Home centers sell many exterior shutters in stock sizes, but if you want them to be movable and fit snugly in the window opening, they have to be custom-made to your specifications. You will need to order three to six weeks in advance. Many manufacturers have online catalogs and will talk you through choosing a style appropriate to your house. Look for models made from rot-resistant wood, such as mahogany or cedar, with strong ?pegged? mortise-and-tenon joints. If you plan to paint the shutters, order them primed.

Ask for recommendations on period-appropriate hardware for the shutters you?ve chosen, beginning with hinges. Beware, though:Some hinges require chiseling out mortises on the shutters and casing. Depending on the detail of the trim around the window, you may also have to decide between hinges that rest on the casing or just outside it. So make sure you and the manufacturer?s rep both understand the layout of your window casings. If you?ll be attaching hardware to masonry, ask for masonry fasteners.

or other latching hardware to hold the shutters open. Shutter dogs are traditional, but simpler catches, spring latches, or hooks and staples are also available.

To help you grab the shutters from inside and lock them when shut.

to protect the vulnerable top edge of the shutters from the elements (optional).

To attach the capping to the top of the shutter.