How to Install Exterior Shutters

Before you start: louvered shutters go on so the louvers face away from the house when the shutters are closed. That is what sheds the rain.

1. 1Pair and position the shutters

   Pick the pair for each window and set them beside it on saw horses to confirm the match. Lay the two shutters face down, side by side, ready for the hinges.

   

2. 2Mount the hinges

   Decide the offset first: the hinge offset plus the pintle offset has to clear your trim or brick mould. Set a hinge at the top and bottom of each shutter, flush with the outside edge. Drill 1/8" pilot holes and take care not to drill through the shutter.

   Shop hinges and pintles

   

3. 3Fit the holdback clips

   Install the upper holdback clip 1" from the top, centered on the stile. Shutters over 58" tall take two sets of acorns; install the second the same way.

   

4. 4Add the slide bolt and pull ring

   Turn the shutters over. Line the slide bolt up with the shutter edge, pre-drill a 1/8" pilot (again, not all the way through) and screw it on. The shutters are now ready to hang.

   Shop slide bolts · Pull rings

   

5. 5Position the shutter in the opening

   Set the shutter in the window opening with equal space between shutter and wall on each side and between the two shutters, so they swing freely. Mark and mount the pintles. On brick you will drill into the mortar or the brick itself.

   

6. 6Set the acorn anchor

   Swing the shutter open flat against the wall. Mark the center of the holdback clip on the wall and install the acorn anchor there.

   

7. 7Install the holdback and latch

   Fit the S holdback; the shutter now rests open on the acorn. Position the latch, mark for screws and fasten it to the wall 1-1/2" below the shutter and 1-3/4" from the outside edge. On siding, use a post mount or sill mount instead.