Instant
01 · Ask
Full, cafe or tier-on-tier?
Privacy, view, light control — different shutters for different priorities. Describe each room and the AI tells you the right style.
Choose shutter colour & finish.
White, off-white, hardwood stain or any custom colour — colour matched to your room or window frame.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Hire a shutter fitter. Hardwood, surveyed, snug.
Read the brief on materials, styles and louvre sizes — then let Three local shutter specialists quote.
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02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
Hardwood vs MDF, louvre sizes, hinge types, surveys vs self-measure, child-safety rules. Know what to ask for.
60 seconds
03 · Compare
Compare 3 shutter quotes
Three local fitters quote on the same spec — material, style, louvre, fitting — so the premium is for craft, not markup.
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Top tips
Hiring a shutters, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Hardwood lasts twice as long.
MDF/composite shutters: 10–15 years. Hardwood (basswood, paulownia): 25+. The premium pays back in lifespan and resale value.
Plantation vs cafe-style.
Full-height shutters: privacy + light control. Cafe-style (bottom half only): keeps top open. Tier-on-tier: independent halves. Match style to view.
Insist on a survey.
Shutters are millimetre-precise. A reputable fitter measures themselves — never asks you to. Out-of-square windows need careful templating.
Get the louvre size right.
Standard louvre: 64mm. Larger (89mm, 114mm) = more view, more light. Smaller (47mm) = traditional. Choose for room scale.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
MDF shutter (per window)
£250–£600
Hardwood shutter (per window)
£400–£1.2k
Bay window shutter (large)
£800–£3k
Cafe-style (half height)
£200–£500
Tier-on-tier (per window)
£350–£900
Whole house shutters (3-bed)
£3k–£12k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Shutters briefing.
Infographic
Shutters quick-view
Video guide
Shutters explained
Shutter colour transforms the look. White most popular, but custom RAL and stained finishes available. Match to home decor.
What Does the Work Involve?
Specialist offers standard colours plus custom RAL match. Painted: most common (typically white). Stained: shows wood grain. Premium finishes: gloss, matte, distressed.
Typical Colours
| Finish | Premium Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard white | 0 | Most popular UK |
| Off-white shades | 0 | Cream, ivory, oyster |
| Standard colour palette | +£20 | Per window, 8-12 colours |
| Custom RAL match | +£40 | Per window, any colour |
| Stained wood finish | +£80 | Per window, real grain |
| Distressed/antique finish | +£100 | Per window, premium |
| Gloss finish | +£60 | Per window, mirror polish |
How Long Does It Take?
Custom colour: same lead time. Standard 6-12 weeks.
DIY or Professional?
Factory-applied finish. Don't paint shutters yourself — voids warranty.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Specialist with finish range. Confirm colour samples on real material.
UK Regulations
No specific regulations on colour.
Common Problems
- White off-white mismatch: Pure white vs cream subtle but visible. Match to room.
- Custom colour pricing: 2x base price per colour change. Negotiate.
- Stained wood variation: Real wood shows knots and grain. Consistent finish difficult.
- Sun fading: Cheap finishes fade in 5-10 years on south-facing.
Frequently Asked Questions
White or off-white?
Pure white: modern. Cream/ivory: traditional. Match other woodwork.
Custom RAL match?
Yes — any RAL palette colour. £40-£100 per window premium.
Stained vs painted?
Painted: clean, hides imperfections. Stained: warm wood character. Stained for traditional homes.
How long does finish last?
Quality factory finish: 15-25 years. Cheap finish fades earlier.
Can I paint shutters?
Not recommended — voids warranty. Specialist refinishing required for proper warranty.
Will shutters yellow?
Quality water-based finish: no. Cheap oil-based: yes, over years.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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Keep reading
VIEW ALL SHUTTERS GUIDES →More shutters guides.
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