Disclaimer: This type of window treatment has historically been known as “plantation shutters.” However, we acknowledge that this term and its historical context is problematic, so we will refer to them as “estate shutters” throughout this article.
Large windows can be a home’s selling point, since they allow for natural light and ventilation. But in sunny, warm climates, windows also let in a great deal of heat. Window coverings called estate shutters are popular in the southern United States to boost curb appeal and keep homes cool. These are installed on the window frame’s interior and have louvered slats that allow airflow while blocking heat. The average cost of installing estate shutters is $70–$350* per window, which is pricier compared to vintage shutter options, but offers better temperature control.
Key Takeaways
- Estate shutters cost homeowners an average of $220 per window but can range from $70 to $350 depending on materials and window specifications.
- Installation pricing generally works out to $20 to $45 per square foot of window coverage, with larger windows requiring more materials and longer installation times.
- Vinyl is the most budget-friendly material option while real wood commands the highest prices, with composite and faux wood materials falling in between these price points.
*Cost data sourced from Angi, Home Advisor, and Home Depot.
What Factors Affect Shutter Windows Cost?
The price of installing estate shutters is largely determined by their size, number, and material.
Shutters are often priced by the square foot.
Larger windows require larger, pricier shutters.
Vinyl is generally the least expensive shutter material, whereas wood is the most expensive.
The more windows you want to cover, the more the project will cost.
Cost by Window Size
The larger the window, the more the shutter will cost. Larger window shutters require more materials and may take longer to install. The average price usually comes out to $20–$45 per square foot of window space.
Cost by Window Type
Shutter installation costs by type of window typically come down to window size, so estate shutters cost much more to install on a sliding glass door than on a small window. Here are some price ranges for common window types.
- Standard single- or double-hung windows: $120–$270
- Patio French doors: $640–$950
- Bay windows: $800
- Sliding glass doors: $860–$1,040
Cost by Shutter Material
Most estate shutters are made of vinyl, composite, faux wood, or real wood. We’ll discuss these materials in-depth later, but here are some price ranges from Home Depot.
- Vinyl/PVC: $20–$30 per square foot
- Composite: $25–$35 per square foot
- Faux wood: $30–$40 per square foot
- Real wood: $35–$45 per square foot
| Size of Window (by inches) | Square Feet | Vinyl/PVC | Composite | Faux Wood | Real Wood |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16×20 | 2.22 | $44.44–$66.66 | $55.55–$77.77 | $66.66–$88.88 | $77.77–$99.99 |
| 24×36 | 6 | $120–$180 | $150–$210 | $180–$240 | $210–$270 |
| 24×50 | 8.33 | $166.66–$249.99 | $208.33–$291.66 | $249.99–$333.32 | $291.66–$374.99 |
| 36×54 | 13.5 | $270–$405 | $337.50–$472.50 | $405–$540 | $472.50–$607.5 |
| 42×48 | 14 | $280–$420 | $350–$490 | $420–$560 | $490–$630 |
| 36×60 | 15 | $300–$450 | $375–$525 | $450–$600 | $525–$675 |
Why Material Matters for Long-Term Cost: On an Ask This Old House segment, the team examined a weathered wood shutter with peeling paint, opened joints, and makeshift repairs using “mending plates” and “a bunch of bolts.” The takeaway: wood shutters are “outside 24/7 and they take a beating,” which means factoring in maintenance costs over time. As one host explained, “there’s an awful lot of work in maintaining these shutters — you’ve got to scrape them and prime them and paint them.” If you’re comparing materials strictly on upfront price, wood may not look much more expensive than faux wood — but the lifetime cost gap widens considerably once you account for upkeep.
Pro Tip
- In a segment on Ask This Old House, the TOH team demonstrated that PVC shutters are “solid PVC” and “come painted from the factory,” so “you don’t have to worry about painting.” For a pair of PVC shutters, however, expect to pay significantly more than vinyl — as one TOH host noted, a PVC shutter with operable slats will “cost you about $400 a pair.” That zero-maintenance benefit comes at a premium, but it eliminates the ongoing cost of scraping, priming, and repainting that wood shutters demand.
