As we continue to update our home, I’m sharing with you today how I built my wood shutters for the exterior of my home for practically free. And I think they look amazing! With the prices of lumber these days, I do what I can to save money, which makes me happy happy, and I’ll be using the money I saved to do other DIY home projects. I have a long list! 🙂 Here’s how I did it.
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SUPPLY LIST:
- treated lumber (decking) 1X6 boards
- chop saw
- wood sander (SurfPrep)
- drill
- wood decking screws
- Gator Hide (water repellant clear topcoat)
How To DIY Wood Shutters For Your Home
I built my wood shutters using repurposed pressure-treated decking we had saved from another project. This is one time being a self-proclaimed hoarder of scrap wood isn’t such a bad thing after all.
If you’re making shutters for the exterior of your home, chemically treated lumber is a good choice. This wood will resist rot and performs well over time.
STEP 1
First, measure the window you want to apply shutters to and cut 3 boards the same size as the length of the window for each side.
STEP 2
Because the wood had been exposed to the elements, I sanded them all down to clean and smooth them up. It also helps to remove that grayish color that appears over time. That gray color that you see on weathered wood, it’s actually mold on the wood.
You should always take special precautions when working with chemically treated lumber, especially if you’re going to be sanding it down. Take it outdoors or wear a mask if not in a well-ventilated area. Protect those lungs!
Looking for the best wood sanding tool? SurfPrep Sanding System
Layout The Wood Shutters
STEP 3
Layout your wood on a flat surface and make sure all your cuts are correct. I like doing this… it’s kind of like a dry run, and I can catch any mistakes before I get too far into my project. You know, the point of no return. 😏
You’re also going to need 2 cross pieces. These will be used to secure the boards together. This is almost too simple, but it’s the way I like it!
Predrill Holes
STEP 4
Next, you’re going to predrill holes for the wood screws before you attach the cross pieces to the wood shutters. This is particularly important as this will keep your repurposed lumber (if it’s dry) from cracking or splitting. But only drill holes in the top cross pieces. The drill bit I use is a size smaller than the wood screws. This will allow for a snug fit when the screws are drilled into the board.
Attaching The Cross Pieces Of The Wood Shutters
STEP 5
Line your cross pieces up equally on both ends of the wood shutters and secure them together with wood screws.
Preserving Natural Finish On WoodShutters
Pressure-treated lumber has been treated with chemical preservatives to prevent rot and insect damage. While the chemical in the wood gives it some protection, it doesn’t prevent moisture from seeping into the wood, which will cause it to have a weathered gray look after a few years, and I want to preserve the natural wood beauty. Here’s what I did.
STEP 6
Apply 3 thin coats of Gator Hide (water repellant clear topcoat) to protect the wood from moisture.
I’ve done a few outdoor wood projects using this topcoat, and it works beautifully. It will need to be reapplied in a few years, but that’s no biggie if I can keep this natural wood look.
Gator Hide will somewhat darken the wood’s appearance, but I still love the outcome, and all that wood grain is still smiling at me.
The grass is starting to green up, but my shrubs had seen better days after the hard sub-zero Winter we had here in Texas. We lost a lot of plants. So we did a major overhaul with new landscaping. I think it’s a nice compliment to my new wood shutters.
Thanks for joining me today, and I hope the sun is shining where ever you are. Enjoy the outdoors and try some DIY to add some curb appeal to your home. You’ll be glad you did.
Until the next project… xo, Do
Just Beautiful! Thanks so much for this one, it’s on my Honey Do List now!
You’re welcome, Rosaland! 🙂
How did you attach shutters to
Brick exterior
Hi Sharon, we used concrete anchors and drilled into the mortar. It would be best if you didn’t drill directly into the brick. If, later on, you choose to change the shutters, you can always patch the holes.
Hi! Love the shutters – I was wondering what color your exterior doors are, including garage?
Hi Ashley,
The garage door is a faux wood finish. I do have a video tutorial in my private subscription. Also, the paint color we used is by Sherwin William called Mindful Gray. We painted our front door black, but I can’t recall what we used. I hope this helps. You can learn more here about subscribing for more video tutorials.
Thanks for reading, and I hope to hear from you again. 🙂 xo
I almost forgot. You can join me here and get 7 days to try it for free. https://www.dododsondesigns.com/join/
Hello, wondering what color you painted your brick!
Hi Brittiny! The color is Mindful Gray by Sherwin Williams. It appears white outside but I also used the same color inside my home. I love it. 🙂
Hello, I was wondering what color the stain you used on shutters?
Hi Cristy,
I used a clear waterproof topcoat. It did darken the wood a bit but gave it a beautiful rich tone. I love it! But you most certainly could add an oil based stain. Wishing you all the best with your project. 🙂
You mentioned drilling into the mortar to hang them. Is there something that attaches to the back of the shutter to hang on the screw? Or does drill in from the front of the shutters?
Hi Kristie,
Yes, we drilled through the fronts of the shutters. I used the same stain to cover the screws to make them less noticeable. I hope this helps. 🙂
Love the look! What color did you paint your bricks?
Thank you! The color is Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray and the trim is Snow Bound. 🙂
How thick is each piece of wood?
Hi Katie,
These were old treated pieces of decking. Probably about 1 inch. Maybe a bit less.
We have moved from that house or I would just step outside and measure them. I hope this helps. 🙂
Thank you
Lost the love of my life 2 months ago and have been doing long neglected updates. House painting done so wanted something to break up all of that Gray! These are perfect! I know my winter project…Thank you
Oh Ellise, I’m so very sorry for your profound loss. As I age I fear this the most. Giving you a big ole virtual hug from Texas.
DIY is a great therapy and renewing your home can really help you focus and heal. It has saved me more than once. Best wishes on your journey until you meet with the love of your life once again.