How to Build a Batten Shutter

Measure the window opening's height and add 3 inches. Transfer this measurement to a 1-by-8 inch board. Cut the board straight across with a circular saw. Repeat this step three more times so you have four long boards. Sand the rough edges with 120-grit sandpaper.

Lay the boards in pairs on a flat work surface. Line up the boards' top and bottom edges and create an even 1/2-inch gap between each pair. Clamp each board to the work surface to hold them in place.

Measure the two pairs' widths and transfer these measurements to 1-by-4 inch boards. Cut the board straight across. You will need four of these cut boards. Sand the rough edges with 120-grit sandpaper.

Measure 10 inches up from the bottom edge of each of the four 1-by-8 inch boards. Measure 10 inches down from the top edge of each 1-by-8 inch board. Draw a straight line between the two bottom marks and a straight line between the two top marks on each pair of boards.

Squeeze wood glue onto the back of a cut 1-by-4 inch board. Line up the board's top edge with the bottom line running across one of the shutters and place the board on the shutter. Repeat with a second 1-by-4 inch board on the other shutter's bottom line. Squeeze wood glue onto a third 1-by-4-inch board and line up its top edge with one of the shutter's top lines. Repeat with the final 1-by-4 inch board on the other shutter. You now have a pair of shutters consisting of two long vertical boards with two short horizontal boards running across them.

Wait for the wood glue to set (approximately one to two hours). Unclamp each shutter and flip them upside down on the work surface. Drive four 1 1/4-inch wood screws through the back of the 1-by-8 boards and into each 1-by-4 board.

Sand the shutters with 120-grit sandpaper followed with a 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe down each shutter with a tack cloth to remove the dust. Paint or stain the shutters. Attach the shutter mounting hardware to the back of each shutter, according to the manufacturer's directions.