Window shutters (also known as “plantation shutters,” “estate shutters” and “louvers”) give a finished and professional look to a room. They also allow easy airflow, customized lighting, and energy savings in cold and warm climates. As with any home improvement project, it’s important to consider costs before diving in. If you are wondering how much window shutters cost, we have the details.
Looking to install plantation shutters on your home? Check out the window contractors below and get a free quote for window installation.
How Much Do Plantation Shutters Cost?
The average window shutter cost for homeowners in the United States is around $2,400 (or $200 to $400 per panel). This, of course, will depend on the labor costs in your area, as well as the window size and materials that you choose. Some homeowners use interior shutters in certain rooms of the house but not in all rooms.
Wood Shutters Cost
Wood plantation shutters are the most common type of plantation shutters. Wood shutters tend to have a long life span, especially on the home’s interior. The wood shutters can be painted or stained. Real wood will range from around $70 per panel to more than $400.
Vinyl/PVC Shutters Cost
The vinyl or PVC shutters will be great for longevity; they also make a good option for those with kids or pets who are worried about damage to wood shutters over time. The Vinyl or PVC shutters start at around $150 and go to more than $400 based on the size of the window frame and the design of the shutter itself.
Faux or Composite Shutters Cost
The faux wood shutters or composite plantation shutters tend to range from around $100 per panel to more than $400 per panel. Faux or composite shutters for a door can increase to more than $1,000 depending on the plantation shutter installation and the size of the door.
How Can You Calculate the Cost to Install Window Shutters?
There are several online calculators and guides that you can use to determine the cost of installing window shutters. The key is to remember that these will likely require professional installation if you want them to be long-lasting; this will significantly play into the total price.
We did a calculation on some windows for a home in Savannah, GA. Using the HomeWyse fair cost guide calculator, we found a wide range in plantation shutter prices, and it is mainly tied to labor costs.
Sample Window Shutter Cost (Savannah, GA)
| Window Sizes | 4 (36 x 48) 2 (42”x72”) 1 (48”x60”) |
| Material | Low ($3,230) High ($3,970) |
| Labor | Low ($362) High ($1,118) |
| Supplies | Low ($48) High ($55) |
| Total | Low ($3,640) High ($5,143) |
The Cost of Plantation Shutters
The two most significant factors when looking at the cost of the plantation shutters themselves are the material and the size. The larger the window coverings you need, the more you will pay.
Material
The cheapest materials for the plantation shutters seem to be wood or faux wood. When you get your cost estimate, it’s important to remember that not all wood is the same. If you are looking for something with high levels of functionality and longevity, a premium wood like basswood is probably a better choice.
Size
Plantation shutters can get quite large and will even be large enough to cover doors and not just windows. Some living rooms or family rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, and finding plantation shutters for this could mean that you are looking at custom shutters. Custom shutters will be more than $400 per panel, depending on the size of the window and the design of the slats and opening.
Shutters Installation Cost
The installation costs will be largely dependent on where you live. Areas of New York City have high labor costs simply because it’s hard to even get to these areas for installation. Some rural areas will keep labor pricing down.
When we looked at total labor costs for in-home installation of plantation shutters, we saw pricing that was anywhere from $40 an hour to more than $250 an hour. When getting your quote from a local retailer or even Home Depot, get an estimate on how long the project will take.
DIY Shutter Installation
We love a good DIY project as much as anyone else. If you are good with basic carpentry, know how to measure, and have an extra set of hands to help you in the process, DIY shutter installation is certainly possible.
Expect a DIY installation to save you more than $1,000 on a project of five or more plantation shutters. For an entire home installation, you could save $3,000 or more.
Additional Cost Considerations
As we all know, when it comes to home projects, unforeseen issues always come up. Sometimes when installing the plantation shutters, you will find damage near the windows, need extra trim to install them properly, or run into wood rot on the existing windows.
Since this can happen to anyone, we highly recommend putting a few hundred dollars into the budget to cover any of these extra costs.
Custom vs. Store-Bought
Custom plantation shutters cost considerably more than store-bought shutters. When you look at a cost calculator for custom shutters, the costs can sometimes double. Many homeowners have no choice but to do custom because their windows are custom. However, most homes should be able to make stock shutters work.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Installing Plantation Shutters
Some homeowners love the look of the plantation shutters and find them very energy efficient. Other homeowners find that window blinds are a better solution for your home. Before investing in shutters, here are the things to consider to ensure you are getting something that will work for your home.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Temperature control in warmer climates will help keep the total energy bill down
- Manipulation of light is straightforward but can be quite dark when necessary
- Return on investment, this is a feature that will increase the value of your home
- Durable and professional finished look
- Plantation shutters can increase curb appeal
Cons
- It can be more expensive than many blinds and shades
- Professional installation is recommended, and this can be costly
- Will lose some visibility out of the main windows
Shutters vs. Blinds and Shades: Which is Cheaper?
We researched the cost of shutters, blinds, and shades for the same home. Many websites claim that shutters are the most expensive, followed by blinds and shades.
However, there is so much variation in each of these three window coverings that it is really impossible to say which is the cheapest. This all depends on what you choose.
Of course, a cheap rolldown shade will be less expensive than a plantation shutter. However, a motorized shade with room-darkening effects made for a custom window will be much higher than a plantation shutter.
If you are on a strict budget and need to find something cheap, shades are probably your best bet. Shutters tend to be one of the best choices for longevity and durability.
Final Thoughts: Are Plantation Shutters Worth It?
Plantation shutters are worth it. They give a professional and complete look to a home and are relatively affordable, considering the light and airflow control they give. Homeowners can save quite a bit of money ordering plantation shutters and installing them themselves, but this requires some basic DIY skills. Expect your total project to run in the $2,500 range for a complete plantation shutter install with basic material and closer to $6,000 for premium or custom plantation shutters.
Look for contractors in your area to start your shutter installation today.
FAQs About Window Shutters
Are window shutters still in style?
Window shutters are still in style; many homeowners are experimenting with color and style a bit more.
How do I save money on window shutters?
The easiest way to save money on window shutters is to install them yourself. This process takes some knowledge of home improvement, but it can be done and will save $1,000 or more.
Do shutters increase home value?
Shutters that are high quality and properly installed can help to increase home value. In addition, the shutters will look great as the home is showing and will allow for customized lighting to make the home look even more appealing.
How long do shutters last?
Plantation shutters should last more than 30 years. Some rooms of the home will not have the shutters opened or closed all that much, and that makes it even easier for them to last for years to come. Hinges on the shutters can be replaced if they rust over time.
Do shutters make a room look bigger?
Shutters do not make a room look bigger and sometimes can make it look a little smaller. Many homeowners are surprised to see how large the plantation shutters are and that they will extend a few inches from the window.
How much should I budget for shutters?
For a plantation shutter project that will handle all of the windows in your home, we recommend budgeting between $2,000 and $4,000.
