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Shutters add a rich detail and character to your home while protecting your windows from damaging winds and rain.

When putting up shutters, the key is to have good, sturdy hardware. Look for pressure treated wood shutters for exterior use. To have operable shutters, the shutter dogs and hinges need to be sturdy (and of high quality). After marking the location for the hinges, drill pilot holes for the screws. Then screw the hinges and other hardware in place. Hang your shutters and test the fit.

Steve Nott of Steve Nott and Son Carpentry reviews the steps involved in installing the window shutters. The old shutter has been removed as it had fallen into a state of disrepair and might use lead paint. New shutters from J&L Shutters were used as replacements. The shutters are made from Permex, a synthetic material, and are pre-painted with a ten-year warranty. The shutters also have metal reinforcement through the stiles and historic-style hinges. The hinge section has already been attached to the shutter and the hinge pin is attached to the window casing. The shutter is a working shutter and can be closed to protect windows during a storm. Measurements for the screw holes have already been made. A pilot hole is then drilled into the wood. Pilot holes are important because drilling a screw into the wood without one can weaken the wood. Once the pins are in, the shutter is put into place. The shutter dog is then installed at the bottom to hold the shutter in an open position. First, the shutter dog is put in position and marked on the wall. A hole is then drilled into the stucco using a masonry bit. After the stucco is penetrated, the bit is switched to a standard bit to drill into the sheathing underneath. The use of the old-style hinges retains the historic appeal of the home. These shutters are resistant to rot and will last a long time.

Bob Ryley is on hand to help hang some new Withers Industries shutters on the front of the center-entry Colonial. The shutters are made from Southern Yellow Pine, and add an authentic touch to the Colonial fa�ade. The painters have coated them in Charles Green paint from the Bob Vila Signature Line collection. Ryley begins with the pintles that will hold the shutters off and away from the window casing. Bob and Ryley drop the shutters into place on the pintles, then Ryley attaches some new wrought-iron shutter dogs to hold the new shutters in place.

Bob meets general contractor Wes Lohr at the Colonial-style affordable home in Mashpee, Massachusetts. The exterior of the home is receiving finishing touches as synthetic Permex shutters from JL Shutters are installed. These solid, handsome shutters feature a lifetime warranty against defects and a ten-year warranty on the painted finish from Sherwin Williams.