Plywood Hurricane Shutters: Everything You Need to Know to Make Your Home Safer

Protecting your home from an impending hurricane is everything, and hurricane shutters do just that. They’re installed over windows and glass doors to act as an exterior barrier against hurricane winds and flying debris. Any break in the barrier can cause enough pressure inside your home to blow off the roof. Learn all about plywood hurricane shutters and more effective alternatives for severe storms. 

Can You Use Plywood for Hurricane Shutters?

Yes, you can use plywood as temporary hurricane shutters, but true hurricane shutters protect your home far better. If properly installed, plywood hurricane shutters are strong enough to withstand Category 1 and 2 hurricanes but not Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricanes. 

Specific hardware and installation methods are critical in providing protection. High winds, flying debris, and water from a hurricane can rip off the plywood if it’s not adequately secured. Large glass openings, such as sliding and French doors, should not be covered with plywood.

Plywood is a readily available and low-cost material at $2 to $6 per square foot. However, using plywood as a hurricane shutter can lead to expensive home damage and even the loss of your home if the plywood isn’t secure or if there’s a Category 3, 4, or 5 storm. It’s often a better investment to install permanent hurricane shutters or hire a local hurricane shutter installation company than risk the expense of entire home damage. 

In hurricane-prone areas like Florida, plywood hurricane shutters don’t meet building codes for hurricane protection. While you will unlikely receive a code violation, improper shutters won’t offer your home the defense it needs.  

Pros and Cons of Using Plywood for Hurricane Shutters

Plywood hurricane shutters offer several advantages, but they also have some disadvantages. Consider all of these factors before installing them on your windows.

How Thick Should Plywood Be for Hurricane Shutters?

Plywood should be at least 5/8 or 3/4 inch thick for hurricane shutters. Thinner plywood won’t protect your home from the high winds and flying debris. Plywood hurricane shutters must be installed inside the window frame with hanger bolts or barrel bolts. Simply nailing plywood to the exterior of your window will not be enough against the power of a hurricane. 

You can install plywood hurricane shutters if you follow specific instructions or hire a hurricane shutter pro to install them properly. 

How to Install Plywood Hurricane Shutters

A qualified hurricane shutter professional will follow these steps to install plywood hurricane shutters and board up your windows:

1. When possible, the plywood should be installed within the window frame. Otherwise, install it on the exterior of the home, making sure the mounting screws will screw into the framing.

2. Cut panels so they’re large enough for screws to be mounted at least 2 inches from the edge.

3. Mark the panels at 12- or 16-inch intervals and drill pilot holes 2 inches from the edge along all sides.

4. Label each panel so you can match it to the correct window when the time comes to use them.

5. Seal the panels so they stand up to the incoming wet weather.

The cost of hurricane shutters ranges from $1,500 to $6,000, but they’re almost always worth the investment to protect your home from catastrophic damage. 

Why Hurricane Shutters Are Necessary

Prior to a hurricane, it’s essential to protect all of your home’s entry points, including doors, windows, skylights, and garage doors.

Hurricane shutters are essential in hurricane-prone areas for several reasons: 

• Protects you and your home from devastating hurricane damage

• Safeguards your possessions and the interior of your home

• Acts as a first line of defense against a hurricane

• Offers you peace of mind during a hurricane

• Can increase your home’s value if you live in a hurricane-prone area

• Can prevent water damage and mold growth

• Can lower the cost of your homeowners insurance, as long as they’re code-compliant in your area (plywood shutters may not meet code)

Best Alternatives to Plywood Hurricane Shutters

Beyond DIY plywood hurricane shutters, there are more reliable, sturdy, and proven options for protecting your home during a hurricane. If you live in a hurricane zone, consider investing in hurricane shutters that can withstand the high winds and flying debris—and meet the local building code. 

Accordion Hurricane Shutters

Accordion shutters are permanent and open and close like an actual accordion. Accordion hurricane shutters are aluminum and cost $15 to $30 per square foot.

Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters

Roll-down shutters are permanent hurricane shutters that you can lower manually or automatically. Roll-down shutters run about $25 to $60 per square foot.  

Bahama Shutters

Bahama shutters are permanent hurricane shutters that are often aesthetically pleasing while offering ample storm protection. They can be wood, aluminum, or composite material. Bahama shutters cost $20 to $35 per square foot. 

Colonial Shutters

Colonial shutters are permanent hurricane shutters that allow easy opening and closing and a historical look. Colonial shutters cost $25 to $35 per square foot.

Storm Panels

Storm panels are temporary hurricane shutters made of steel or aluminum. They cost $10 to $20 per square foot.

Fabric Storm Shutters

Fabric storm shutters can be temporary or permanent hurricane shutters and are made of reinforced PVC or mesh sheets. Temporary fabric storm shutters cost $5 to $15 per square foot, and permanent solutions cost $25 to $50 per square foot. 

Storm Windows and Storm Doors

Hurricane-rated storm windows and doors have impact-resistant glass. They can withstand flying debris and high winds from hurricanes without breaking—or will crack instead of shatter. Storm windows cost anywhere from $4,200 to $20,000. 

You can also install storm doors or hire a local door installation company. Depending on the size, weight, and door type, a storm door costs between $200 and $650.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Install Plywood Hurricane Shutters 

Hurricanes can do an astonishing amount of damage to your home, but being prepared with hurricane shutters can reduce some damage if they’re installed properly. Hiring a pro to install plywood hurricane shutters can increase the likelihood that they’ll stand up against the high winds and driving rain that comes with a hurricane. 

While you can install hurricane shutters yourself, a seasoned pro brings knowledge and a depth of experience to the job. They can ensure the hurricane shutters are secured and ready to withstand as much hurricane force as possible. These pros charge $45 to $100 per hour and can walk you through different options for hurricane shutter materials.