How Do I Build Wood Slats to Look Like Exterior Shutters?

Vertical slat shutters look best on Mediterranean-style homes.

Wood slat shutters, sometimes called "board and batten" shutters, are not particularly difficult to fabricate. Furring strips make good board and batten shutter slats and are inexpensive. An advantage of vertical wood slat shutters is that you only have to measure the height of each window you want to shutter, as board and batten shutters should be approximately the same height as the window. Note that the shutters described here are for decoration only and are not intended as functional shutters. Instructions and items listed are for one pair of wood slat shutters, unless otherwise noted.

Things You'll Need

• 8 furring strip slats, 1 inch by 4 inches by the height of the window
• 2 furring strip braces, 1 inch by 4 inches by the desired width of the shutter width
• 32 drywall or deck screws, 1 1/4 inches
• 8 drywall or deck screws, 2 1/2 to 3 inches
• 1 or 2 sheets sandpaper, medium and fine grit
• 1/2 quart exterior grade finish (stain, paint, urethane or other)
• 1 paint brush, 2 inch
• Power drill, with drill and screwdriver bits
• Power saw
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Clamps
• Hammer
• Ladder

Instructions

Preparation

1. 

   Keep your workspace orderly as you gather, cut and group materials.

   Gather your lumber, tools and other materials needed to build all your shutters. If your shutters are all the same size, cut the slats and braces for one shutter of each size, then use those pieces as templates for the others.

2. 

   Neatly stack and label your cut and grouped materials.

   Cut and group all the vertical slats and horizontal braces. Label the materials if you are building shutters of various sizes so you won't lose track.

3. 

   Use drywall or deck screws for assembly and installation.

   Construct one complete shutter of each size to act as a template or guide for assembling others of the same sizes. This will save you lots of time and effort. Follow instructions here for assembly of all shutters.

   Each shutter takes four vertical slats spaced approximately 1/2 inch apart, plus two horizontal braces on the back sides of the vertical slats placed approximately 6 inches from the top and bottom of the slats. Use 1 1/4 inch drywall or deck screws to assemble. Put one screw through each slat front into the braces, then flip the shutter over and put one screw through the braces at each vertical slat location. You will need a total of 16 screws for each shutter.

Construction and Installation

1. 

   Allow 1/2 inch between vertical slats for aesthetics.

   Using your single shutter samples as guides, complete the assembly of all your shutters as follows:

   Place vertical slats atop the sample shutter slats, then place the horizontal braces across the slats and lined up with the braces of your sample. This orients the shutter upside-down atop your sample, but since these are symmetrical, it works well. Use 1 1/4 inch drywall or deck screws to attach the horizontal braces to the vertical slats (one screw per connection point), then flip the shutter over and install screws from the front side.

2. 

   Power sanding tools make wood finishing much easier.

   Repeat the assembly process until all your shutters are assembled, stacking by size. Use a power sander with medium-grit sandpaper to remove rough edges. Smooth all surfaces to prepare for whatever exterior finish you choose.

3. 

   Allow finish to thoroughly dry before attempting to install shutters.

   Apply stain, paint, urethane or other exterior finish to all your assembled and sanded shutters. Be sure to cover all surfaces, edges and end-grains to ensure the wood is well sealed and protected. Apply at least two coats for best results, lightly sanding between coats. Allow at least 24 hours for drying.

4. 

   Get some help to install your shutters.

   Install shutters using 2 1/2 to 3 inch drywall or deck screws. Allow approximately 3/4 inch between window frames and edges of shutters. Screw through at the horizontal brace locations for best structural attachment to the house. Get some assistance when installing shutters to prevent risk of injury or other damage.

Tips & Warnings

• Create an adjustable shutter-jig for help in assembling shutters.

• These shutters are for decoration only, not for functional purposes.

• Follow manufacturers' guidelines for handling, cutting, installing, using and maintaining materials, tools, products and equipment.

• Use appropriate safety equipment and personal protective clothing and gear.

• Use ladders and other equipment safely.

• Get help with heavy and awkward tasks.

References

• All About Shutters: How to Build Shutters for Exterior Windows