How to Build Board & Batten Craftsman Shutters

June 7, 2019
nicole

Hi! I'm Nicole

Fearless DIY. Sharing building project tutorials and interior design tips. Let’s build something beautiful together. For more projects, design tips and behind the scenes, follow me @designtobuild.nicole

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Board & Batten Craftsman Shutters–So Simple to Build

I’m sharing a really simple project today. One that can add affordable value and curb appeal to your home. Last summer, my mom asked me to make her some craftsman shutters for her front windows. She was ready to get rid of her plastic builder’s grade shutters and wanted something more modern. So, off to Home Depot I went to buy some real wood and get started.

yellow house with craftsman shutters

How to Build Board & Batten Craftsman Shutters

Materials Needed:

1×6 pine boards

Paint or stain

Poly   (Affiliate link)

Stir sticks (to separate boards)

Tools Needed:

Miter saw

Table saw or Circular saw

Nail gun (or hammer and nails)

Step One: MEASURE

The first step is to measure your windows properly to determine the height and width of your shutters. The height: should be from the top to the bottom of the window trim. The width: Although these shutters are purely decorative, I like the look of functional shutters. That being said, when closed (even though they’ll never be closed) the shutters should be able to cover the width of the window. So, each shutter should be half as wide as your window.

Step Two: CUT

Cut your boards to the height and width needed. Be sure to account for 1/4″ gap between each board.

Boards cut for shutters

Step Three: STAIN OR PAINT

Now is the easiest time to paint or stain your boards. Much easier than when they are all assembled.

boards painted black

Step Four: ASSEMBLE

Lay out your shutter boards on a flat surface. Separate with paint sticks (or something of similar thickness) and attach trim board (board going across the width of the shutters) approximately 8 to 10 inches from the top and bottom of shutters. Attach using nail gun or hammer and nails.

boards separated with paint sticks

Black shutters built

Step Five: POLY

Add 3-4 coats of exterior poly to protect from the outdoor elements.

Varathane Poly

And that’s it! It really is that simple!

If you would like, you can add decorative hardware…

metal decorative hardware for shutters

or just leave them plain….

Black shutter built

Love how these really pop on my parents’ yellow and white home. And then those flower boxes!!

yellow house with flower box

Be sure to check back soon for another easy tutorial….How to make window flower boxes!!

yellow house with flower box and shutters

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Until next time,

Happy Building, Friend!!

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Another great outdoor post:

Craftsman Garage Doors-Get the Look Without All the Costs

 

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