How to Purchase and Mount Exterior Shutter Hardware
Key Takeaways
- Before mounting exterior shutters, decide whether your shutters will be functional or decorative. Functional shutters require hinges, pintels, hold backs, and slide bolts.
- For a DIY shutter installation, the number of hinges and pintles depends on shutter height, while the placement of decorative hardware is largely a matter of preference.
- Choose shutter fasteners and hardware that suit your shutter type and installation method, then carefully measure and position each component before drilling.
Choosing shutter hardware is easier when you understand what each component does. This guide walks through the basic decisions and steps involved in mounting exterior shutters so you can plan your project with confidence.
If you are still comparing styles, browse the Hooks & Lattice shutter collection before selecting hardware. You can also download the printable shutter hardware guide for reference during installation.
Step 1. Choose Functional or Decorative Shutter Hardware
Functional Hardware:
Functional shutter hardware is stainless steel. For mounting exterior shutters that will open and close, you will need pintels, hinges, hold backs, and slide bolts. The right shutter fasteners and components work together to support movement and keep the shutters positioned correctly.
Hinges
These attach to the shutter and slide onto the pintle, allowing the shutter to swing. They are often called strap hinges.
Shop hinges.
Hold Backs
These keep shutters open and rotate to allow them to close. They may also be called tiebacks, dog hold backs, or shutter dogs. Shop hold backs.
Slide Bolts
These mount to the inside of functional shutters and allow them to lock when closed. They are also known as latches. Shop slide bolts.
Decorative Hardware:
Decorative shutter hardware may be aluminum, iron, vinyl, or plastic. For a decorative DIY shutter installation, you primarily need an appropriate attachment method, while the remaining accents can be selected according to the look you prefer.
For an operable-inspired appearance, consider an “S” hold back and faux hinges. Decorative shutter fasteners can also be used when appropriate for the shutter and installation method.
Step 2. Determine How Many Hinges and Pintles You Need
If you have operable shutters or want decorative shutters to resemble an operable installation, use the appropriate number of hinges and pintles. This is an important part of mounting exterior shutters because taller shutter pairs require additional support.
Shutter pairs from 12" - 48" in height require the use of 2 pairs of hinges and pintles.
Shutter pairs from 49" - 95" in height require the use of 3 pairs of hinges and pintles.
Shutter pairs 96" and over in height require the use of 4 pairs of hinges and pintles.
Step 3. Install Functional Shutter Hardware
For a DIY shutter installation, gather your shutters, hinges, pintles, slide bolts, hold backs, appropriate screws, a drill, shims, and the lag bolts, washers, and cotter pins supplied or specified for the hold backs. Choose shutter fasteners of the appropriate length for your shutters and installation method.
1. Connect the Hinges to the Shutters
Place the shutters on a flat work surface with the backs facing up. Center the hinges on the top and bottom panels, keeping the edge of each hinge flush with the shutter edge. Check the hinge orientation so the pintles will connect correctly when mounting exterior shutters.
Mark the hinge holes, then drill pilot holes at those locations. Confirm that your screws are an appropriate length so they do not extend through the opposite side of the shutter. Align the hinges with the pilot holes and install the shutter fasteners.
For paneled shutters, the simpler paneled side should face outward when the shutters are closed. For louvered shutters, position the louvers so you would need to look upward through the opening when the shutters are closed.
2. Fasten the Slide Bolt
Turn the shutters over so you are viewing the front, or the side you would see from inside when they are closed. Position the shutters evenly beside each other. Align the slide bolt and latch with the center panel or a suitable flat area on board-and-batten shutters.
Keep each component flush with the shutter edge and mark the mounting holes. Drill the pilot holes, position the slide bolt, and screw it into place. Check that the latch opens and closes smoothly before continuing the DIY shutter installation.
A slide bolt cannot be installed on a louvered shutter that does not have a center panel. For a double-hung window, position the slide bolt slightly below center so the lock can be operated from inside.
3. Shim the Shutters Into Position
Shimming helps create even spacing while mounting exterior shutters. Place one shutter panel in the window opening. With another person helping, hold it in position and shim the top and bottom before repeating the process with the second shutter and along the sides.
Once both panels are in the opening, carefully center them. A 1/4-inch space on all sides is recommended in the existing Hooks & Lattice installation guide. Make sure the widest rail of each shutter is positioned at the bottom.
4. Install the Pintels
Slide a pintle upward through each hinge and mark where the pintle plate rests against the exterior. Repeat this process for every hinge and pintle. Careful positioning at this stage supports an even result when mounting exterior shutters.
Remove the shutters and drill pilot holes at the marked locations. Align the pintles with the holes, then use the appropriate shutter fasteners to secure the pintles to the exterior.
5. Hang the Shutters
Once the hinges are secured to the shutters and the pintles are attached to the building, slide the hinges onto the pintles. Check that both shutters swing smoothly, hang evenly, and meet flush when closed. This check is an important part of mounting exterior shutters before adding the hold backs.
6. Install the Hold Backs
Connect the lag bolts, washers, and cotter pins to the hold backs, then open the shutters completely. On the wall, measure 4 inches inward from the outside bottom corner of the shutter and 1 inch below the shutter.
Check that the shutter stays in place from this position. Rotate the hold back to confirm that the shutter clears it when closing, then mark the bolt location. Repeat the process on the other side to complete this stage of the DIY shutter installation.
Installing Decorative Hardware
Decorative hardware placement does not require the same measurements as functional hardware. Positioning is largely based on the appearance you want, and a suitable non-corrosive fastener may be used instead of functional hardware where appropriate.
For the most authentic appearance, follow the same visual principles used when mounting exterior shutters with functional components. The shutter hardware collection includes options for both operable and decorative applications.
This guide explains the basic principles behind measuring and installation. Final accuracy depends on careful measurements and choosing the installation method that fits your project. Take several measurements of each opening because window openings are not always perfectly square.
Hooks & Lattice recommends using a licensed contractor for installation of all products. If you choose a DIY shutter installation, follow the product instructions and appropriate safety practices throughout the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you mount exterior shutters?
For functional shutters, begin by attaching the hinges, installing the slide bolt, and shimming the shutter panels into position. Next, mark and install the pintels, hang the shutters, and add the hold backs. Careful measuring and suitable shutter fasteners are central to mounting exterior shutters securely and evenly.
How can I install exterior shutters on brick?
Brick construction and shutter systems can vary, so use the installation instructions for your specific product and hardware. A lot of this general guide will apply, but not necessarily all of it. Hooks & Lattice recommends installation by a licensed contractor when you have any doubts.
What is the best way to install shutters on vinyl siding?
The correct approach depends on the shutter, hardware, and construction behind the siding. While the rest of this guide can help, you should follow the instructions for your specific product, and use a licensed contractor when appropriate.
How do functional shutters attach to a home?
Functional shutters use hinges attached to the shutter panels and pintels attached to the building. The hinges slide onto the pintles so the shutters can swing. When mounting exterior shutters, hold backs keep the open panels in position, while slide bolts allow compatible shutters to lock when closed.
