How to Make Shutters That Stand Out!

Sawdust & Whiskey
by Sawdust & Whiskey
8 Materials
$500
2 Days
Easy

Shutters can completely change the curb appeal of your house. They can also be done quickly and on a budget🤠

Get measurements


First, I measured all the windows getting shutters. I measured the full height and about half of the window depending on the situation.

Rip to width


For most of the shutters, I needed 4 pieces that were 4”🙈 That required ripping that out of a 1x6 since a 1x4 is really only 3 1/2”.

Spacers


I cut a paint stir stick for uniform spacers.

Bracing


I measure the final width with the spacers in and cut the brace pieces. I found middle and attached that with glue and nails. For the top and bottom pieces, I decided on a 3” space.

Clavos marking


We are adding decorative clavos on these and using them to help cover screw heads.

Countersink drilling


We predrilled the clavos holes so they would be easy to see after staining and drilled the countersink spots for the screws.

Aging the shutters


With a few tools, I added some rusticification😂 Probably not a word, yet.

Stain party!


I mixed a few colors to get our desired color and got to staining. My least favorite part.

Water Sealing


I bought a small weed sprayer tank to apply Thompson’s water seal. The stain had dried for 24 hours. I sprayed both sides and used a brush to get the hard to reach spots. After a few hours, I wiped off the excess with shop towels.

Hammer Time


Now for the finishing touch. 1” clavos. I didn’t know they were called clavos until this project 🤷🏻‍♂️😝

Hammer drill and screw


After pre drilling our spots with a hammer drill, we put the tapcons into the mortar.

Plugging


I had plugs stained and ready so we could plug after screwing then tap in a clavier right over top of that. You can see the offset hole to the right.

Buddy System


It’s important to have two ladders and a helper for this. One can hold the shutter and the other can drill. You’ve also noticed the house changed colors!!! This is a project I’m working on with my designer friends at Harpeth Design Group and they just happened to have it white when we showed up with shutters. Looks so good together!!!

Dang. 🤯😍


The transformation is crazy!!! Easy way to add value and the look so good.

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Frequently asked questions
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  3 questions
  • 17335038 17335038 on Sep 04, 2020

    How many windows were you able to shutter for the $500 ?

  • KA KA on Sep 05, 2020

    Did you think about using real hinges and shutter dogs? Authentic, and not more difficult.

  • Janell Rodriguez Janell Rodriguez on Sep 08, 2020

    What color did you paint the brick?

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2 of 32 comments
  • Jannie Jannie on Sep 22, 2020

    When I was a caretaker for a beautiful lady and friend, My husband made a nice set with 2×6 cedar. Then put a nice finish on them.

  • Carmen Carmen on Oct 28, 2020

    Changed the outside of the house immensely. Very appealing now. Wonderful Job!!!

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