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How Much Do Plantation Shutters Cost in 2024?

How Much Do Plantation Shutters Cost in 2024?

How much do plantation shutters cost? And are they worth the hefty price tag?

Read on to learn why they cost so much, our thoughts on them, and things to consider before shelling out the big bucks to install them.

How Much Do Plantation Shutters Cost?

White plantation shutters in the living room of a home for a piece on plantation shutters cost

BCFC/Shutterstock

Not only are plantation shutters a beautiful noise-reducing addition to your home, but they can also increase your home’s resale value and provide energy cost savings. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,500 to install them in your home.

However, these costs depend on your window size and choice of material. At up to $350 per window, wood shutters typically have a heftier price tag. Other varieties cost from well under $100 to about $250 per window.

It’s also worth nothing that most people don’t install these throughout their entire home. You’ll usually see them in heavily-trafficked rooms such as kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms, sitting rooms, and entryways.

Let’s dive into the different types of plantation shutters, the multiple materials used to make them, and how these factors affect their overall cost. 

Factors Affecting Cost

For a piece on what do plantation shutters cost, red wooden shutters sit closed on a window on a brown house

Antonio Jarosso/Shutterstock

Interior vs. Exterior

The first thing to consider is whether you’re adding plantation shutters to the interior or exterior of your home. Or both. Exterior shutters will need to last longer and be more durable, as they are directly exposed to the elements. 

Cost of Material

There are three main types of material used for plantation shutters: vinyl, composite, and wood. The most inexpensive materials are vinyl and composite, while wood is considered more traditional and timeless. Vinyl and PVC shutters are light and easy to install.

They don’t require much maintenance or cleaning, and they are weather-resistant and durable in humid climates. Unfortunately, the color and style you choose for your vinyl shutters are not easy to change once installed, as you can’t repaint them.

Vinyl shutters cost between $100 and $300 per window.

There are many faux wood shutter materials, but the most popular are composite shutters, such as Medium Density Fiber (MDF).

These shutters are very sturdy, mildew and mold resistant, and do well in the humidity. They are also the best option for exterior plantation shutters, as they are the most weatherproof and resilient without a large price tag.

Composite shutters cost between $70 and $260 per window.

When you think of plantation shutters, you most likely picture traditional wooden shutters like those commonly found in conventional Southern homes. Wood is the most iconic shutter material and also the most expensive, at $200 and $350 per window. 

There are many different types of wood to choose from for your shutters.

  • Basswood: The gold standard
  • Laminate Wood: These are a more affordable wood option, made from thin slats of wood glued together
  • Cedarwood: Resistant to warping as well as termites
  • Alder: is a solid and durable hardwood known for its reddish color

Wood shutters have the highest strength but are also heavy and involve more upkeep, including upfront costs. However, wood shutters can be repainted or restained, which is a nice feature not available with vinyl or faux wood.

Wood shutters are more vulnerable to moisture and may warp over time in humid conditions. They are also at risk from termites, so regular care and maintenance are crucial. Unfortunately, this can also lead to more costs down the line. 

When well-built with a good primer and exterior paint, wood shutters can be used on the exterior of your house, but be aware that they may require more upkeep than their counterparts.

Installation Costs

The cost of the shutter material isn’t the only thing to consider. Labor costs and the cost to install them are also essential to factor in. It will cost about $20 to $45 per square foot for a professional to install your new shutters.

You can also DIY it and install it yourself, but hiring a professional is worth every penny for those of us who aren’t handy. 

Factors in Inflation

However, I want to point out that these figures are estimates and may not consider the volatile market for construction materials.

Your costs may also vary depending on where you live and the demand for window treatments in your area.

Are Plantation Shutter Costs Worth It?

To help illustrate what plantation shutters cost, a photo of a nook with a granite top next to such shutters

PhotoMavenStock/Shutterstock

No matter which type of plantation shutter you choose, it’ll be a financial investment. But many homeowners think it’s money well spent, since it increases your home’s value and helps reduce energy bills.

Low Maintenance Costs

This is especially true for vinyl or faux wood shutters, but plantation shutters are considered low-maintenance. Once installed, they last for several years. They are also easy to clean and do not discolor over time, like blinds and fabric window coverings. 

Energy Efficient

Because plantation shutters are custom-built for your window using exact dimensions, they are fitted perfectly for your home, creating a barrier that directs and regulates airflow as well as providing insulation. They also regulate light, which helps with temperature control.

You can shift interior shutters to block the sunlight during warm weather to keep your house cool in the summer or allow sunlight into your home during cold weather to keep it warm and cozy in the winter.

Exterior shutters are great for reducing solar heat. These features assist with savings on your monthly energy costs.  

Increase Your Home Value

Like most window treatments, the addition of plantation shutters can increase your home’s appraisal value.

Interior plantation shutters mean that potential buyers won’t have to spend more money purchasing window treatments when they move in. This convenience factor will pay off when it’s time to sell your home.

Exterior plantation shutters add to your curb appeal, which helps your home sell faster and increases perceived home value by 5% to 11%.

Both interior and exterior plantation shutters look great and add a luxury feel that impresses potential buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Interior photography of a fresh white Hamptons style kitchen with breakfast bar, cross back bar stools, polished floor boards and a door way opening up to a back deck

PhotoMavenStock/Shutterstock

How much do plantation shutters cost per window?

Depending on the material used, plantation shutters cost between $150 and $400 per window on average.

How much do plantation shutters cost vs. blinds?

Plantation shutters are more expensive than blinds. On average, blinds cost about $750, while shutters cost $2,500 for most homes. Blinds are also easier to install, reducing labor costs.

How much do plantation shutters cost at Home Depot?

Home Depot charges anywhere from $70 to $300 for shutters before installation fees.

How much do plantation shutters cost per square foot?

On average, plantation shutters cost between $20 and $45 per square foot to install.

Do plantation shutters add value to a home?

Yes, plantation shutters offer a return on investment. Exterior plantation shutters add value to a home by increasing curb appeal, and high-quality interior shutters make for one less thing a potential owner will have to buy.

Why are plantation shutters so expensive?

They are expensive because they are a long-lasting window treatment that can be difficult and time-consuming to install, especially when compared to curtains.

So, How Much Do Plantation Shutters Cost?

The cost of plantation shutters depends on the materials used and whether you have them professionally installed or do it yourself.

However, they are a worthwhile investment and often offset their upfront costs.