How to Build Wood Shutters Yourself

Measure the window you will be covering with shutters. Take a measurement across the window and from the top to the bottom. Add an extra 8 inches to the height and width. This will allow your shutters to overlap the wall around the window by 4 inches on all sides, adding extra protection.

Cut a piece of wood down to the final width and height of the window. The wood piece can be cut at the home improvement store or at home with a saw.

Measure across the piece and mark the center of the board in several spots. Draw a line connecting the marks down the middle of the board. Cut the board in half so you have two shutters of equal size.

Drill holes into the cut boards for the bolts to pass through. The holes should be placed 2 1/2 inches away from the outer edge of the shutters and 12 inches apart.

Drill four additional 1/4-inch holes into the center of each shutter. This will cause less pressure on the shutter when it is being hit by wind and rain, which can cause shutters to bow or even break.

Line the shutters up evenly over the window and make a mark through each hole in the shutter. Drill a hole into the wall at these spots and insert wall anchors. Put the shutters back into place and bolt them into the side of the house. Wooden framed houses can use permanent plastic-coated anchors and 2 1/2-inch lag bolts. For brick homes, use expansion anchors and 1 1/2-inch expansion bolts.

Remove and store the shutters somewhere they will stay safe and dry. Keep the bolts with them. When there are storm warnings, mount the shutters with the bolts.