DIY, or Do-It-Yourself, shutters have been popular for many years. At one time DIY shutters were available in almost every lumberyard, hardware store, and home improvement store. Now, the internet is the best source for interior DIY shutters.
DIY shutters are interior shutter panels made
in fixed, stock, or standard sizes which the homeowner fits,
finishes, and assembles into shutter units. The components (stiles,
rails, louvers, and tilt-bar)
are already assembled into panels, but may need to be cut down
to fit the window opening. Do-It-Yourself shutters are are a
cost effective, yet more labor intensive, way to improve the
quality and value of your house interior. Homeowners on a budget can find both plantation and traditional style stock size shutter
panels on the internet, which can generally be shipped quickly
to your home. Ordering pre-made shutters is a much better alternative to building shutters from scratch.
DIY shutters are usually sold wholesale as individual budget plantation or traditional style panels. Synthetic materials make poor do-it-yourself shutters because they can not be trimmed to size. Plastic, vinyl, or poly shutters generally have internal components that are necessary for the shutter to work properly, or they are hollow. Wood shutters, however, usually can have as much as an inch trimmed from all sides.
To determine the shutter panel sizes necessary to fit your window, first measure the width. Next divide the width by the desired number of panels across you plan to use in the window. The resulting number is the approximate panel width you need to use. It may be necessary to round the panel size up, so you then can trim the panel to the exact size. You should figure about 1/4" clearance to allow for hinges and for the shutter panels to close. You may not have the window depth to be able to mount to the inside of the window opening. The DIY shutter supplier should supply hang strips to allow you to mount the shutters to the outside of the window opening.
Shutter Tip:
When buying stock size shutters, make sure they are made to be cut down. They should have slightly wider side stiles and taller top and bottom rails. If the shutters use narrow components, trimming, rabbeting side stiles, or mortising for hinges may compromise the integrity of the shutter.
Measure the height of the window and order the closest panel size. Again, you may need to order a larger DIY panel and trim to fit the window. Again, figure about 1/4" for clearance for the inside of the window. If you want cafe DIY shutters, order the closest panel height.
Shutter hardware is generally sold separately. You will need hinges, and possibly magnets to keep the do-it-yourself shutter unit closed.
Good luck on your next do-it-yourself shutter project.
View sources for interior and exterior shutters.
