How Much Do Shutters Cost? Wood, Faux Wood and Plantation Prices

Wood shutters typically fall within a mid-to-high price range compared to other window treatments. The cost can vary based on several factors, including:

Type of wood: Premium woods such as basswood, oak, or cherry will generally be more expensive than options like poplar, pine or MDF.

Size of the window: Larger or custom sizes will increase costs because they require more materials and craftsmanship.

Finish and customization: Staining or painting and adding custom designs can increase the cost of wood shutters.

On average, expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $1000 per window for custom real wood shutters, including installation. DIY installations could lower this cost by around 30-50%, depending on your skills and the tools required.

Per-window pricing is the most useful way to budget, because it lets you multiply by the number of openings you plan to cover. The ranges below are installed prices for a standard single window, drawn from the material comparisons in this guide.

Treat these as planning ranges rather than quotes. Your actual figure depends on your window dimensions, the finish you choose, your location, and whether you install the shutters yourself.

When budgeting for wood shutters, consider installing them yourself or hiring a professional. Depending on the complexity of the installation and your location, professional installation typically costs an additional $50 to $100 per window.

Installing the shutters yourself to save money is an option, however it's essential to ensure they are measured and installed correctly to avoid potential issues. Be sure to follow directions provided by the retailer or manufacturer. Mistakes in estimating or installation could cause the shutters not to fit correctly, resulting in additional costs.

Plantation shutters are the style most people picture when they think of interior shutters, with wide louvers set in a framed panel that mounts to the window. Because plantation is a style rather than a material, the cost of plantation shutters per window follows the material you choose. A real wood plantation shutter sits in the $700 to $1,000 per window range installed, a faux wood version runs $500 to $700, and a polyresin one lands around $400 to $600.
Installed pricing is where the differences show up most. Because plantation shutters mount into the window frame rather than hanging from a headrail, the fit has to be precise, which is why professional installation is more common with shutters than with blinds or shades. If you are comparing quotes for plantation shutters installed, check whether the figure includes the frame style and any divider rail, since both affect the total.

There are several reasons you might want to consider alternatives to real wood shutters. If you have young children or pets at home, it's also worth comparing child safe blinds with cordless operation, which are designed to minimize cord-related hazards while offering convenient light control and privacy.

Cost: Faux wood and polyresin shutters are significantly more affordable, which can be especially important if you're outfitting multiple windows.

Durability: Real wood is more susceptible to wear and tear, including fading, warping, and cracking. Faux wood and polyresin shutters are more resistant to these issues and are ideal for homes with high humidity or areas exposed to direct sunlight.

Maintenance: While wood shutters require periodic refinishing or repainting to keep them looking their best, synthetic alternatives are easier to clean and maintain.

Another factor that affects the cost of your window treatment project is whether you install the shutters yourself or hire a professional. If you're handy and comfortable measuring and installing shutters, a DIY approach can save you significant money on installation costs.

However, if you're not confident in your skills or want to ensure a perfect fit, hiring a professional might be worth the investment. They will measure and install the shutters correctly and ensure that they operate smoothly for years to come.

At Blindster, we offer affordable faux wood and polyresin shutter options, perfect for homeowners looking to add style and functionality without the high cost of real wood shutters. We also provide step-by-step instructions for measuring and installing your new shutters.

While wood shutters are a beautiful and traditional option, they aren't the only choice. More affordable materials offer more excellent durability and similar aesthetic appeal.

Faux Wood Shutters

Faux wood shutters are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to replicate the look of wood without the high cost and maintenance. These shutters are typically made from composite materials like PVC, vinyl, or engineered wood. They look like real wood but are more durable, moisture-resistant, and less expensive.

Faux wood shutters are ideal for high-humidity areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. They are often priced around $500 to $700 per window including installation, making them a more affordable alternative to real wood. Again, installing yourself will lower the cost further.

Polyresin Shutters

Another excellent option for those looking for durability and affordability is polyresin shutters. These shutters are made from synthetic material and are designed to mimic wood. They offer the same elegant appearance while being more assertive and moisture-resistant.

Polyresin shutters typically cost between $400 and $600 per window with installation, depending on the size and customization options. They are known for their long-lasting performance and low maintenance requirements, making them popular for homeowners who want style and functionality.

When deciding how much to spend on shutters, it is important to weigh the cost of wood shutters against more affordable alternatives like faux wood or polyresin shutters. While real wood shutters may offer a timeless aesthetic, faux wood and polyresin options provide similar benefits and appearance at a fraction of the cost.

Whether you decide to DIY or hire a professional, choosing the right shutters for your home can enhance your space while helping you manage your budget. For homeowners looking for durability, affordability, and style, faux wood and polyresin shutters from Blindster are a great choice.

Are faux wood shutters expensive?

Faux wood shutters are one of the more affordable shutter options, typically running around $500 to $700 per window including installation, compared with $700 to $1,000 for real wood. They also cost less to maintain over time, since they do not need refinishing or repainting.

Are shutters expensive compared to blinds and shades?

Shutters generally cost more per window than blinds or shades, because they are a framed, built-in treatment rather than a headrail product. The trade-off is longevity and the architectural look they add. If shutter pricing is beyond your budget, faux wood blinds deliver a similar look at a lower price.

How much do shutters cost for a whole house?

Multiply the per-window range by your number of windows. For a home with fifteen windows, real wood shutters would fall roughly between $10,500 and $15,000 installed, while faux wood would land around $7,500 to $10,500 and polyresin around $6,000 to $9,000. Bay windows count as multiple panels, so price those per panel.