cement. When dry, cover with dirt.

3. Attach shutters together with hinges-make sure the 'hinge' is on the back side, spread out flat

4. Once cement has dried-usually 24 hours-attach shutter sections to posts using nails or screws. (Screws are a bit more sturdy for this project, but nails will work just fine.)

5. Paint your side of the fence! {When we painted ours–we didn't make it opaque, we wanted a weathered look. That is hard to see in the pictures-if that is the look you are looking for it will only take one coat.)

6. Cozy up your Nook with furniture, plants, walkways, etc.

7. Sit and listen to birdsong while sipping your coffee!

Some things to remember:

**be sure to check your shutters to make sure there are no decayed places before using.

We used shutters that were found....so the total cost of this project was $35! Woohoo!

In the Nook~

Daune

Cottage in the Oaks

www.cottageintheoaks.com

For some more fun shutter ideas that I found...head over to my Shutters! Board here: http://www.hometalk.com/b/710723/shutters

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