Cost by Number of Windows
You may decide to add estate shutters to only one room—perhaps the living room or primary bedroom. The more windows you decide to cover, the more costly your project will be. You can typically expect to pay $1,350–$4,700 to install estate shutters in every window in a home. Here’s an approximate cost overview for installing composite shutters on 24-by-24-inch windows.
| Number of Windows | Price | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $150–$210 | $180 |
| 2 | $300–$420 | $360 |
| 3 | $450–$630 | $540 |
| 5 | $750–$1,050 | $900 |
| 10 | $1,500–$2,100 | $1,800 |
- From a TOH Project: On a This Old House project involving an old historical home, the team installed solid PVC shutters that come painted from the factory—eliminating the ongoing costs of scraping, priming, and repainting that traditional wood shutters demand. As TOH host Tom Silva noted, PVC composite shutters run about $400 a pair, making them a popular middle-ground option for homeowners who want the look of estate shutters without the maintenance expense.
Labor Cost
Window contractors typically charge $65–$100 per hour to install shutters, and each estate shutter takes approximately two hours to install. Large or custom shutters may take longer.
- Installation complexity — and therefore labor cost — also depends on how your shutters arrive. As TOH contractor Gordon explained on the show, shutters come in three configurations: hang-ready, paint-ready, and ready-to-assemble. Hang-ready shutters go up fastest, while ready-to-assemble panels require on-site gluing, clamping, cutting on a miter saw, drilling, and painting before they can even be mounted — all of which adds to your installer’s billable hours. As Gordon put it, choosing ready-to-assemble is partly “a price point” decision, since the lower material cost is offset by more labor on the job site.
Geographic Location
The price of shutters and professional installation will be higher in areas of the country where living costs are higher, such as New York City. Since these shutters are more popular in certain regions (notably the Southeast), they may be easier and cheaper to find and install in these locations.
Types of Estate Shutters
Shutter windows are most commonly broken down into types by the material they’re made of. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of each material
Vinyl Shutters
Vinyl shutters tend to be the least expensive. Vinyl is low-maintenance and easy to clean, and it stands up well to moisture and humidity. However, it can warp when exposed to constant heat, and it can’t be painted or refinished. PVC, a similar material to vinyl, has the same characteristics.
Composite Shutters
Composite shutters are made of wood fibers mixed with resin, making them more water-resistant than real wood. They’re slightly more expensive than vinyl, but they’re more durable. Unfortunately, they aren’t typically available in many colors or textures and cannot be painted.
Faux Wood Shutters
Faux wood shutters are also called engineered wood shutters. They usually have a hardwood core covered in layers of plywood and topped with a wood veneer. This replicates the look of real wood without the high maintenance.
Wood Shutters
Real wood shutters are the most expensive. These shutters are highly durable and can be painted or stained to your liking, but they’re susceptible to humidity and require a decent amount of cleaning and refinishing maintenance.
- Why Material Matters: On a This Old House project, the crew examined a neglected wood shutter that had been exposed to the elements—the paint was peeling off, the joints had opened up, and someone had tried to salvage it with mending plates and bolts. It’s a vivid reminder that whether shutters are used for aesthetics, storm protection, or shade, they’re outside 24/7 and take a beating, making your material choice critical to long-term performance.
What Are The Benefits of Installing Estate Shutters?
Here are some ways homeowners can benefit from estate shutters.
- Your home will be more energy-efficient, particularly in warmer months, because the amount of exterior heat entering the home is reduced.
- Installing estate shutters is less the cost of replacing windows entirely but brings some of the same energy savings.
- The shades’ louvers enhance privacy by allowing more control over the amount of light and visibility let in.
- Estate shutters increase your home’s value with a return on investment (ROI) of up to 75%.
