DIY Shutter Installation: Materials Cost

Installing shutters yourself saves thousands in labor costs—you only pay for materials. Use NailIt to estimate the exact cost of shutters, brackets, fasteners, and tools for your home. Get an instant materials breakdown for your project.

Typical DIY cost$300 – $1,200
Time2–6 hours per window
DifficultyBeginner
Cost typeMaterials only
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Low$300
Average$700
High$1,200

Estimated DIY materials cost for total materials for typical home (4–8 shutters) — you supply the labor. Prices vary by region and brand.

DIY vs. hiring a pro

DIYPRO18
DIY or contractor?Easy DIYTypical for shutter installation. Your own scope, local codes, and permits can move this either way — run a free estimate for a score on your exact project.
Do it yourself$300 – $1,200Materials only — you supply the labor
Hire a pro (rough est.)$600 – $4,200Materials + labor, installed

This is beginner-friendly — a confident DIYer can usually handle it and keep the labor savings. The pro figure is a rough rule of thumb (labor on jobs like this often runs 1–2.5× the materials) — always get real quotes. It is not a NailIt estimate.

What a contractor charges for shutter installation

NailIt estimates materials only, so here is the honest version of the labour question rather than a number we cannot stand behind. Installed, this job commonly lands somewhere around $600–$4,200 — that is the materials range above with labour applied at the rough 1–2.5× multiplier trades typically work to on jobs like this. It is a sanity check for reading a quote, not a NailIt estimate and not a substitute for a real one.

What actually moves that number: your region and local labour rates, access and prep work, whether a permit and inspection are involved, disposal of the old material, and how much the crew has to work around your schedule. For this project the DIY route is realistic for most homeowners, and the labour saving is the whole point. Always collect three written quotes from licensed, insured contractors and compare what each one includes — how we handle pricing.

Shop materials on Amazon

Ekena Millwork LVSL0012BL 3" Lifetime Vinyl Shutter-Lok's, Black (12/Bag), Count$9.64Ekena Millwork Lifetime Vinyl LL1S14X05500BL Standard Cathedral Top Center Mullion, Open Louver Vinyl Shutters, w/Installation Shutter-Lok's & Matching Screws (Per Pair), 14 1/2"W x 55"H, Black$55.21Exterior Solutions Vinyl Shutter Fastener Spike Loks for Installing Decorative Exterior Vinyl Shutters (Dark Gray)$9.89

More on Amazon →

DIY how-to videos

Perfect Shutters, inc. Vinyl Shutters Installation InstructionsPerfect Shutters, IncHow to Install Exterior Shutters | The Home DepotThe Home DepotWhy I’ll Never Pay for Interior Shutter Installation Again (Thanks, Costco)Mr Gizmo

More shutter installation videos on YouTube →

Frequently asked questions

Does NailIt include labor or contractor costs?

No. NailIt estimates materials only—the cost of shutters, brackets, fasteners, and tools you buy yourself. Labor is not included because you're doing the work.

What's the cheapest way to install shutters DIY?

Choose vinyl or composite shutters over wood; buy basic hardware from big-box stores; reuse tools you own. Budget $300–$500 for 4 shutters installed yourself.

Can I install shutters without special tools?

Yes. You need a power drill, level, tape measure, and pencil. Most DIYers own these; if not, budget $50–$150 for a basic drill kit.

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Estimates are AI-generated 2026 US DIY materials costs (labor not included); actual prices vary by region, brand, and size. · All 141 projects