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Skill Level: Intermediate

Replacing or installing shutters can add a new dimension to your home's exterior. And it is easy to do, even if you do not have advanced DIY skills. This article outlines the basic steps for installing shutters several different ways. When you are ready to install your own shutters, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you.

Tools & Materials

Tools

• Screwdriver
• Drill
• Pencil or marker
• Rule or tape measure
• Safety goggles

Materials

• Shutters
• Screws
• Anchors
• Installation template

Introduction

Shutters were once a practical means of shutting window openings. These days, however, most shutters are decorative accessories used to beautify a home's exterior.
Installation of decorative shutters is a relatively simple project. There are two methods of attachment commonly used: direct attachment and the use of hidden clips. Direct attachment involves screwing or nailing the shutter through its face into the side of the house. The use of clips allows shutters to be attached with no visible screws or attachment hardware. The clips are mounted to the home's exterior, and the shutters snap into place on the clips.
The instructions which come with your shutters will list the manufacturer's recommendations on installation so you can decide what is most appropriate for you. The material from which the shutters are made will affect these recommendations, as will your home's exterior. For example, wood shutters will be attached directly with either screws or nails. On the other hand, vinyl shutters would never be attached with nails, and are more likely than wood to be attached with a clip type system.
If clip attachment is recommended, the clips will be included with the shutters.

Attaching to Brick, Stone and Masonry

1. Hold the shutter in place beside the window or opening.
2. Mark the locations for the top screws 3"-5" from the top of the shutter in the center of the side rails. Be careful to line up the screw locations with a mortar joint. Drilling in brick or rock is much more difficult than drilling in mortar.
3. Repeat the process for the bottom screws, putting them 3"-5" from the bottom of the shutter.
4. Depending upon the height of the shutter, additional screws might be necessary. Consult the manufacturer's instructions. Any additional screws should be evenly spaced between the top and bottom screws.
5. Remove the shutter and drill a 3/16" diameter hole through its face in each marked screw location.
6. Reposition the shutter and use the holes as a template to mark all the anchor holes in the masonry wall. To mark the holes, start them with a drill. Drill only enough so you can find them after removing the shutter.
7. Remove the shutter and drill a 1/4" diameter hole at least 2 3/4" deep at each screw location. Insert the masonry anchor recommended or supplied by the manufacturer in each of these holes.
8. With the shutter back in place, secure it by driving the screws provided into the masonry anchors. Tighten the screws only until the head is flush with the surface of the shutter.
9. Some shutter manufacturers include screw caps that match the color of the shutter and snap over the screw heads. If the cap will not stay in place, back the screw out about half a turn and try it again.
10. Repeat this process for each of the remaining shutters.

Attaching to Vinyl, Wood, Composition or Metal Siding

1. Hold the shutter in place beside the window or opening.
2. Mark the locations for the top screws 3"-5" from the top of the shutter in the center of the side rails. Locate screws near the bottom edges of lapped siding to provide more material for the screw to grip.
3. Repeat the process for the bottom screws, marking their locations 3"-5" from the bottom of the shutter.
4. Depending upon the height of the shutter, additional screws might be necessary. Consult the manufacturer's instructions. Any additional screws should be evenly spaced between the top and bottom screws.
5. Locating the screws.Remove the shutter and drill a 3/16" diameter hole through its face in each marked screw location.
6. Reposition the shutter and use the holes as a template. Mark the hole locations on the siding by starting them with a drill. Drill only enough so you can find the marks after removing the shutter.
7. Remove the shutter and drill 1/8" diameter pilot holes at least 2 3/4" deep at each screw location.
8. Now you are ready to attach the shutter to the wall. With the shutter back in place, secure it with the provided screws. Tighten the screws only until the head is flush with the surface of the shutter.
9. Some shutter manufacturers include screw caps that match the color of the shutter and snap over the screw heads. If the cap will not stay in place, back the screw out about half a turn and try it again.
10. Repeat this process for each of the remaining shutters.

Using Clips to Attach the Shutters

Shutters with a clip attachment system will have a template provided by the manufacturer to show the proper placement of the clips in relation to the top, bottom and sides of the shutter.

1. Hold the template in place at the top of the desired shutter position.
2. Mark the appropriate screw locations indicated on the template. You will be given a range of vertical space in which to install the screws. This will allow you to position them in mortar lines or at the lower edges of lap siding for the best contact with the shutter.
3. Repeat the process for the bottom of the shutter.
4. Mark holes for additional clip attachment points along the span of the shutter as recommended by the manufacturer. These marks should align vertically with the top and bottom screw locations, and should be equally spaced between them.
5. At the marks, drill 1/8" pilot holes in wood, metal, vinyl or composition siding. For masonry walls, drill 1/4" holes to accept masonry anchors. The holes must be at least 2 3/4" deep.
6. Insert the masonry anchors (if necessary) and attach the clips to the wall with the included screws. Do not overtighten the clips — they will have slotted holes through which they are attached, and they should be able to move the full length of the slot.
7. After all clips have been installed, snap the shutter in place making sure that all the clips are attached.
8. Repeat this process for each of the remaining shutters.
    
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