Source: Andrew Neel via Unsplash
Shutters can enhance any window. Plantation shutters, in particular, are a very popular and functional option, but they can be expensive! This is why learning to make your own DIY shutters can be a fun project that also saves some cold hard cash!
Making your own DIY plantation shutters can be easily done from plywood with a little time and the helpful steps below. Read on for a DIY project that will make your home more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing!
Plantation shutters aren’t just for looks. They provide insulation on cold and hot days. They can help you keep the heat out during the summer and offer a layer of protection against the cold. Plantation shutters seal up against the window frame, reducing the escape of air.
This energy-efficient option is also easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner brush attachment. They also avoid the need for any cords that may be reachable at low levels for pets and kids. Instead, they use a control arm on slats, making them both safe and sturdy.
Start with ¾” plywood and cut using a skill saw to turn the full sheet of plywood into four smaller pieces. The inside window and louvre frames are made using ¾” plywood. The slats will be made from ½” plywood. Cut the ½” plywood into smaller sections, then cut the slats with a table saw, ensuring each cut is perfectly straight.
Use a wood router to make the front and back slats rounded. A simple round-over bit should do the trick to chamber the edges. A router table is preferable to chamfer the corners perfectly.
The control arm that will open and close your slats can be placed on the front or back. The arm is a flat sheet of metal that joins the slats together. For this, each slat needs a notch cut out on the back. Use a table saw and raise the blade 5/8 of an inch. Clamp several slats together, then cut a notch the same thickness as the saw blade.
Your slat holes need to be exactly in the centre of each slat to ensure even gaps between them. Use a drill press and drill straight and evenly centred holes.
The louvre frame will feature two side pieces attached to the slats on the top and bottom rails. Use a table saw to chamfer each board at a 45-degree angle.
Drill two pocket holes on the backside of the chamfered rails using a Kreg Jig. These holes will hold the louvre frame together. Make sure you set the Kreg Jig for ¾” wood thickness, then drill the holes.
The louvre stile pieces need to be measured from the bottom at 5 1/2″. This will be the centre of the first slat. From that mark, continue every 3″ until you get to the last mark at 5” from the top of the stile.
Frameless cabinet hinges are an optimal choice for a more minimal look, and they allow you to open the louvres without knocking the trim. Use a 1 3/8″ by 3/8″ Shank Forstner Drill Bit along with a 7/64″ Self Centering Hinge Drill Bit to drill holes for the hinges.
Measure 12″ from the bottom of the stile board and 12″ from the top, then place the hinge at the 12″ mark before pushing down on them with a scratch awl. This marks the position with a little dent. Drill a 1 3/8″ hole in the centre of the mark with a Shank Forstner drill bit, then position the hinge inside the hole and pre-drill the screw positions using a self-centring hinge drill bit on every stile board that requires it.
Assemble the frame of the louvre by attaching the top and bottom rail to the board with the hinges. We recommend using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and wood glue. Insert the slats, ensuring the notch for the control arm is facing the stile board with the hinges.
Take the other stile board, inserting the slats into the holes, then attach the stile board to the rail using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and some wood glue. Attach the frameless cabinet hinges as well.
This may be the most complex part of the process:
Your window frame will be the same size as the louvre. Start by drilling two pocket holes on both sides of the upper and lower frame board. Attach these boards with wood glue and 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws. Assemble the frame and attach the hinge’s mounting plate to the inside. Measure 12” from the top and bottom of the window frame, then attach the louvre to the frame. Screwing a small mounting plate hinge by itself is easier than holding the louvre while trying to attach it.
Paint the window frame and the louvres before installing. Allow it all to dry, then insert the frame in the window, securing it with wood screws. Attach the louvre hinges to the mounting plates on all of the frame windows.
Board-and-batten shutters are easy to make and are a great way to add old-style charm to your home, protect windows and increase the security of your home.
Plywood and basswood are popular options for shutters. They can be painted and stained and are flexible and light, perfect for a variety of designs. The only downside is that they are more expensive when compared with synthetic shutters.
Yes, pine is a great option for exterior shutters and areas with mild, minimal temperature fluctuations. Pine is, however, a softwood that expands and contracts, meaning the internal movement over time will make them somewhat more susceptible to water damage.
It may be clear that the steps above are not for the absolute beginner. You’ll need some specific tools and knowledge of how to use them. If you are equipped with all of this, we hope you create some stunning shutters that improve the look and your home with ease!
If this may be a little above your DIY pay grade, there is no shortage of skilled Taskers who can help with shutter repair and installation. Cost-effective shutter options are still within reach for those who choose not to create them from scratch themselves.
If you are a DIY wiz and have mastered the DIY shutters, keep reading our How Tos and try other home improvements! We can help you learn how to screen a porch, remove wallpaper, keep your windows and mirrors clean and measure your curtains correctly for a new look. Additionally, check out our privacy fence ideas article for added privacy.
Improving your DIY skills offers the bonus of a much nicer home! Get reading, crack out the tools and enjoy come creative changes to your space today.
This post was last modified on
Airtasker unveils changing labour force trends and the professionals leading the charge.
Get a peek into how busy parents juggle multiple tasks.
Airtasker’s latest trends report spills the beans on what tasks Aussies have been up to…