More Easy Ways to Boost Curb Appeal
What You Need
Tape measure1×4 cedar boards1×6 cedar boards1×2 cedar boardsCompound miter sawHammer drillKreg K4 Master System1 1/4-inch coarse Kreg screwsHand sander and 120-grit sandpaperBrad nailerPaintable caulkOil-base primerExterior paintMasonry bit3/16×1 3/4-inch masonry screwsLevel
Step 1: Measure and Cut
Gather materials. Measure the height and width of your window. For a classic look, the shutter width should be about half the window width. (We used one 1×4 and two 1×6s to make a 14 1/2-inch-wide shutter for our 28-inch-wide window.) Cut the 1×4 and 1×6 boards to the height of your window using a compound miter saw. Before and After Home Exteriors
Step 2: Join Boards Together
Using the Kreg K4 Master System, drill pocket holes every 6–8 inches across one long side of each 1×6 plank. Edge-join the 1×6 boards to either side of the 1×4 using 1 1/4-inch Kreg screw.
Step 3: Attach Middle Rail
Cut the 1×2 boards to the height of the shutter for the vertical rails. Attach them using a brad nailer. Measure the distance between the two rails, and cut three horizontal rails. Attach the middle rail. Caulk all joints.
Step 4: Prime and Paint
Prime and paint the shutter and the unattached top and bottom rails. Let dry. Our Favorite Exterior Color Schemes
Step 5: Mark and Drill
Mark the shutter placement alongside the window. Drill pilot holes near the top and bottom edges of the shutter. Using the hammer drill, make a pilot hole in the house.
Step 6: Hang Shutters
Hang the shutter using masonry screws. Check that it’s level before securing the bottom. Attach the top and bottom rails, covering the screwheads. Repeat to make more shutters.
