How to Make Decorative Window Shutters
Wood shutters on the exterior of a house dress up the windows and provide a visual element to break up the monotony of the wall. A functional shutter isn't something you should attempt to build yourself, as it could do more harm than good to your windows during a storm if not built properly. But a purely decorative shutter is something any competent homeowner can make with a few boards and standard tools. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- 7 1-by-3 boards, 6 feet long
- Miter saw
- 3/4-inch galvanized screws
- 2-inch galvanized screws
- Screw gun
- Paint and brush
Instructions
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1
Measure the exterior window frame from top to bottom. Use your miter saw to cut six pieces of 1-by-3 at that measurement, plus 2 inches.
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2
Cut the seventh board into six pieces, each 10 inches long.
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3
Lay three of your long pieces on a work bench, next to each other, sitting 1/2 inch apart. Lay one 10-inch board over all three of them, perpendicular, in the middle of the boards.
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4
Attach the 10-inch piece to the three long pieces by sinking two 3/4-inch galvanized screws through the each point where the boards cross each other.
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5
Repeat the process to connect two more 10-inch boards over the three long boards, putting the other two 10-inch boards 6 or 8 inches from the top and the bottom of the long boards.
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6
Construct the second shutter the same way. Paint both shutters and let them dry.
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7
Mount the shutters next to the exterior window frame on either side, using 2-inch screws to attach them to the siding at the four outer sides of each shutter.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear eye protection when cutting the boards.
