As with any interior design decision, cost is understandably an important factor in determining whether adding custom plantation shutters to your home is the right choice for you.

That is why we’ve gathered the following information to help you understand all of the various points and benefits to consider as you weigh the cost of purchasing and installing plantation shutters.

Luckily, you’re going to find that new shutters can easily serve as a valuable investment for your home!

What Factors Impact the Cost of Custom Shutters?

Every custom window treatment project is unique given the fact that no two windows are completely identical. With that, there are several different factors that can affect the final cost of your new shutters, with three of the most critical factors being the size and shape of your windows, your material selection, and the required level of customization.

Window Shape & Size

First and foremost, the quantity and size of your windows will often be the most critical factor impacting cost, being that plantation shutter projects are typically priced per square foot.

To determine the rough material square footage required for your windows, simply measure the width and height of your window frames and multiply them together. For example, a window that measures two (2) feet wide by three (3) feet tall would require approximately six (6) square feet of shutters for coverage. If you measure in inches, be sure to divide the total by 144!

Unique window shapes can also increase the price for your new shutters as it can require custom modifications to ensure a perfect fit.

Material Selection

New shutters are typically manufactured from one of three primary material categories:

Natural Hardwoods

Hardwood shutters, like those crafted by O’Hair Customs™ and Hunter Douglas, are constructed using solid hardwoods like poplar, elm, or basswood. The natural grains of these materials deliver a classic beauty to your living space that conveys a superior quality and welcoming ambiance.

Composite or “Faux Woods”

Composite shutters are crafted with the help of man-made materials which offer a unique balance of beauty and longevity. With applied paint or stain, their appearance can be nearly indistinguishable from natural shutters, while at the same time providing added resistance to wear and tear over time.

Vinyl

Vinyl shutters are typically the most affordable of the three material options, and provide the strongest resistance to both humidity and heat. These can be ordered in a variety of custom color choices, making them easy to tie in with your home’s existing decor.

Customization Options

Lastly, your desired level of customization will play a large role in determining the final cost of your new plantation shutters. This may include your choices for finish, hardware, frame style, louver size, divider rails, tilt rod style, and more.

Cost Benefits of Buying Interior Shutters

While there is certainly an upfront cost to installing new shutters in your home, it’s important to remember that your new window treatments can be viewed as a worthwhile investment for reasons other than just “good looks”.

Energy Savings

Treating your windows with plantation shutters effectively adds another layer of insulation that can help reduce your heating and cooling bills over the long term. In fact, energy efficiency statistics have shown that the addition of shutters can increase the insulation of your windows by over 100%!

Added Property Value

As compared to blinds or shades, once installed, plantation shutters tie in more seamlessly and permanently with your home’s existing trim and architecture, giving them more potential to increase the value of your property. Not to mention the addition of shutters can drastically improve your home’s aesthetics, making it easier to sell to prospective home buyers.

What You Can Expect to Pay for Shutters

It’s no secret that custom interior shutters can make a fantastic addition to any home, including ranch, contemporary, craftsman, colonial, victorian, and mid-century modern architectural styles. What is a secret though is that it doesn’t have to bust your budget!

To determine the right budget for your project, consider the following price ranges organized by material choice (applicable to residents of the greater Kansas City area):

Buy the Right Shutters the FIRST Time

As you can see, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much custom plantation shutters will cost, but by working with a professional shutter installer you can easily take the guesswork out of determining what types of shutters are right for your home and your budget.

To learn more about plantation shutters, check out our Plantation Shutters Buyer’s Guide for 2019!