How Much Do Hurricane Shutters Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost for hurricane shutters is $3,635, based on 372 verified projects from Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $1,440 and $5,841, with per-square-foot costs ranging from $2 to $60 depending on shutter type, window size, and window count. Costs can stretch as high as $11,000 or drop to as low as $255 based on the scale of your project and the time of year you schedule installation.

Hurricane Shutters Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

Hurricane shutters are a significant home improvement investment, and knowing what drives the price helps you evaluate any estimate with confidence. The main cost factors include shutter type, window size, number of windows, material, and labor. Understanding each category puts you in a better position to compare quotes and avoid surprises.

Hurricane Shutter Cost by Type

The type of hurricane shutter is one of the biggest factors in what you'll pay, with costs varying widely across available styles. Temporary options like storm panels and fabric shutters sit at the lower end of the price spectrum, while permanent solutions like roll-down and colonial shutters cost more upfront but offer long-term convenience. The table below breaks down the average price (per square foot) of different hurricane shutter types:

Accordion Hurricane Shutters

Accordion hurricane shutters are permanent and open and close like an accordion made from aluminum. Accordion hurricane shutters cost $15 to $30 per square foot plus $45 to $100 for labor fees. While not aesthetically pleasing, these shutters are popular among homeowners for budget-friendly prices.  

Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters

Roll-down shutters are a durable, permanent hurricane shutter solution. You can lower these shutters manually or automatically. They run about $25 to $60 per square foot, so a 7-square-foot window will cost about $220 to $520, including installation fees.  

Bahama Shutters

Bahama shutters are made from wood, aluminum, or composite, cost $20 to $35 per square foot, and average $185 to $345 for installation per 7-square-foot window. If you've ever been to the Caribbean, you've probably seen these sturdy, durable shutters that are aesthetically pleasing, low maintenance, and provide ample privacy and storm protection. 

Colonial Shutters

Colonial shutters cost $25 to $35 per square foot, totaling $220 to $345 for a 7-square-foot window. They are a permanent, durable solution with lots of historic charm. Their convenient design allows for easy opening and closing to protect your homes and windows from storm damage while allowing sun exposure and increased privacy. 

Plywood

Plywood hurricane shutters cost $2 to $6 per square foot for a total of $15 to $45 for a 7-square-foot window. While not precisely a shutter type, homeowners have used plywood as a hurricane shutter for decades. Commonly referred to as "boarding up," this temporary solution is cost-effective and offers some protection in low hurricane wind speeds. 

Storm Panels

Storm panels cost $10 to $20 per square foot, with an average of $115 to $240 for a 7-square-foot window. Made of steel or aluminum, they cover the entire window during hurricanes. Because of their design, these temporary solutions are only installed during hurricane threats. 

Fabric Storm Shutters

Fabric storm shutters are made from reinforced PVC or mesh sheets and can be a temporary or permanent solution. The temporary option costs $5 to $15 per square foot, with an estimated $80 to $205 per 7-square-foot window. The permanent shutters cost $25 to $50 per square foot. They work as a shield between hurricane forces and your home. 

Window Size

Window size directly affects your hurricane shutter cost because larger windows require more material, and costs run $2 to $60 per square foot depending on the shutter type you choose. Smaller standard windows keep material costs low, while oversized or custom windows push totals higher. Measuring every window accurately before getting quotes helps ensure your estimate reflects your actual project scope.

Number of Windows

The number of windows you need to cover has a direct impact on your total hurricane shutter project cost. More windows mean more material and labor hours, both of which add to your final bill. Getting a full window count before requesting quotes gives contractors the information they need to provide an accurate estimate.

Shutter Material

Hurricane shutter material is a major cost driver, with prices ranging from $2 to $60 per square foot depending on what you choose. The four most common material options each offer a different balance of durability, cost, and ease of installation:

• Metal: Metal hurricane shutters typically cost $5 to $60 per square foot, depending on the type and whether you choose aluminum or steel. Aluminum is lighter and easier to handle, while steel is heavier but offers greater durability.

• Plastic: Clear polycarbonate shutters cost about $10 to $30 per square foot. These impact-resistant panels allow natural light into your home while providing storm protection.

• Fabric: Removable fabric hurricane shutters cost around $5 to $15 per square foot. They're lightweight, easy to store, and relatively DIY-friendly, although permanent fabric systems cost more.

• Wood: Plywood costs about $2 to $5 per square foot, making it one of the least expensive ways to protect windows during a storm. However, it's a temporary solution and generally offers less protection and convenience than rated hurricane shutter systems.

Shutter Location

Where your shutters need to be installed affects your labor costs, particularly if your home has multiple stories. Installing shutters above the ground floor requires additional equipment and time, which drives up labor fees. If you need upper-floor coverage, factor that into your budget when comparing quotes from contractors.

Labor

Labor is a key part of your hurricane shutter budget, and a hurricane shutter installer near you typically charges $45 to $100 per hour for installation work. Heavier materials like steel and multi-story installations take more time, pushing labor costs toward the higher end of that range. Getting itemized quotes from multiple pros helps you understand how labor factors into each estimate.

Time of Year

The time of year you schedule your installation affects what you'll pay, with prices rising as hurricane season approaches due to increased demand. Installing shutters in the off-season—particularly mid-winter—gives you access to better pricing and greater contractor availability. Planning ahead before the June-to-November season begins is one of the most effective ways to keep your project cost down.

Permits

Not every hurricane shutter installation requires a permit, but some neighborhoods and homeowners associations (HOAs) do mandate one, so it's worth checking before your project begins. When a permit is required, you can expect to pay $50 to $200 for the permit itself. Confirming local requirements with your contractor early helps you avoid delays and unexpected fees once the project is underway.

How Much Does a Hurricane Shutter Pro Cost?

Hiring a local hurricane shutter installation pro is the right call when you're working with heavy-duty materials like steel shutters or when you're unsure whether your installation will meet wind-load and impact ratings. Experienced installers understand local building codes, permit requirements, and safety standards that DIY work can easily miss. If you have prior shutter installation experience and confidence in your results, a DIY approach is possible for lighter materials. For most homeowners, professional installation is the safer investment.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a hurricane shutter installation pro

Installing hurricane shutters can be more complex than it seems. Here's why it's best to hire an experienced pro for the job:

• Professionals understand wind-load requirements and impact ratings to ensure your shutters protect your property during major storms.

• Working with pros ensures your project meets local building codes, permit requirements, and safety standards.

• DIY installation can lead to improper mounting, structural damage, and ineffective protection.

• Professionally installed hurricane shutters improve home safety and insurance eligibility and can boost your resale value.

If you want to DIY hurricane shutter installation

To assist your pro with the installation process, consider helping out with the following tasks:

• Clear furniture, decor, and obstacles from the work area to provide easy access for your pro.

• Help mark window and door openings to confirm he location of the shutters.

• Hand tools and materials to your pro as directed.

• Keep pets, kids, and other household members away from the work area.

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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