DIY Installation

DIY Exterior Shutter Installation

We provide full turn-key service to measure, design, build, finish and install your exterior shutters, but for those of you who love a DIY project, this is a perfect way to save a little money. We will build the shutters to your specifications and deliver them to you ready to be installed. And if you need more help, as always, we are only a click or a phone call away!

Bahama Shutter Installation

With the Sliding Hinge

Install the top hinge to the wall over the opening using the correct fasteners for the wall type you are mounting to. Make sure hinge is centered over the opening and level.
Insert the top hinge portion of the shutter panel into the female opening of the Bahama hinge that you just attached to the wall. Slide the Bahama shutter until it is centered over the window and in the hinge
Install the Bahama stay mount onto the back side of the Bahama shutter panel.
Move the stays into the desired position on the wall, then attach the sill mounts to the house.

Traditional Shutter Installation

Direct Mount

With direct mount installation, the shutters are mounted directly to the exterior surface.
Fasteners can be installed on the face or inserted into a crevice on the design of the exterior shutter.
Screws can be hidden with filler and touch up paint.

Dummy Mount

With dummy mount installation you have the look of functional shutters but with reduced hardware cost.
The shutters are direct mounted to the house (see direct mount above).
“Dummy” or “Faux” hinge fronts are applied to the face.
You may also add optional shutter dogs or latches for aesthetic value.

Authentic Mount

With authentic mount installation, shutters are installed with actual hinges that can open, close and swing out from the house for cleaning.
Most people like this look but do not plan to ever close the shutters over the windows.
Bolt latches are required if the shutters are actually going to be closed over the windows. Otherwise bolt latches and ring pulls are decorative options.
Shutter dogs are required to keep the shutters open against the house.
If shutters are going to be closed over the windows, it requires smaller measurements for them to fit inside the opening.
Generally, authentic mount shutters will swing but not fit to close over the glass.

Still have questions?

Here’s some related information:

General Information

Exterior shutters, unlike interior shutters, are made to be seen from one side. There is a front and a back…only the front is meant to be displayed. Even when they are made to close, they do not look the same from both sides. Understand, many people want “functional” shutters, yet never intend to close them over their windows. They are looking for the authentic look, they want to be able to easily clean or paint behind them, or close them briefly for a storm, but not close them for an extended time frame. If they need to look the same from the front and the back, this is a Special Order and needs to be noted up front to see if it can be done for the style you are requesting and for correct pricing and correct manufacturing.
Because they are only made to be displayed from the front, all manufacturing necessities are done from the back. For paneled shutters, the frames are different on the back, made to hold the panels in place. All fasteners enter through the back, and often the finish on the back does not look the same as the front. Fastener holes will show on the back. You can fill the fastener holes on the back with filler and use the provided touch up paint to cover that if you feel it is necessary…on 99% of orders, this is never deemed necessary.
Exterior shutters are to be inspected from 6 feet away. This is the industry standard. You will find most shutters are usually seen at far greater distances (from the road, the driveway, across the yard) and that 6 feet is considered a “close up” inspection with this product line. Many people will inspect with a magnifying glass at installation, kindly remember that the inspection should be done, after installation, at 6 feet away.
Exterior paint finishes do not look the same as interior paint finishes. This is true for painted exterior trim, painted exterior houses, and painted exterior shutters…it does not look like interior painted surfaces. It is never going to be as smooth and flawless as interior finishing is. And, the finish needs 30 days to cure. Sometimes there appears to be a difference in the sheen if held in the right light…this almost has a “streaking” effect. Do not be concerned. This is part of the paint curing process and the sheen will unify as it cures over approximately 30 days. No finishes have any warranty. You should expect to repaint wood or wood composite shutters for fading, cracking or peeling every 5- 10 years. Powdercoat finishes are extremely durable under normal weather conditions. Pitting, peeling and cracking will be accelerated under coastal salt conditions.
Touch up paint is necessary for any scuffing that may occur during transportation or during the installation process itself. Unfortunately, no matter how well we protect them or try to prevent this, on occasion some touch up may be necessary. Usually the installer takes care of any touch up after installing the shutters and dusting them off. When you let it dry, you cannot tell where the touch up has been applied from six feet away. If there is any sheen difference, again a 30 day cure time will unify it.
Exterior shutters are often made up of individual components. Everything is fully primed and finished, but where these components meet, there will be a witness line in the paint and seams in the corners where the individual pieces meet together.
Read the details for each shutter style and the shutter materials before you order. You will find detailed specifications for each shutter on our website so you know exactly what you are getting. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
Note that all Everwood Shutters 32″ or greater require a center hinge. When direct mounted, it must be fastened at the top, bottom and center of the shutter panel on each side. The nature of the material requires it to be installed with good support. This prevents bowing of the material. We recommend the shutters be stored flat prior to installation. If any bowing of the material is noted, it will straighten out and hang perfectly when installed properly. A center hinge or fastener after installation will quickly straighten out any panel that needs it.
All shutters ordered with the intent of being closed or mounted into a fixed area need to be ordered 1/4″ – 1/2″ smaller in width and height than the opening measures in order to close properly or fit into a fixed area.