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Estate shutter installation can range from $1,352 to $4,713, but homeowners spend $2,944 on average.* Estate shutters are a classic window treatment popularized in the South. They have movable slats that control the amount of light and privacy in a room while providing a timeless look. Estate shutters are typically made of wood, though other materials are available.
We’ll go over various cost factors, explain estate shutters’ pros and cons, and answer key questions to help you decide if they’re the right window treatment for your home.
*All cost information sourced from Angi and Home Advisor.
Estate Shutter Cost Factors
Many factors affect estate shutters’ final cost, including the type of shutter, window size, window type, the number of windows, and labor for the job.
Cost by Shutter Type
Estate shutters are made from various materials, with higher-end options costing more. Here are some of the most common shutter materials:
- Faux wood shutters: Faux wood shutters—also called engineered or composite shutters—are covered in a hard finish for added durability and moisture resistance. Faux wood is commonly used in bathrooms and comes in limited colors.
- Hardwood shutters: Hardwood is a long-lasting shutter material. You can opt for solid wood with a smooth finish or an unfinished set that you can paint or stain. Real wood shutters are best in rooms with low moisture, such as bedrooms and living rooms.
- PVC shutters: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) shutters are another cost-effective option. They’re easy to clean, low maintenance, and fire resistant.
- Vinyl shutters: Vinyl is a cost-effective, low-maintenance option. It’s easy to clean and moisture resistant.
| Material | Cost per Panel |
|---|---|
|
Faux wood |
$45–$300 |
|
Hardwood |
$55–$420 |
|
PVC |
$100–$300 |
|
Vinyl |
$100–$300 |
Cost by Window Size
Larger windows require more material and time to install, increasing costs. Contractors typically charge $20 to $45 per square foot for custom estate shutters, including materials and labor. Some contractors provide discounts for bulk or wholesale orders.
Cost by Type of Window
Estate shutters fit various windows. Shutters for certain window types take extra time to build and fit, increasing labor costs. You may also want to consider California shutters, which have smaller slats for extra privacy and lighting control. These cost $1,400 to $3,400, with an average of $2,200. This includes installation on eight windows, with each window priced around $70 to $1,140. Custom California shutters could cost $20 to $45 per square foot.
Here are the costs to install estate windows on common window and door types:
- Bay windows: Expect to pay $800 to install estate shutters on bay windows. Covering the center window pane typically costs about $350 for hardwood and $250 for faux wood. Covering the side window panes costs $200 for hardwood and $150 for faux wood.
- Patio French doors: Installing estate shutters on 80-by-24-inch French doors costs around $640. Larger doors (80-by-36 inches) cost around $950.
- Sliding glass doors: It costs around $860 to install estate shutters on standard 80-by-60-inch sliding glass doors. Longer doors (80-by-72 inches) cost around $1,040.
| Window/Door Type | Cost |
|---|---|
|
Patio French doors |
$640–$950 |
|
Bay windows |
$800 |
|
Sliding glass doors |
$860–$1,040 |
|
California shutters |
$2,200 |
Labor Costs
Installing estate shutters takes two hours on average. Contractors typically charge $65 to $100 per hour. This totals $1,352 to $4,713 for a house with eight windows, excluding the price of the shutters themselves. Labor rates vary by location.
Cost by Number of Windows
The more estate shutters you want, the more your project will cost. Shutters range from $45 to $420 each, and labor costs $65 to $100 per hour. This totals $1,750 to $6,200 for 10 windows, or between $175 and $620 per window.
Additional Factors Affecting Estate Shutters Cost
Consider these additional factors when estimating the cost of estate shutter installation.
Window Location
Where the windows are located in your home affects how much you’ll pay for shutter installation. It takes more time to install shutters on less accessible windows, increasing labor costs.
Different Shutter Options
Estate shutters come in different variations that fluctuate in price. For example, you can opt for a divider rail that separates the shutters’ panel into two sections, allowing the top and bottom louvers to open and close independently. Another option is a T-post, which adds support for larger windows. There are also different frame options and hidden tilt rods for decreased visibility.
Home Location
Your home’s location can impact your total price. Certain materials may be less available and more expensive in some regions. Labor costs are also higher in urban areas where it’s more expensive to live. For example, homeowners in Kansas City, Missouri, can expect to pay $2,433 to $4,450 for estate shutters, compared to $1,467 to $5,267 in Miami.
Professional vs. DIY Estate Shutter Installation
You can install estate shutters yourself, but we recommend hiring a professional window company if you have limited home improvement experience. We’ll go over both options below.
Professional Shutter Installation
Professional installers have experience fitting window treatments and can select the best panel size for each window. They also have access to wholesale prices, which aren’t available to the average homeowner. Professionals charge an average of $65 to $100 per hour to install estate shutters, but this price can vary depending on the number of windows and the installation’s complexity.
DIY Shutter Installation
Installing estate shutters requires the right tools and skills. If you choose to do it yourself, the easiest method is to purchase a kit with the correct size shutters and hardware. The average cost of these kits is $290 to $440, depending on your window size. You’ll need to buy items individually if you don’t purchase a kit. This could add up to $50 per window, excluding the shutter cost.
Pros of Installing Estate Shutters
- Energy efficiency: Estate shutters provide additional insulation, which could lower your energy bills.
- Low maintenance: Wider louvers are easy to clean with a cloth or duster.
- Durability: They’re long-lasting with less damage risk than traditional blinds.
- Privacy: Homeowners can tilt the shutters to let in light while still blocking visibility. They can also be completely closed, providing more privacy than other window coverings.
- Temperature and light control: You can leave the shutters open to fill the room with natural light, or close them tightly to block out light and help with temperature control.
Cons of Installing Estate Shutters
- Higher cost: Estate shutters can cost four times more than standard blinds.
- Limited visibility: Though shutters can open and close to change light and privacy levels, they don’t completely disappear from sight like roll-up blinds. This will limit views of your landscape and surroundings.
- Harder to place furniture: Shutters need enough space to fully open, so you can’t place furniture directly in front of them.
How to Reduce Estate Shutter Costs
- DIY: You can opt for a do-it-yourself (DIY) installation to save money on labor, though this depends on your skill level.
- Bulk order: Place a bulk order to take advantage of wholesale discounts.
- Vinyl or faux wood: If you like the look of hardwood but want to limit your investment, choose vinyl or faux wood
- Schedule during the off-season: Schedule installation during window companies’ slow months, typically in fall and winter.
- Get multiple quotes: Get quotes from several professional installers to compare shutter prices.
Our Recommendation
Estate shutters provide a reasonable return on investment (ROI)—about 75%—while providing additional benefits such as energy savings, privacy, and more lighting and temperature control. The cost to install shutters can vary, but expect to pay $1,352 to $4,713.
Though more expensive than other window coverings such as blinds or shades, shutters often last longer. You can also get custom shutters to add a unique touch to your home. Estate shutters are worth it if you want high-quality window treatments with a solid ROI.
Estate Shutter FAQ
How much does it cost to install window shutters?
It costs between $1,352 and $4,713 to install window shutters. Most homeowners spend an average of $2,944.
Are shutters more expensive than blinds?
Shutters are typically more expensive than blinds. Homeowners spend $208 to $1,286 to install blinds, compared to $1,352 and $4,713 for shutters.
Do shutters add value to a property?
Estate shutters have a return on investment of about 75%. Their curb appeal may also attract potential buyers when trying to sell your home.