How Much Do Estate Shutters Cost? [2025 Data]

Installing estate shutters, formerly referred to as plantation shutters, costs $2,992 on average but ranges from $300 to $8,400. The project total depends on the area covered (about $20 to $45 per square foot), how many windows you have, and the material used. 

Estate shutters are elegant, classic window treatments that are most popular in the South. They’re excellent at blocking out light and heat. The cost of estate shutters is slightly higher than other coverings, but you’ll see a decent return on investment—about 75%.

Estate Shutters Cost Breakdown

Estate shutters are pricier than other window treatments, but the payoff is a dramatic look with effortless function—the best of both worlds. The true price depends on the number of windows, their size, and the materials you choose.

Shutter Material

There are many materials to choose from when selecting your estate shutters.

• Hardwood shutters: Hardwood estate shutters cost $250–$600 per window. Natural wood has a classic look, but thanks to its porosity, it’s best used in areas with low moisture and humidity.

• Faux wood shutters: Faux wood estate shutters cost $150–$400 per window. Faux wood—also called composite or engineered wood—looks like natural wood at a more affordable price point and with better moisture resistance.

• PVC shutters: PVC estate shutters cost $75–$300 per window. This type of shutter is fire-resistant and more energy-efficient than natural wood.

• Vinyl shutters: Vinyl shutters cost $75–$150 per window. They’re highly moisture-resistant, so they work well in bathrooms and other areas exposed to high humidity.

Size

The larger the size of the shutters, the higher the cost. Most contractors will charge $20 to $45 per square foot, with discounts for bulk or wholesale orders.

This pricing bundles materials and labor but usually assumes the shutters are custom-built. Premade options may not include the price of labor.

Number of Windows 

You can expect to spend $45 to $650 per window on estate shutters. Estate shutters are commonly installed in pairs on a single window, known as double-hung estate shutters. This isn’t always the case depending on the design. The more windows you want to cover, the more your estate shutters will cost. 

Type of Windows

The type of windows makes a significant difference in the total cost of estate shutters. Larger window types, like bay windows and sliding glass doors, cost more to cover than a standard window.

• Bay windows: The average homeowner spends $800 on estate shutters for a bay window. You’ll need to cover three windows of varying sizes: the center window and the two side panels.

• Sliding glass doors: Most homeowners spend $860 on estate shutters for a standard-sized sliding glass door (80-by-60 inches). You could spend as much as $1,100 on a longer-than-average door.

• Patio French doors: Expect to spend around $1,000 to cover standard 80-by-36-inch French doors with estate shutters. With French doors, you’ll need to cover two panels instead of one.

California Shutters vs. Estate Shutters

California shutters cost $70 to $1,140 per window, which is slightly more expensive than a standard estate shutter. What sets California shutters apart are the louvers (or horizontal slats). The slats are slightly smaller, lending themselves to a less dramatic look. The average cost to install California shutters is $2,200. 

Location 

As with most home renovation projects, installing estate shutters in major metros such as Los Angeles and New York City will be more expensive than installing them in less populated places. However, much of the pricing depends on the materials used. Here is some average pricing for various regions:

Estate Shutter Ongoing Expenses

Maintaining estate shutters is straightforward and requires minimal ongoing expenses. If one of the slats breaks, you can repair it or replace the shutter. Most estate shutter repairs cost $150 to $450. The average cost of hiring a handyperson ranges from $40 to $140 per project, depending on the complexity and material. 

Beyond repairs, you’ll also need to dust and clean estate shutters once every two to three months. While estate shutters cost more up front than other window treatments, they last up to 50 years or longer with proper care and maintenance.

Cost of Common Add-Ons

You can upgrade your estate shutters by selecting a custom design or improving the look and function of your shutters.

Custom Designs 

You can include a divider rail to separate one panel into two. The split allows you to operate the two sides independently. Custom pricing depends on the size of your window and what features you want. 

Cloth Tape

Cloth tape is a soft fabric accent you can add to your estate shutters. The cloth can embellish and soften the look. The extra cost depends on the type and size of your shutter, but expect to pay between $20 and $100.

Routeless Slats

With routeless slats, the cords run on the outside of the slats instead of through them. The design eliminates the small holes that let in light, allowing for extra privacy and room darkening. Some homeowners choose routeless slats for bedrooms and nurseries. The cost is dependent on your shutter vendor. 

Cordless Operation

Cordless estate shutters eliminate loose cords, providing a sleeker design and a safer option for small children. A cordless shutter price depends on where you buy your shutters, but they average about $130.

Motorization

Motorized estate shutters can operate on a remote, wall switch, smartphone, or voice-activated smart home system. You can adjust the shades when you’re away from home or lying in bed. Installing electric blinds costs anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per window, with an average of $650 per window.

How to Save Money on Installing Estate Shutters

You can lower the cost of installing estate shutters by: 

• Installing them yourself but ensuring you install them correctly to ensure their longevity and functionality. 

• Working with a contractor who has access to wholesale prices. 

• Placing a bulk order for all the windows in your home to save on the cost per shutter.

• Opting for vinyl, faux wood, or PVC to reduce material costs.

Why You Should Hire an Estate Shutter Installation Pro

While many people choose estate shutters for their aesthetics, they also provide invaluable protection for your home, including against high heat, harsh sunlight, and debris during a windstorm. For these reasons, it’s always worth working with a local window shutter pro to ensure quality installation, a tight fit, and overall longevity. Although labor costs $65 to $100 per hour to install shutters, it is more than worth it to ensure they're installed right the first time.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire an estate shutter pro

Working with a pro to install estate shutters has a number of benefits, including:

• Ensuring precise, quality installation

• Getting more customization options for your home’s final look

• Ensuring shutters are stable and securely installed

• Improving energy efficiency through accurate installation

• Completing the entire project more quickly

If you want to DIY an estate shutter installation

While the actual installation of your estate shutters is best left to a pro, you can save some money by doing a little DIY prep work, such as:

• Clearing the area around the windows or doors of any obstacles, such as furniture.

• Removing old shutters, if applicable.

• Cleaning the window frame and the exterior nearby.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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