Replacing exterior shutters typically costs $250-$1,200 for a home with four to six standard windows, including basic materials and installation. The cost to replace shutters depends mainly on material, shutter size, labor, removal needs, and access to upper-story windows.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior shutters, installed | $50 per window | $150 per window | $400+ per window | Pair of shutters, ordinary access |
| Four-window project | $200 | $600 | $1,600+ | Material and labor included |
| Interior plantation shutters | $200 per window | $500 per window | $1,000+ per window | Separate product category |
Assumptions: Standard-size exterior windows, typical U.S. labor rates, and no major siding repairs.
What Does It Cost to Replace Exterior Window Shutters?
For a typical exterior window, expect to pay $50-$400 or more for a pair of replacement shutters installed. A four-window job often totals $200-$1,600; six windows can cost $300-$2,400. The lower end usually means basic vinyl shutters and easy, ground-level access. Custom sizes, premium materials, and difficult installation push quotes higher.
Material-only prices commonly run $20-$100 per pair for basic vinyl, $60-$250 for composite or engineered wood, and $100-$400 for real wood. Decorative fixed shutters generally cost less than operable shutters with hinges and hardware. Interior shutters are a different product, often priced at $200-$1,000+ per window installed.
For ordinary exterior replacements, $100-$250 per window is a practical planning range. Assumptions: Standard 12-by-60-inch shutters, common colors, and replacement without framing or siding repairs.
How Vinyl, Composite, and Wood Shutter Quotes Break Down
A quote may combine materials, installation labor, removal, and small hardware charges. Ask whether pricing covers one shutter or a pair, since a window typically has two shutters. The table shows common ranges per window for a standard pair.
| Cost component | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl shutters | $20 | $45 | $100 |
| Composite or engineered wood | $60 | $140 | $250 |
| Real wood shutters | $100 | $220 | $400 |
| Installation labor | $30 | $75 | $160 |
| Removal and disposal | $5 | $20 | $50 |
Material and installation together make up most standard shutter replacement quotes. Decorative hardware, painting, delivery, and taxes may be separate. At $50-$100 per labor hour, a two-person crew may bill labor as a project rate rather than an hourly charge.
Which Window Sizes and Materials Raise the Price?
Many stock shutters fit windows around 12-15 inches wide and 36-72 inches tall. Shutters taller than 72 inches or wider than 18 inches may require custom sizing, adding roughly 20%-60% to the product price. Arched, unusually shaped, or nonstandard windows can require made-to-order pieces.
Material grade also matters. Thin, hollow vinyl usually costs less than solid vinyl or cellular PVC; composite and wood options cost more but can better match historic or higher-end exteriors. Real wood may need periodic repainting or resealing, while some vinyl products cannot be painted reliably.
Measure the visible shutter dimensions and confirm the pair count before comparing quotes. Replacing shutters that are attached to masonry or brittle siding may require different fasteners and additional labor.
How Long Does a Two-Story Shutter Replacement Take?
A contractor can often replace four to six easy-to-reach pairs in about 2-4 hours. A two-story home may take 4-8 hours because workers need ladders or lifts, and upper windows can add setup time. A small job may also have a minimum service charge of $100-$250, even when the work takes less than two hours.
Standard installation labor commonly works out to $30-$80 per window, while custom fitting or challenging access can bring it to $80-$160 per window. Upper-story access, not just the number of shutters, can determine the labor total. Quotes should specify whether ladder setup, lift rental, and old-shutter removal are included.
How Do Midwest and Coastal Quotes Compare?
Prices vary with local wages, contractor availability, and weather exposure. In lower-cost rural markets, a straightforward job may come in 10%-20% below a national middle-range quote. Large metropolitan areas can run 10%-25% higher, particularly where parking, travel, or minimum labor charges apply.
Coastal areas may also favor UV-resistant, moisture-resistant, or reinforced products, which can add 15%-35% compared with basic vinyl. Compare local installed quotes for the same material, size, and number of pairs rather than relying on regional averages alone. A higher quote may reflect custom products or access charges, not only labor rates.
What Removal, Painting, and Access Fees Add
Removing and disposing of old shutters may cost $5-$25 per window when included as a line item, but damaged or difficult-to-remove fasteners can raise that charge to $50. Painting new wood shutters may add $30-$100 per pair, depending on preparation and finish. Delivery for custom orders can add $25-$100, while lift rental may add $150-$500 per day.
Some homes need new masonry anchors, siding repairs, or trim work. Minor hardware and fastening changes may add $20-$75 per window; repairs to the mounting surface can cost more and should be itemized separately. Confirm that the quote identifies removal, disposal, painting, delivery, and access equipment as included or excluded.
Three Replacement Quotes for Common U.S. Homes
A four-window ranch with basic vinyl pairs, ground-level access, and old-shutter removal might cost $350-$650 total. That estimate assumes stock sizes and limited disposal fees.
A six-window two-story home with composite shutters and ladder access could total $1,000-$1,800. The estimate allows for higher material prices and added labor at upper windows.
A four-window historic home with custom wood shutters, painted finish, and replacement hardware may run $1,800-$3,600. Custom sizing and finish work can cost several times more than stock vinyl replacement. These examples assume no major siding or framing repairs.
Where Can Homeowners Trim the Shutter Replacement Bill?
Keep the existing shutter size and style when they fit, and ask whether stock products can replace custom pieces. Replacing all pairs during one visit may avoid repeated minimum service charges. Homeowners can also remove old shutters themselves if safe, permitted by the contractor, and manageable without ladder risk.
Compare at least two itemized quotes, checking material grade, pair count, labor, disposal, and warranty. Choose a durable midrange product rather than paying for upgrades that do not suit the home’s exposure or appearance. Scope control and comparable bids are usually more effective than choosing the cheapest unverified material.