Making Exterior Louvered Wood Shutters

History of Louvered Shutters

Exterior louvered shutters were originally used to protect rain and wind from penetrating window openings. They were attached to exterior walls on both sides of the windows with hinges, which allowed them to cover the opening when closed. Louvered slats regulated the angle and the amount of sunlight that entered the home. Today, most louvered shutters are not functional and are installed on each side of modern windows as decorative elements. Some homeowners still, however, install function louvered shutters to preserve their original purpose.

Frame Construction

Before slats are installed, a draft plan is created to ensure shutters and slats fit together to scale. The frame is built first. The top, bottom and side rails are cut to length. Stiles are cut into the side rails. The frame is jointed and glued, stapled or screwed together. When the frame is secure, slats are constructed and installed onto the frame.

Slat Installation

Louvered shutter slats are usually one-quarter inch thick and as much as two inches wide. For stationary shutters, slats are angled as desired and glued to the inside of side rails.
Slats that open and close are attached to a glide or tilt bar in the center of the shutter. Small holes are drilled into the ends of each slat. Pivot pins are inserted into each hole. Each pin is set into the stiles on the side rails. Slats open and close by moving the tilt bar up and down.