Exterior board and batten shutters.

[Don Harris]

Due to storm damage we had a new charcoal colored roof put on our 32 year old house, that inspired my wife to say something bold, like wouldn't charcoal shutters look great! That inspired me to build stationary Board and Batten shutters out of Red Cedar which will last indefinitely in Savannah. Whenever she has an idea I know it means I have a new project for me!

I discovered something about Cedar, it is soft. Please look at the photo for the back side of the shutter, you will see pocket holes close to one another because the first 2 stainless steel screws went completely through and came out the surface even though I set my drill clutch quite low. I then used my Mini Kreg jig set for 5/8" material to set in new stainless steel screws and it worked great. I used Gorilla white wood glue for the face joints, and Olympic Mystic Black Wood Protector.

 

As you can see from the before and after photos the shutters made a big difference in the appearance. The only drawback was it was 88 degrees when we started the installation and 96 degrees when we finished. This was truly a "sweat equity" project.

 

[Kim C]

Love the before and after photos. I just got some 1 in thick poplar to make shutters to match our new roof. (storm damage also) I am glad you said that about cedar. I had considered it but chose poplar since it was easier for me to get. I will treat it.
Great job and your house looks great!