How to Attach Shutters to the House

Shutters can be functional or decorative. Functional shutters can close over windows to protect them from hurricanes and high winds. Decorative shutters are hung beside windows to improve the appearance of the home. Screws can be used to attach shutters to your home, and many decorative shutters come with shutter fasteners, sometimes called shutter locks.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure
• Washable marker
• Shutter fasteners
• Drill

How to Attach Shutters to the House

1. Place the shutter next to the window and mark the spot you want to hang the shutter with a washable marker. Measure the distance from the window to the marked spot and make another mark the same distance on the other side of the window.

2. Drill holes into the shutter at the top, center and bottom of the shutter, measuring to make the holes even.

3. Put the shutter back against the home's surface. Drill through the holes in the shutter about 3 1/2 inches into the wall.

4. Push the shutter fastener through the predrilled holes in the shutter into the wall.

5. Tap the fastener lightly with a rubber mallet until shutter is against the wall surface.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to remove shutters that have been installed with shutter fasteners, slide a pair of snips behind the shutter and cut the shutter fasteners.
• Pounding shutter fasteners in too far causes the shutter's surface to crease.

Resources

• Hanging exterior shutters