Exterior Shutters..Installation & Style

Installing exterior shutters is a relatively quick way to add style and color to the outside of a house.

Exterior shutters are available in a variety of materials and shapes. Vinyl shutters can be found at most home improvement stores. However, with vinyl it looks like plastic, and it can't be stained.

Shutters are also made out of many types of wood. For exterior shutters, cedar is best because of its resistance to decay, and its durability. Cedar shutters will last a long time with little maintenance. Cedar is also used for exterior siding because it holds paint well, is dimensionally stable and it's a deterrent to bugs.

The panels should be mounted to the building with at least a 1/2" spacer between the building and the back panels to allow for adequate ventilation. If not using hardware, you will want to use rust-proof screws that you will sink flush to the wood. You can paint the screw heads following installation.

Panels may also be stained. When staining, use finishing products designed specifically for outdoor or marine use – and be prepared to do more maintenance to keep them looking good. Shutters with an opaque painted finish helps prevent light rays from penetrating the finish and breaking down the wood fibers.

Installation can be as simple as affixing the panels directly to the house. It is also possible to install operable panels, which can be closed over windows for protection against storms, and a number of hardware options are available. To help protect against moisture damage caps attached to the top of your panels will keep water from pooling on top. Choose a hard, solid hardware that has a finish resistant to decay, my favorite is a zinc-plated hardware with a wrought iron black finish.

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