Price-Conscious Shutters: Getting More for Your Money

Custom window shutters can be a significant investment. Prices from leading national brands typically start at $500 per window and go up from there. But there are ways savvy homeowners can get more shutter style and functionality without overspending. Follow these tips to find price-conscious shutters that deliver great value.

Take Time to Price Shop

The first rule of getting the best deal on shutters is simple – take time to research options and price compare. Prices can vary widely for identical shutters between retailers.

Get Multiple Quotes

Don’t settle for the first bid. Contact both national chains and local shutter companies to provide quotes based on your exact window sizes.

Compare Both Online and In-Store

Browse both online retailers and physical store pricing. Online tends to offer more styles at lower prices thanks to fewer overhead costs.

Check Discount Retailers

Look beyond full-price options and check overstock stores, sale sections of home improvement stores, and discount sites like Craigslist.

Ask About Promotions

Inquire about any current sales, percentage-off deals, or coupon codes that could be applied to lower the total price.

Negotiate When Possible

Don’t be afraid to negotiate, especially with local retailers that often build in wiggle room on quotes. See if they can sweeten the deal with extras like free shipping or installation discounts.

Weigh the Value

Compare pricing in terms of value – what you get for the money – not just lowest nominal cost. Make sure quality and features measure up.

Choose Materials Strategically

Material costs significantly impact total shutter pricing. Know which materials offer the best balance of affordability and durability.

Vinyl

Vinyl is the least expensive shutter material and resembles painted wood while being moisture-proof. Great DIY choice.

Composite Wood

Engineered wood is pricier than vinyl but much cheaper than solid wood. It resists warping from moisture.

Aluminum

Lightweight but dent-resistant aluminum shutters are an affordable metal option for cost-conscious buyers, especially in simple louver styles.

Synthetic Composite

Options like PVC polymer shutters offer the elegance of wood at a more budget-friendly price point compared to natural wood.

Faux Wood

Faux wood crafted from waterproof materials like ABS plastic provides the wood look on a budget. Just note some quality tradeoffs.

Focus on Standard Styles and Sizes

Skipping custom upgrades keeps costs down without sacrificing quality:

Avoid Odd Sizes

Choose standard width options like 15” or 30” to prevent surcharges for custom sizing. Measure carefully.

Skip Specialty Shapes

Stick to rectangular and simple arched panels. Leave grand palladian designs for premium projects.

Limit Mixed Panels

Mixing shutter sizes and shapes on one window costs more – keep panels consistent across windows instead.

Use Classic Louver Styles

Traditional or raised-panel louver designs cost less than recessed or decorative louvers.

Skip Custom Colors

Order standard color selections like white – custom paint matching adds over 25% typically. Consider DIY painting separate from purchase.

Buy In Bulk

Purchasing all shutters needed for a home in one batch can qualify for quantity discounts from some retailers.

Reduce Installation Fees

In addition to material costs, professional installation charges take a bite from project budgets.

DIY Installation

Basic vinyl and aluminum shutters are pretty straightforward for DIYers to install following online guides.

Save on Labor

Ask retailers what labor discount they offer if you purchase shutters from them but use your own handyman for fitting.

Provide Your Own Hardware

BYO screws, hinges, and mounting plates to avoid retailer markups on hardware kits.

Pay in Cash

Some companies offer a discount for paying the full labor amount upfront in cash rather than financing over time.

Get Creative

Ask pros what odd jobs you can assist with to shave off time and labor fees, like setting up a ladder or pre-measuring windows.

Enhance With Lower-Cost Accents

Smaller décor touches help elevate shutters without big add-on costs:

Curtains and Valances

Layer fabric window treatments over shutters to add color and softness while avoiding pricier custom shutter colors.

###operable hinges Upgrade standard hinge sets to open-close functionality for under $20 more per shutter.

Vintage Hardware

Scour flea markets and antique stores to find unique vintage shutter hardware full of character for less than big-box options.

Interior Trim

Add wide interior trim moldings as an affordable framing detail to make standard shutters look custom.

Decorative Brackets

Ornate shutter brackets immediately dress up plain vinyl or aluminum styles without a huge investment.

Window Boxes

An easy DIY project – paint reclaimed wood boxes to complement shutters for a classic charm boost.

Being price-conscious doesn’t mean settling for lower quality. With smart shopping, strategic material choices, and creative add-ons, you can install gorgeous new shutters your windows deserve while sticking to your budget.