New shutters typically cost $150-$700 per window installed, with an average near $350; custom interior plantation shutters can push a single-window total above $1,000. Price depends on shutter type, material, window size, installation labor, and whether old shutters or hardware need to be removed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior shutters, installed per window | $150 | $350 | $800 | Usually a pair of standard-size shutters |
| Interior plantation shutters, installed per window | $250 | $650 | $1,500 | Custom size and material affect price |
| Exterior shutter materials, per pair | $40 | $160 | $500 | Vinyl through custom wood or composite |
| Installation labor, per window | $60 | $150 | $350 | Higher for masonry or difficult access |
What new shutters cost per window and pair
For a standard home with accessible windows, exterior shutters usually total $150-$700 per window for materials and installation. A common vinyl or composite pair on a first-floor window lands near $250-$450. Decorative, oversized, or custom-finished pairs can exceed $800 installed.
Interior shutters are priced differently because they cover the window opening and often use adjustable louvers. Basic faux-wood models may cost $250-$500 installed per window; painted hardwood and custom plantation styles often run $600-$1,500. The most useful comparison is the installed price per window, not the price of one shutter panel.
Assumptions: U.S. midmarket pricing, standard windows, ordinary access, and professional installation; regional quotes vary.
How vinyl, wood, labor, and removal shape the quote
Exterior shutter quotes typically combine the shutter pair, fasteners, labor, and any removal or disposal. Interior projects add mounting frames and may require precise measuring or trim adjustments. The table shows typical cost components for one standard exterior window.
| Cost component | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl or composite pair | $40-$90 | $100-$220 | $250-$500 |
| Wood or premium material upgrade | $0-$50 | $75-$200 | $250-$600 |
| Installation labor | $60-$100 | $100-$220 | $250-$350 |
| Fasteners, mounting, and small supplies | $10-$25 | $25-$60 | $75-$150 |
| Old shutter removal and disposal | $0-$40 | $40-$100 | $125-$250 |
Some contractors quote a per-window installed rate that already includes materials and basic fasteners. Confirm whether sales tax, delivery, disposal, and repairs to siding or trim are included before comparing bids.
Materials and labor are the core expenses; removal and access repairs are common reasons a low quote grows.
Why window width, material, and mounting change prices
Size is a major price driver. A pair for a window under 30 inches wide may fit standard stock sizes, while openings wider than 36-48 inches can need larger panels, extra hardware, or custom fabrication. Interior shutters are often measured to the nearest fraction of an inch, so unusual frames can add both material and measuring costs.
Material also shifts the estimate. Vinyl is usually the least expensive exterior choice, while cellular PVC, composite, and painted wood cost more but may better suit a specific appearance or exposure. In coastal areas, salt air and wind can make corrosion-resistant hardware and sturdier mounting important. Second-story work, brick or stucco walls, and deteriorated trim can add $50-$250 or more per window.
Color and finish matter too. Stock white or neutral shutters are usually cheaper than custom colors, stained finishes, or decorative louvers. Ask whether the quote assumes standard dimensions and siding-compatible fasteners, especially for windows wider than 36 inches or mounted on masonry.
Can existing shutter holes lower installation labor?
Installing new exterior shutters in usable existing holes can shorten a straightforward job to roughly 30-60 minutes per window. New drilling, alignment, or masonry mounting may take 1-2 hours per window. Interior installation commonly takes 1-3 hours per opening because the installer must level the frame and fit the panels.
Labor commonly runs $60-$125 per hour, although many installers charge a minimum visit fee or quote by the window. A small project with only two windows may cost more per window than a 10-window order because travel, setup, and measuring time are spread across fewer units. For a multi-window home, request one itemized quote for the entire job and confirm the assumed crew size and hours.
Exterior decorative shutters versus interior plantation styles
Exterior shutters are often chosen for curb appeal and may be fixed decorative panels rather than operable shutters. A stock vinyl pair can cost $40-$150 before installation; wood or custom exterior pairs commonly run $200-$600 or more. Functional exterior shutters need hinges, holdbacks, and stronger installation, which can raise the installed cost to $500-$1,500 per window.
Interior plantation shutters provide adjustable light control and typically cost more because they are fitted to the window opening. Faux wood or composite is often $250-$800 installed, while hardwood or specialty shapes can reach $1,500-$2,500 per opening. Roller shades and blinds can be lower-cost alternatives, but they do not provide the same shutter appearance or construction. Compare the function being purchased, since decorative exterior panels and operable interior shutters are not equivalent products.
How much shutter installation varies by region
Quotes in high-cost metro areas, including parts of the Northeast, West Coast, and major coastal cities, may run 10%-25% above a national midmarket estimate because labor and overhead are higher. Smaller towns and rural markets may price 5%-15% below that range, although limited contractor availability or long travel distances can erase the difference.
Local weather and building details also affect material selection and labor. Wind exposure, coastal corrosion, and masonry construction can require upgraded hardware or installation methods. Compare at least three local bids using the same shutter dimensions, material, finish, and removal scope. A regional price comparison is meaningful only when the quotes specify the same product and installation work.
When removal, delivery, or custom sizing adds fees
Removing old shutters may cost $40-$100 per window for uncomplicated work, with disposal adding roughly $20-$75 per window when not included. Repairs to cracked trim, siding, or masonry are separate, often billed at $75-$125 per labor hour plus materials. Delivery may be free on a larger order or add $25-$100 for a small shipment.
Custom sizing, arched or angled windows, specialty colors, and made-to-order wood can add 20%-60% over comparable standard products. Ask whether measurement is included and whether there is a restocking charge if customer-provided dimensions are wrong. Get written confirmation of removal, disposal, delivery, and wall repair charges before authorizing the job.
Ways to cut the shutter bill without sacrificing fit
Standard sizes and stock colors can avoid custom fabrication premiums. Keep the scope consistent across bids, and price the same material, number of panels, hardware, and finish with each contractor. If existing shutters are sound, replacing only broken panels or hardware may cost less than a full-home upgrade; ask whether matching parts remain available.
Measure only as a preliminary check and have the installer verify dimensions before ordering custom products. Grouping several windows into one visit can reduce per-window labor and travel charges. Avoid paying for operable hardware on decorative shutters, but do not downgrade fasteners where wind, masonry, or second-story access requires a secure installation. The best savings usually come from controlling custom work and bundling installation, not from choosing an unsuitable material.