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The Best Idea To Make Door Shutters

Y’all I had this idea to add shutters to our front doors. So the search was on for vintage shutters the height of the doors. The problem wasn’t finding shutters the correct height, it was finding some in good condition that we could afford.

I didn’t want to give up on the idea, so I devised this alternative plan to make door shutters for our front doors. Here is a step-by-step tutorial of how we did it.

The idea was to use the smaller shutters, that we already owned, and add extensions to make them taller


Why Make Door Shutters

First, I’ve had a pair of white vintage shutters propped by our front doors for a few years.

When I painted the shutters black for fall, I loved the new color but felt they would look better if they were the doors’ height.

After several attempts to find old, taller shutters, we realized that finding exactly what we wanted at a reasonable price was daunting.

Therefore, another plan was born.

We could add to the existing shutters to make them tall enough.


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Materials & Tools for Project – Extend the Shutters


Construct Extensions

Before you begin, measure the length of your shutter and the distance from your porch to the bottom of your light fixture. Then measure from that point to the top of your door. This will determine the length of your extensions.

Important NOTE:

I’m using the measurements we needed to extend our shutters for today’s tutorial. Your exact measurements will most likely vary.

Once you have your measurements, you will begin using the miter saw to cut approximately 12 boards from the lumber.

Be sure to cut the boards to the exact width of your existing shutters. We needed 12 – 16 inch, long boards.

Next, use your biscuit joiner to cut and add biscuits to join 3 of the boards together.

Be sure to mark the placement of the biscuits so that the boards will align once glued together.

Use wood glue to secure the biscuits between the boards and the edge of each board.

Once the three boards are glued, use the clamps to hold them in place for approx. 30 minutes. After removing clamps, allow 24 hours before proceeding.

Repeat this process until you have four sections.

NOTE: We considered using a larger flat board to avoid gluing the sections together. However, we are glad we took the extra steps because the attachments look like shiplap and have more character than a flat board.


Prepare the Top Section

Because the top section will fit around the light fixture, careful measurements are needed to cut out for the opening.

Use the jig saw to cut the opening in the two top sections.

Stain and Paint Door Shutters

Once everything is dry, stain the sections and then paint to match your shutter. You can wait to paint just before installation; however, it’s easier to do in small areas that are easier to work with.

If there is any damage during installation, the paint is easy to touch up.

I always get asked why I stain before I paint, so I’ll explain. The original shutters were dark brown before I painted them. For the paint color to look uniform, stain the wood first, and you will not be able to see a difference.


Attach the Bottom Section

To attach the bottom section, use the biscuit joiner to cut and join the bottom of your shutter to one of the sections.

Use wood glue to secure and add a clamp to hold until bond is set, approx. 30 minutes. Once again, allow to set for 24 hours before proceeding.


Attach Top Section to Door Shutters

Next, you will want to use your biscuit joiner and drill to create a way to join the top section to the shutter top. Align the top section to the top of the shutter, with the cutout area at the bottom.

Glue the biscuit and dowel rod into the shutter only. Be sure that the holes drilled for the dowel rod allow the shutter and top section to meet.

Drill holes in shutter and add dowel rods and biscuits to secure the additional extension piece.

Install Door Shutters

Begin by aligning the shutter under the light fixture and then bring the top section over the top, as shown below.

Door Shutter extension pieces slide right onto the top of the shutter.

Allow the dowel rods and biscuits to slip into the top section.

We did not glue the shutter to the top section because we might want to remove the shutter at a later date. It is easy to slip the top piece off to remove it.

The light fixture secures the shutter, and I love this updated front porch appearance.

Front Door Shutters make an impact on the front porch.

See Video Tutorial

The black shutters showcase the handle set from Delaney Hardware and the DIY Address Sign. Rug by Boutique Rugs

Black Door Shutters enhance the door hardware and address sign.

Porch Tours

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you!

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Tuesday 4th of October 2022

Such a fantastic idea! Can I borrow the Mister and the tools? ;) Pinned hoping my Mister gets a wild hair and helps me out! I need these!

Rachel

Wednesday 5th of October 2022

Cindy, We do make a good team. I get the crazy ideas and he begrudgingly agrees to help me. LOL

Carol

Tuesday 4th of October 2022

Fantastic and very well done. They look like they've always been there.

Rachel

Wednesday 5th of October 2022

Carol I'm so glad you liked this project. Thanks for your comment.

Kim | Shiplap and Shells

Thursday 21st of October 2021

This is seriously brilliant Rachel! They look amazing.

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Monday 25th of October 2021

Kim, I'm glad you like them.

Lynda

Wednesday 20th of October 2021

Wow! Looks fantastic! Love all your ideas and inspiration. :-)

J.Johnson

Tuesday 19th of October 2021

I loved the look before but now can’t believe how the taller shutters pulled it all together. Great idea and beautiful work!

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Wednesday 20th of October 2021

Oh thanks so much for the sweet compliments.