How much do shutters cost?

There is no single price for shutters because several parts of the specification can affect the final cost. The size and number of windows, shutter style, finish, added extras and method of installation can all make a difference. The company supplying the shutters, how they are manufactured and where they are made can also affect the price.

Professional or DIY?

The first decision is whether you want a professional supply and installation service or whether you want to buy the shutters for DIY installation.

With a professional service, the company will normally measure the windows, help you choose the specification, arrange the shutters and return to install them. The cost of this service therefore covers more than the shutters themselves. It can include surveying and measuring, installation labour, delivery, travel and the company’s wider operating costs.

When comparing DIY prices, check exactly what is included. Some suppliers include the frame, hinges and other hardware within the quoted price, while delivery may be charged separately. Also check whether any additional charges apply before comparing one price with another.

Window size and shape

The size of the window is one of the most straightforward factors affecting the cost. If shutters are priced by square metre, a larger window will require more material than a smaller one. This becomes particularly noticeable with large bays, patio doors and tall windows.

Window shape can also affect the price. A simple rectangular window is generally more straightforward to manufacture and install than a bay, arched window or other unusual shape. Bay windows can require several individual shutter panels and more involved measuring and fitting.

Material, style and finish

The material and construction are another part of the price. Different materials and manufacturing methods can sit at different price points, while the specification of the finished shutter can also vary considerably. It is therefore worth comparing what you are actually getting rather than assuming that one broad material category will always be cheaper or more expensive.

The style can also affect the price. Full height shutters are generally a relatively straightforward configuration, while tier-on-tier shutters use separate upper and lower panels and additional hardware. Café style shutters cover less of the window, although the price will still depend on the overall dimensions and construction. Special shapes and more complicated configurations can also require additional manufacturing or fitting work.

The finish and colour can sometimes affect the cost too. A standard painted colour may be included within a product range, while a particular stain, premium finish or custom colour may carry an additional charge. If colour matching is important, check whether this is included in the quoted price or treated as an optional extra.

Comparing quotes and lead times

It is also worth looking beyond the headline price when comparing quotes. One company might provide a single price covering measuring, manufacture, delivery and installation, while another might separate some of these costs. A DIY price may look considerably lower because it does not include professional measuring or fitting.

For a fair comparison, ask each company for a breakdown showing the shutters, measuring, delivery, installation and any additional charges. Check whether VAT is included and whether the quoted price covers every window you have discussed.

Lead time is another consideration, although it is not necessarily a cost. Made to measure shutters may be manufactured overseas or closer to the UK, and production schedules can vary between suppliers and products. If you need the shutters installed by a particular date, ask the supplier how long the process is expected to take and when you can expect them to be installed.

What about DIY and No Drill Shutters?

DIY installation can reduce the overall cost because you are taking responsibility for measuring, ordering and fitting the shutters yourself rather than paying for a professional service. However, the amount you save will depend on the shutters and supplier you choose. Some DIY systems are designed to make installation relatively straightforward, while others use more conventional frames and fixings and may require more time, tools and DIY experience. Unusual windows, large panels, doors and special shapes can also make the fitting more involved.

No Drill Shutters are one particular type of DIY system designed to avoid conventional drilling and screw fixings. They can provide a simpler installation and may be useful where you want to avoid paying for professional fitting, but they are only suitable for compatible windows and can have different materials, specifications and pricing from other DIY shutters. When comparing prices, check what is included and whether you are comparing like for like products.

Getting a realistic idea of cost

Ultimately, the cheapest quote is not necessarily the most useful comparison. Look at the construction, shutter style, finish, measuring service, installation, delivery, guarantee and after sales support alongside the price. Two quotes for what appear to be similar shutters can contain quite different specifications and services.

For homeowners trying to establish a realistic budget, the most useful starting point is to consider how many windows you want covered, their approximate size, whether they are straightforward or unusual shapes, and whether you want professional fitting or DIY installation. Once those points are known, obtaining several like for like quotes should give you a much clearer idea of what your particular project is likely to cost.