How to Make Interior Louvered Pine Shutters

Correct measurements are key to any good carpentry project

Interior shutters are a classic window choice. Louvered shutters allow in light and pine is a beautiful wood that holds up unstained or stained. Making your own louvered pine shutters requires basic carpentry and craft proficiency. This is not an easy project, so don't attempt it unless you're confident you can complete it; otherwise, you may end up wasting the materials.

Things You'll Need

• Pine
• Wood glue
• Staple gun
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Saw
• Magnetic catches
• Screws
• Pegs
• Drill

Instructions

Measure and Cut the Wood

1. Measure the height of the window. Subtract 1/4-inch for clearance.

2. Measure the width of the window and subtract 1/4-inch.

3. Divide the width by 4. Most shutters consist of 4 panels. This will give you the width of each panel.

4. Subtract 3 inches from the panel width measurement to find the width of the louvers.

5. Subtract 3 inches from the height measurement to find the height of the center wands.

6. Cut 8 pieces of pine to the panel width specifications. Cut another 8 to the height measurements. Use a mitered cut, so that the pieces will fit together. The frame pieces need to measure 1 inch thick.

7. Cut 100 louvers, 25 for each panel. Use a square cut for the louvers. The pine for the louvers should be a bit thicker than the frame pieces, measuring at 1 3/4 inches thick.

8. Cut four center wands.

Assemble the Shutters

1. Glue one peg on each end of the louvers.

2. Measure 25 even spaces along the side panel frames for the peg holes.

3. Drill holes the size of the pegs.

4. Insert the louvers into the side panel frames.

5. Glue the top panel frame pieces to the side pieces.

6. Use a staple gun to attach the center wands to the center of the louvers in each panel.

7. Add magnetic catches to the panels. Attach them to the top and bottom corners of each panel (two per panel) with screws.

References

• All About Shutters