The Beginner’s Guide to Choosing, Purchasing, and Installing Vinyl Shutters

As a shutter expert with 17 years in the shutter and trim industry, I’ve seen countless homeowners absolutely transform their exteriors with the perfect shutters. If you’re a DIY enthusiast or just starting your journey, I feel confident this guide will help you make an informed decisions about vinyl shutters, from choosing the right size to understanding installation and maintenance.

You might be asking, “where do I even start?”. Well, the very first step in selecting vinyl shutters is determining the appropriate size. Properly sized shutters should appear as though they would cover half of the width of your window and span the full height. For most vinyl shutters, however, the standard widths available are 12 inches and 14 1/2. For smaller windows, go with 12” and for the larger, go with 14 ½” width. Lifetime Vinyl Shutters also has custom widths in 16 ½” and 18”.  Shutter heights are widely available in a large assortment, from 36”-80”.

When it comes to material, vinyl stands out as a premier choice for exterior shutters. Its durability, lightweight nature, and resistance to fading, cracking, and peeling make it a practical and low-maintenance option. Not to mention, super DIY friendly. Unlike wood, which requires regular upkeep, vinyl shutters retain their beauty with minimal effort. They are also an affordable way to achieve a timeless look. This vinyl shutter collection showcases a variety of styles and finishes to suit any home.

Budget is often a major consideration for homeowners, and vinyl shutters offer an excellent balance of both quality and affordability. Prices typically range from $50 to $150 per pair, depending on the style, size, and finish. For instance, our standard louvered shutters are a popular and very cost-effective option for upgrading curb appeal.

Exterior shutters come in several distinct styles, each bringing its own charm and appeal to a home. Louvered shutters, with their classic horizontal slats, are perfect for traditional homes. Raised panel shutters add depth and sophistication, making them a great choice for formal exteriors, like brick. For a rustic or farmhouse aesthetic, board and batten shutters provide a charming, handcrafted look. Explore our collections of louvered, raised panel, and board and batten shutters to find the perfect match for your home.

Color plays a crucial role in the overall impact of your shutters. Vinyl shutters are available in a wide array of colors, from classic black and white, to bold reds and blues. When choosing a color, common practices are to match either match your home’s trim OR create a striking contrast, with an opposite color. The integrated color in vinyl ensures long-lasting vibrancy and fade resistance, so your shutters maintain their appeal over time. Our extensive range of color options makes it easy to find the perfect shade. Vinyl also has a faux wood grain, giving it that “authentic wood looks” but, without the hassle of real wood.

Installation is another aspect that many homeowners consider (and rightfully so). Vinyl shutters are manufactured with the DIYers in mind, making them user-friendly and easy to install with basic tools. And the best news yet? Vinyl shutters come with the installation screws! Check out our detailed installation guide, here: Vinyl Shutter Installation.

When it comes to trusted brands, Ekena Millwork, Builders Edge, and Mid-America are industry leaders. These brands offer high-quality vinyl shutters with lifetime warranties, giving you peace of mind and excellent value for your investment.

For more inspiration and to explore our full range of vinyl shutters, visit our collection page. Whether you are enhancing your home’s curb appeal, tackling a new build, or completing a renovation project, vinyl shutters are a durable, easy-to-install, and affordable choice. As a “shutter expert”, I give vinyl shutters my full stamp of approval. Get started, today!