How Much Do Plantation Shutters Cost?

Average Cost of Plantation Shutters

The average cost to install plantation shutters in your home is $2,350 with most homeowners spending between $1,450 to $3,360 depending on the size of each window and the materials selected. Wood shutters cost $200 to $350 per window, while faux or composite shutters cost between $70 and $260 per window.

Plantation shutters originated in the South, helping to keep the heat out of the big plantation homes before air conditioning was even invented. Today, interior plantation shutters offer an elegant look, while still directing airflow and deflecting heat.

Table of Contents

1. Average Cost of Plantation Shutters
2. Plantations Shutters Cost Calculator
• Plantation Shutter Prices
• Cost To Install
• DIY Plantation Shutters
3. Faux Wood Shutters vs. Wood Shutters
• Wood
• Faux Wood or Composite
4. Pros and Cons of Plantation Shutters
• Pros
• Cons
5. Kits & Materials Needed to Install
6. Frequently Asked Questions
• Do Plantation Shutters Add Value?
• Are Plantation Shutters Worth It?
7. Best Plantation Shutter Brands
8. Shutter Installation Companies Near Me

Plantations Shutters Cost Calculator

New window shutter prices are mostly dictated by size and materials, with custom and handmade shutters fetching more. Below is our cost estimator which gives average pricing for each size window.

Plantation Shutter Prices

Plantation shutter prices range from $145 to $347 per window depending on the size and material chosen. Wood shutters cost $200 to $350 per window, faux or composite shutters cost between $70 and $260, and PVC or vinyl shutters cost $100 to $300 per window. Overall, plantation shutters cost $20 to $45 per square foot to install.

Cost To Install Plantation Shutters

The cost to install plantation shutters is $20 to $45 per square foot with most homeowners spending $100 to $200 for a professional to install a pair. Labor costs depend on your location and the contractor's overhead and workload.

Contractors typically have access to pricing and discounts not available in home improvement stores like Lowe's or Home Depot. The cost for a handyman or window treatment professional to install a pair of plantation shutters is:

• Wood: $250–$300
• Vinyl or PVC: $91–$131
• Faux or Composite Wood: $156–$181

Installing interior shutters is not necessarily a straightforward process, and you’ll have to take many measurements to ensure the right fit to your windows. Detailed instructions come with the shutters, as they need to be leveled and anchored. Sometimes a wood frame is required, depending on the type of installation.

Plantation shutters can be installed inside the window frame or outside in about 45 minutes, but it takes additional time for a pre-visit to measure the windows, and it can take two workers when working with heavier shutters.

DIY Plantation Shutters

When purchasing and installing plantation shutters yourself, you'll save around $100 per window on labor or more if the handyman has a minimum fee for work and travel costs.

Shutters are typically sold on a square foot basis. To calculate the square footage of each window, start by multiplying the width of the window by the height, then dividing by 144 to get the total square feet. In addition to the cost of the shutters (see table above), you’ll likely need screws, hinges, shim, magnets/catches, bolts or closures, and caulk, coming to approx. $30 (although a hurricane storm lock can cost about $50).

If you have some experience with household DIY projects, become well-acquainted with the installation instructions that come with your shutters, and make sure you have the proper tools and supplies before starting. Plantation shutters can be heavy, and they are installed to be a permanent part of your home's interior, so they need to be installed properly.

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Faux Wood Shutters vs. Wood Shutters

Faux wood costs approximately half of what it would cost to buy real wood shutters. A 30 x 40 pair of basswood plantation shutters will cost $307 uninstalled, while a pair of faux wood shutters for a window 30 x 40 will cost $145 installed. However, there’s more to consider than the cost when purchasing for long-term use.

Wood Plantation Shutters Cost

Wood plantation shutters typically cost $200 to $350 per window with prices ranging from $177 to $540 per window depending on the size. A pair of shutters for a window measuring 23 x 32 in golden oak will cost $92 installed. Mahogany shutters for a window 35 x 54 will cost $228 installed.

For many years, plantation shutters were made from wood only. Wood shutters are preferably made of basswood—the gold standard of plantation shutters. Basswood is a hardwood that is very lightweight and straight, with a fine texture and a very subtle grain. It sands to a fine finish and is suitable for painting or staining. It is also a renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly option. While costly, it will last for many years without warping or becoming brittle.

Faux Wood Plantation Shutters Cost

Faux Wood Shutters, or composite woods, are an affordable shutter option to real wood. Faux Wood plantation shutters typically cost $70 to $260 per window with prices ranging from $39 to $255 per window depending on the size.

Faux wood is made from wood composites harvested from managed forests, making them eco-friendly. The small amount of composite wood is then wrapped with a very hard finish. The result is strong, durable, and lightweight. They are also more affordable than real wood shutters, and they look very much like real wood.

