How to Make Exterior Pine Window Shutters
Exterior window shutters are only a necessity in some parts of the country, but they look good in any region. If you're a homeowner who lives in a hurricane-prone area and you want functional shutters that can be closed and locked to protect your windows, hire a professional. If, on the other hand, you just want decorative shutters designed to dress up the windows, it's something you can do yourself with a few boards of pine and some basic tools. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- 6 1-by4 pine boards, longer than window length
- Additional 1-by4 pine board, 8 feet long
- Miter saw
- 3/4-inch galvanized wood screws
- 2-inch galvanized wood screws
- Screw gun
- Paint or wood sealer
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Measure the length of the window (including the frame) on the outside. Cut six pieces of pine to each be 2 inches longer than the measurement, using your miter saw.
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2
Cut your 8-foot pine board into six pieces with your miter saw, making each piece 11 1/2 inches long.
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3
Set the three long cut pieces out on a work area, parallel to each other, 1/2 inch apart. Set one of the 11 1/2-inch pieces across the three boards at the middle, with the two ends of the 11 1/2-inch piece lined up to the outer sides of the two outer boards.
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4
Drive two 3/4-inch screws into the face of the short board at each intersection with the long boards.
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5
Lay and connect two more short boards in the same manner, with one 6 inches from the top of the long boards, and the other 6 inches from the bottom.
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6
Build a second shutter in the same manner.
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7
Paint the shutters, or cover them in wood sealer if you want to leave a natural look to them.
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8
Hold one shutter alongside the window, about 1/2 inch from the side of the window frame. Sink 2-inch screws through the shutter and into the siding, sinking the screws near each of the four corner. Hang the second shutter in the same manner.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear goggles with using you miter saw and drill
