How to Install Interior Shutters

Installing Shutters Inside the Window Jamb

• 1

  Make sure your window is square. Measure the top corner to the opposite bottom corner on both sides. If it is the same, the window is square. If it there is more than a half an inch difference, your window is not square and you should move on to the second section of this article to install your shutters on the outside of the frame of the window.

• 2

  Make sure that your window jamb is deep enough for shutters. Measure the depth of the window jamb from the front to the nearest obstruction in the back (e.g. lock or handles). There needs to be at about one and a half to two inches of depth to install your shutters inside your window jam. If not, proceed to the next section.

• 3

  Measure the inside height and width of your window opening. If you are only covering the bottom half of your window, measure to the midway point where you would like you your shutters to end. Measure in three spots and use the largest measurements to purchase your shutters.

• 4

  Purchase your shutters and cut if necessary. You can have shutters custom fit or you can cut them to the correct size with a saw or plane. Follow all directions on the packaging for correct trimming of your shutters.

• 5

  Hold up your shutter to your window and mark where the drill holes are for the hinges. Put the shutter down and drill pilot holes. Reposition your shutter and screw it in, making sure it is secure. Use a thin piece of shim wood along your windowsill so you do not install shutters that touch or scrape the sill.

• 6

  Make sure the shutter is straight and plumb, and that it opens and closes nicely. Repeat the steps for all other shutters.

Install Shutters Outside the Window Jamb

• 7

  Measure the height and width of your window in three places, and use the largest of the three when purchasing your shutters. If you are installing shutters that only cover half the window, stop at the ending point when measuring the height. For the width, measure for the outside frame of the window to the outside frame on the other side.

• 8

  Purchase shutters that are either custom made or ones that can be cut. If you need to trim the shutters, use a saw or plane and follow all manufacturer's instructions. Look on the packaging before buying and cutting to see if you need to add an inch on all sides to accommodate the hanging or wood strips that you will be installing.

• 9

  Install the wood or hanging strips on the wall using a drill and screws. The wood or hanging strips should be flush against the window frame and are the same height as your shutters. Be sure there are no wires in your walls where you will be drilling, especially if you have an outlet near the window. You should consider consulting an electrician and at the very least, turn off the electricity before drilling into the wall.

• 10

  Hold up your shutter to the hanging strip and mark where the drill holes are for the hinges. Put the shutter down and drill pilot holes. Reposition your shutter and screw it in, making sure it is secure. Use a thin piece of wood along your windowsill to aid you in this step, so you do not install shutters that touch the sill.

• 11

  Make sure the shutter is straight and plumb, and that it opens and closes nicely. Repeat the steps for all other shutters.