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Pros and Cons of Plantation Shutters

Advantages

• Décor – The look of plantation shutters goes with nearly any existing décor, from cottage to traditional. They are available in a variety of wood finishes and paint colors.
• Allergies – Cloth drapes and curtains can collect dust and pollen, creating an allergy problem, while plantation shutters have wider slats than blinds, making them easier to dust and clean.
• Privacy – Closing the shutters all the way offers complete privacy. Also, the shutters can be adjusted to a right angle with a hidden tilt rod to allow you to see out, but preventing people outside from seeing in.
• Insulation – By closing the shutters, you will create a barrier to heat or cold which will save you money on your energy bills.
• Safety and ease of use – They have no strings hanging from them (like blinds) and are safer for children, babies, or pets who may get tangled in those strings. You will also no longer have to struggle with those strings, trying to get a level blind line in your window. The plantation shutters are fixed in position and can open to any angle.
• Return on investment – They add value to your home. They look good from the outside, adding curb appeal. They are permanently affixed to the window frame, becoming part of your home. While you may not be able to add dollars to the selling price of your home, potential buyers are more likely to purchase your home when they see the plantation shutters already installed.
• Quiet airflow – By opening the window behind the plantation shutters, you can adjust the slats to create airflow where you want it. If you do this with blinds, the blinds will blow and rattle. The plantation shutters will not move or make any noise.
• Durability – Plantation shutters are far more durable than vinyl blinds and can withstand interference from pets and children alike.

Disadvantages

• Price – The initial investment is the most significant disadvantage.
• Window type – Interior shutters don’t work for every kind of window. For example, tilt-in windows will not work with plantation shutters. You would have to leave the shutters open to operate the windows, which would negate their presence.
• Delivery time – Once you order custom shutters, it can take 6-8 weeks before they arrive at your home. If you opt for mini-blinds, you can bring those home the same day.
• Décor – They are not a soft part of the décor, such as fabric drapes.
• Light blocking – They don’t completely block out the light. If you need blackout conditions, you’ll need a blackout curtain.
• Cleaning – You can’t remove them to clean; they must be cleaned where they sit.

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Plantation Shutter Kits & Materials Needed to Install

Some manufacturers will sell a shutter kit which contains the shutters and all the hardware needed, like Shutter Shack’s 2 ¼” shutter kit with 25” x 36” shutters for $143. If you don’t get a kit,

• You’ll need screws to attach them to the window frame and hinges that will allow you to open and close them. A pack of 32 vinyl screws costs about $15. Many times the shutters will already come with hinges, but you can get a reversible hinge for about $5.
• End and side brackets plus wall anchors cost about $20 per kit.
• You may also need shims—washers or strips to help the shutters fit. A shim will square up the area, and the shutters will hang better. Shims come in a variety of material options, costing $0.50–$2.50 each.
• The shutters are held closed with magnets or holders, and magnets are usually included when the shutters arrive. Decorative holders and hinges can cost $14 for a full vinyl set or $15 for two galvanized iron holders.
• Some silicon caulking between the window frame and the plantation shutter will finish off the installation professionally. The caulking will cover the view of any shims used, and any gaps that might be showing, and costs about $5/container.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Plantation Shutters Add Value To A Home?

Yes, plantation shutters add value to your home because they are permanently affixed to the window frame, becoming part of your home. They look good from the outside, adding curb appeal. Potential buyers are more likely to purchase your home when they see the plantation shutters already installed.

Are Plantation Shutters Worth It?

Plantation shutters are worth it because they offer an elegant look, and are energy-efficient by directing airflow and deflecting heat. Plantation shutters are durable, add extra privacy, and are easier to clean compared to curtains or blinds. Also, they can add value to your home.

How do I know plantation shutters will look good in my house?

Do some research to find the company you want to order from, but before you order plantation shutters, order samples of the ones you think you’d like. Samples are usually only a few dollars each and will give you a visual as to how the construction and design will look on your windows.

Are shutters made from basswood hard to find?

Basswood shutters aren’t hard to find. Most reputable window treatment companies will carry a few lines of plantation shutters made from basswood.

With so many companies selling shutters, how do I know which one is good?

Be sure to schedule a free in-home consultation with multiple companies. Also, search online reviews and testimonials. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are many complaints against the company. If it’s a local company, ask around.

Do my plantation shutters have to be custom built?

Plantation shutters do not have to be custom built. You can purchase them in readymade sizes, but if you want a quality window coverings, custom is best. Even though a window may be a standard size, it doesn’t mean the plantation shutters made for that size window will fit properly. Many times sizes are rounded off, and the actual size of the window can be off from 1/8” to 1”. Windows should be measured correctly before ordering. The company you purchase from will help you measure your windows accurately.

Isn’t the faux wood just about the same as real wood?

Faux wood is fake wood. It’s made from plastic or synthetic material and is cheaper because of it. Real wood shutters are more expensive, but they can last a lifetime, whereas faux wood shutters will tend to sag over the years. They are also a relatively new product in the plantation shutters category, so no one knows what they will look like in 20–30 years, and they are made from nonrenewable resources.

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Best Plantation Shutter Brands

The most popular brands of plantation shutters to buy are:

• Hunter Douglas – carries three lines of plantation shutters. One is real wood; one is a polysatin compound, which is a resin product; and the last is a hybrid made from real wood and modern materials.
• Levolor – makes custom shutters from their own faux wood product. They are waterproof, microbial, and fungal resistant; making them perfect for areas near water use, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
• Graber – makes real wood shutters from basswood, and they have a line of composite shutters that are excellent in high humidity.

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