Install Interior Shutters

Home repair expert Henry Harrison shows a homeowner how to mount center-hinged shutters with a special café hinge so the shutters will fold up and to the side, allowing access to the windows while also enhancing privacy.

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On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a one.

Materials and Tools:

drill
combination square
pencil
screwdriver
awl
safety glasses
cafe hinges (shutter pins, bottom and top brackets)

Steps:

1. Measure out two inches from the bottom of the frame and make a mark to position the top of the bracket. This should give the pin plenty of clearance to drop through.

2. Drill two pilot holes and attach the bracket with long screws.

3. Use an awl to give the drill bit a head start, then drill the pilot holes and attach the pin with screws to the shutter where it will match up with the wall bracket.

4. For this bracket drill little divots with the part in place as a guide. It’s a different method than using the awl but both get the job done.

5. Place the shutter in position on the bottom bracket and test fit the top bracket. Position the top bracket with enough clearance for the shutter to lift onto the notch on the bottom.

6. Drill pilot holes for the top bracket and attach the top bracket with screws.

7. Attach the pins on both ends of the shutter. Make sure they are on the same side and that the hinge will fold the shutter into the room, not towards the window.

8. It is the mirror image on the other side. Again make sure to leave room at the top for the bottom pin to lift onto the notch.

9. Position the magnetic latches on the window frame opposite from the hinges. Make pilot holes with the awl, then pre-drill holes. Attach the magnetic latches with screws.

10. Position the metal latch plates on the inside of the shutters, again opposite side from the hinges, and attach with the same process.