How Long Does It Take to Install Shutters?
16th October 2020
3 min read
US - Trustpilot
On average, installing a set of plantation shutters takes about an hour or less. That's based on our experts' hands-on training and feedback from DIY customers — and it applies even if you've never installed shutters before.
All you need is a drill, a hammer, and a spirit level. Every order comes with a hardware kit containing everything required, plus step-by-step installation guides and videos to walk you through the process.
Why Custom-Made Shutters Install Faster
Off-the-shelf, store-bought shutters come in standard sizes — but no two windows are exactly alike, even within the same room. Those small variances can turn a standard-sized shutter into a frustrating install, often requiring sanding, shimming, or caulking to fill gaps.
Custom-made shutters remove that problem entirely. Following our measuring guides, your shutters are built to fit your window to within 1/16th of an inch, which is what makes a one-hour installation realistic in the first place.
What Affects Installation Time
A handful of factors can make your installation faster or slower:
Factor | Impact on Install Time |
|---|---|
Accurate measurements | The single biggest factor. A few minutes spent measuring correctly saves significant time during install. |
Shutter style | Full height shutters are the fastest to install. Styles with more panels, like tier on tier, take longer since each additional panel needs its own adjustments. |
Frame type | A 4-sided frame is always the quickest and easiest to install, offering the best support and panel alignment. |
Material | Wooden shutters are easier to fine-tune on site, since they sand smoothly if there's any variance in the window opening. Polyvinyl shutters, with their aluminum core, are tougher to modify. |
Tips for the Fastest Installation
Take a few minutes to read through our measuring guides before you start — accurate measurements are the single biggest time-saver.
Choose full height shutters if speed is a priority — fewer panels means fewer adjustments.
Opt for a 4-sided frame wherever possible, even if your window has a sill or crank handle at the bottom — there's usually a solution that still allows for a 4-sided frame.
Choose wood over polyvinyl if you expect any variance in your window opening that might need sanding to fix.
Don't Just Take Our Word for It
Customers of every skill level and age have installed our shutters successfully, often in well under an hour. Check out real feedback and reviews from people who've done it themselves.
Still Have Questions?
Our shutter experts are available by phone, email, and online chat for any installation questions.