DIY Board & Batten Wooden Exterior Shutters

Measure the height of your window from top to bottom. Add 3 inches to this measurement to determine the length of the shutters. Cut four 1-by-8-inch boards to this length for each window of this size.

Set two of the cut boards side by side on a flat surface. Align the cut edges to run flush and set the gap between the two boards to ½-inch wide. Lay one of the 15-inch boards across the two boards’ width and position it 10 inches up from the bottom. Lay another 15-inch board over the two long boards and place it 10 inches down from the top.

Lift one of the 15-inch boards and apply a thick bead of exterior-safe wood glue across the width of the long boards. Lay the 15-inch board down over the glue and press. Repeat with the other 15-inch board to secure it to the long boards. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to create the second shutter for the window. Allow the glue to dry two to four hours.

Turn a shutter over so the 15-inch boards are facing down. Insert four evenly spaced screws through the long boards and into a 15-inch board across the width of the shutter over both short boards to secure. Repeat for the other shutter.

Sand over the surfaces of the wood to smooth corners, edges and rough ends. Apply a clear coat sealant, wood stain followed by sealant or prime and paint the shutters to match the look and style of your home. Allow the shutters to dry 24 hours.