How to Hang Exterior Window Shutters

Properly hung shutters add an elegant touch to a home's exterior.

Wood shutters are installed with a hinge that slides onto a vertically oriented metal post called a pintle. Although many shutters are simply screwed to the exterior siding, a correctly installed shutter is hinged in the center of the window casing. The shutter is held open by a tab called a shutter dog. Shutters can be closed using a handle called a shutter pull and latched with a wide variety of latches from simple to ornate. Exterior window shutters can be installed with basic tools and a weekend of labor.

Things You'll Need

• 2 shutters to fit a selected window
• Tape measure
• 4 strap hinges, with screws
• Screw gun
• 4 pintles
• 2 shutter dogs
• Latch set, with screws
• 2 shutter pulls, with screws

Instructions

1. Lay the shutters flat with the exterior side facing up on a work surface. Center the strap hinges on the top and bottom rails on the outside edges of the shutters. Arrange the hinges so there is a left and right shutter.

2. Drive the provided screws through the holes in the hinges into the top and bottom rails.

3. Fit the shutters on the side casing of the window so they are centered and match in the center. Mark the hinge locations onto the casing with a pencil.

4. Screw the pintles into the marked locations on the side casing. The hinge slides onto the pintle.

5. Hang the hinges onto the pintles. Swing the shutters open so they rest against the exterior siding. Screw a shutter dog on the outside stiles of the shutters. Shutter dogs are typically positioned anywhere from 6 to 12 inches up from the bottom rail. Base the location on your personal preference based on the appearance. The shutter dog holds the shutters in place while open.

6. Close the shutters. Center the latch set on the interior of the shutters where the side rails join together. Fasten the latch in place.

7. Screw the shutter pulls on the center side rails from the interior side. Position them at a convenient height within reach of the average person.

Tips & Warnings

• Select shutter hardware to match the existing hardware of your home's exterior such as door hardware and house numbers.

• Wear eye protection when working with wood.

References

• This Old House: How to Hang Exterior Shutters
• The Old House Guy: Exterior Shutters Can Ruin the Appearance of Your Home

Resources

• Bob Vila: Hanging New Shutters on a Modern Colonial