How Much Should I Expect to Pay for Shutters?

Shutters are one of the most premium window treatments you can choose, so it’s natural to wonder what they actually cost. For most homeowners, custom interior shutters typically range from $200–$400 per window for durable faux wood or composite options, or about $25–$45 per square foot installed. Budget vinyl shutters can come in lower, while premium hardwood and specialty shapes cost more.

For a typical home with 8–10 windows, that usually puts a full interior shutter project in the $1,600–$4,500 range for mid-tier materials, more if you choose solid wood, custom finishes, or arched windows. Choose Classic Faux Wood Shutters to achieve timeless plantation style with moisture-resistant durability made for everyday living.

Below, we break down how shutter pricing works, what drives costs up or down, and how to plan realistically for your home.

Painted Hardwood Shutters in Ricotta
Painted Hardwood Shutters in Ricotta

How Shutters Are Priced

Shutters are usually quoted in one of two ways:

  • Per square foot – based on the total window area (width × height ÷ 144). This method is common for custom sizes and specialty shapes.
  • Per window – a bundled price for a standard-sized opening, useful for quick whole-home estimates.

You may see both formats on the same quote. What matters most is whether the price includes installation, since labor can add a meaningful portion to the total. Achieve a sleek, uncluttered finish with Hidden Tilt Poly Shutters that eliminate visible hardware for a modern look.

As a general guideline for installed interior shutters:

  • Budget: ~$15–$25 per sq ft
  • Mid-range: ~$25–$45 per sq ft
  • Premium: ~$45–$65+ per sq ft

Budget Shutters: Vinyl & Entry-Level Composites

If you’re looking for the most affordable way to get the plantation-shutter look, vinyl and basic composite shutters are the entry point.

What to expect:

  • Around $100–$300 per window for basic vinyl shutters
  • Lower upfront cost and good moisture resistance
  • Simple finishes and fewer customization options

These materials work well in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and humid climates. They’re easy to maintain and often available through online, made-to-order retailers with DIY-friendly measuring guides. Bring a fresh, modern edge to your home with Contemporary Faux Wood Shutters designed for clean lines and easy care.

Contemporary Faux Wood Shutters in Ivory Cloud
Contemporary Faux Wood Shutters in Ivory Cloud

Mid-Range Shutters: Faux Wood & Engineered Composites

This is where most homeowners land.

High-quality faux wood and engineered composite shutters typically cost $200–$400 per window, or $25–$45 per sq ft installed. These materials are designed to mimic painted hardwood while offering better stability and moisture resistance. Protect your home with Eco Guard Shutters built for strength, sustainability, and superior moisture resistance.

Why mid-range shutters are so popular:

  • Cleaner joinery and smoother finishes
  • Wider color choices and hidden-tilt options
  • Better insulation and light control
  • Strong durability with lower maintenance than real wood

Premium Shutters: Solid Hardwood & Specialty Builds

At the top end are solid wood shutters and fully custom specialty designs. Get the look of custom shutters without tools or drilling with Click2Fit No-Drill Shutters that install in minutes.

Typical pricing:

  • $45–$65+ per sq ft installed
  • Higher for exotic woods, custom stains, or no-drill install

Premium shutters offer unmatched natural warmth and craftsmanship, but they require more maintenance and are less forgiving in humid environments. They’re best suited for formal living spaces, dining rooms, and primary suites where aesthetics are the priority.


Classic Faux Wood Shutters in Cotton
Classic Faux Wood Shutters in Cotton

What Factors Affect Shutter Cost the Most?

Several details can shift your quote up or down:

  • Material choice (vinyl vs. composite vs. hardwood)
  • Window size and shape
  • Panel configuration (extra-wide panels, divider rails)
  • Finish and hardware options (hidden tilt, custom colors)
  • Installation method (DIY vs. professional install)

If you’re comparing quotes, always confirm:

  • Whether pricing is per window or per square foot
  • How specialty windows are handled

Planning Tips for Staying on Budget

  • Start with faux wood or composite unless you specifically want real wood
  • Use shutters strategically, key rooms first, rather than every window
  • Ask about volume or whole-home pricing
  • Get clarity on specialty window surcharges early

Shutters are a long-term investment, so balancing durability and cost usually delivers the best value.

Painted Hardwood Shutters in Ricotta
Painted Hardwood Shutters in Ricotta

Conclusion: What Most Homeowners Should Expect

So, how much should you expect to pay for shutters? For most homes, a realistic plan looks like this:

  • $200–$400 per window for custom faux wood or composite interior shutters
  • $25–$45 per square foot installed for mid-range options
  • $1,600–$4,500 total for an average 8–10 window home

Budget vinyl shutters can come in lower, while premium hardwood push costs higher, but for the majority of homeowners, mid-range composite shutters hit the sweet spot of durability, style, and value.

By understanding how shutters are priced and what drives cost, you can plan confidently—and choose a solution that looks great and lasts for years.

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