- Shutters are easier to clean than curtains and other fabric window coverings, and they don’t collect dust or allergens.
- Although these are interior shutters, they still improve your home’s curb appeal.
DIY vs. Professional Estate Shutter Installation
Installing estate shutters may be a do-it-yourself (DIY) job, but there are also good reasons to consider professional installation.
DIY Estate Shutter Installation
If you’re an experienced DIYer, you may consider installing estate shutters yourself. Though you’ll save on labor costs, you’ll need to buy a number of extra materials to mount the shutters, including brackets, wall anchors, hinges, screws, and caulk. These materials may cost up to $50 per window if they aren’t included with the shutter. You’ll need to be careful that the shutters are properly aligned and balanced before attaching them to the wall. For external shutters, follow our step by step guide on hanging shutters.
- Measuring Matters: If you’re going the DIY route, precise measurements are critical. For working shutters, measure between the window’s side casings, divide by two, and subtract ½ inch for clearance to find each shutter’s width. For the height, measure between the head casing and sill and subtract ½ inch. According to TOH’s build guide, the cuts and assembly are straightforward, but custom-fitting shutters to your window openings leaves little margin for error.
Professional Estate Shutter Installation
In some cases, professional installation may be the better option, especially if you don’t have much DIY experience. These shutters are heavy and bulky, and installing them incorrectly may reduce their functionality and value. Professionals can do the job more quickly and efficiently than homeowners. Additionally, some contractors may be able to purchase materials at wholesale shutter prices that aren’t offered by most retailers.
Pro Tip
- TOH general contractor Tom Silva notes that positioning shutters so they sit correctly is where most homeowners run into difficulty. For functional shutters, there should only be a ¼-inch gap on all sides when closed, leaving little margin for error. If you’re not confident in your measuring skills, professional installation can prevent costly mistakes with custom-made shutters.
How To Save Money on Estate Shutters
Use the following tips to save money on your estate shutter project, even if you opt to hire a pro.
- If you love the look of wood but don’t have the budget for it, opt for composite or engineered wood, which are often indistinguishable from real wood at a distance.
- Balance budget with durability: Vinyl is the least expensive material, but it’s also the least durable.
- If you’re hiring a pro, see if they can order your shutters at a discount.
- Look for a good warranty, both on materials and workmanship.
- Get quotes from at least three contractors before hiring one.
How To Hire a Pro
Hiring a professional to install estate shutters is similar to hiring most types of home contractors. Here are some tips.
- Installing shutters doesn’t require special licensing, but it’s important to find a contractor who has specific experience with estate shutters.
- All contractors should be insured and bonded.
- Check the company’s Better Business Bureau page and reviews on sites such as Yelp and TrustPilot.
- Ask for references from satisfied customers.
- If you’re not sure what kind of estate shutters you want, ask about an in-home consultation.
- Ask about project specifics when getting a quote. Consider labor costs, workmanship warranties, and timelines.
Our Conclusion
Estate shutters can increase your home’s curb appeal and reduce your energy bills. They’re more expensive than other window treatment types, but most are quite long-lasting when properly installed. If you don’t feel comfortable doing the installation yourself, hire a professional for the best results.
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FAQs About Shutter Window Costs
How much does it cost to install window shutters?
Estate shutters cost $20–$45 per square foot of material, plus $65–$100 per hour for installation.
Are window shutters worth it?
Although shutters are expensive, they offer energy savings and increased curb appeal. Some retailers claim that estate shutters are the only window coverings that increase your home’s resale value.
Are shutters more expensive than blinds?
Yes, shutters are typically more expensive than blinds, but they also tend to last longer and keep out more heat.
Do shutters add value to a property?
The general consensus is that shutters increase a home’s value by increasing energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
What are the benefits of window shutters?
Here are some benefits of installing shutters:
- Aesthetic appeal
- Decreased cooling bills
- Increased home value
- Increased privacy and security
- Reduced light and noise
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