Quick Navigation
DIY security shutters are a great way to create physical barriers to prevent unwanted entry to your home, business, or storefront.
Security is one of the major concerns in every house. While most houses have strong, rigid doors with heavy-duty locks, windows are rarely as seriously secured. This is concerning because 23 percent of burglars get in through the first-floor windows.
Why Choose Security Shutters?
Security shutters are one way to keep burglars from getting in. Security shutters are superior to window locks in terms of security. This is because while locks keep burglars from opening the windows, they can still break in by breaking the windows, especially if the windows are made of glass and are not too strong. Security shutters, on the other hand, not only keep burglars from opening the windows but also keep them from breaking them.
Types of Security Shutters
There are two kinds of Security Shutters for windows, ones that are mounted inside and ones that are mounted outside. Both of these types are valid options depending on your preference. Outside mount Security Shutters keep burglars from reaching the windows in the first place and hence might be able to protect the windows better. Inside mounted Security Shutters, however, might be easier to install and close. In an emergency, particularly, inside mounted Security Shutters can be closed much more easily and quickly than outside mounted ones.
DIY Security Shutters are an excellent choice for people who are looking for minimalist and quality window security shutters at an affordable price.
This article provides a step-by-step guide to making DIY Security Shutters.
Materials Needed
Before you start making DIY Security Shutters, there are some materials that you will need. Some of these you can find in your toolbox, while others you will need to buy from the market.
Here is a list of materials needed.
- Wood
- Shutter Hinges and Latches
- A hammer
- A drilling machine
- Fixings for your wall type (if required)
- A measuring tape.
Measure Your Windows
One of the greatest benefits of making DIY Security Shutters is having security shutters that fit your windows. In this step, you measure the length and breadth of your windows using the measuring tape and take notes. The Security Shutters will be a little larger than the windows. Add 2 to 5 inches on either side of the lengths you measured (at least 4 inches in total to both length and breadth) and note the numbers for the dimensions.
Buy the Right Wood
Another reason one might want to build Security Shutters themselves instead of buying is the assurance of quality. The Window Security Shutters need to be strong in order to serve their purpose. Hence, choosing the right wood is critical to building reliable Security Shutters. You need strong and durable wood. Since Window Shutters are more vulnerable to breaking by bending, you need a type of wood with high bending strength. Common woods with such specifications are Hickory, Yellow Birch, and Hard Maple. (1, 2, 3)
If you are familiar with woodwork, you might build the shutter panels yourself. Alternatively, you may buy ready-made panels from the market instead. Whatever you decide, make sure that you buy the right kind of wood that is strong and durable enough to endure rain, sunlight, and any break-in attempts.
Buy the Right Hinges
Once you have bought or built a wooden shutter panel, you will need hinges to install them. Before you buy hinges for your panels, it is important to take some things into consideration.
The first thing is, of course, the strength. A strong panel is no good if the hinges are weak and the shutter panel comes off easily. One thing that can increase the strength of the hinges is the material. Make sure the hinges are made of high-quality steel. The steel must also be resistant to rust, especially for outside mounted Security Shutters, or it will get rusted by the rain. Furthermore, hinges that support larger and a higher number of screws are going to hold on to the wall tighter than those that do not.
Latches
Hinges and Latches come in pairs. As with a strong hinge, you also need a latch with equivalent strength. Take the same considerations for the entire pair of hinges and latches to ensure that the shutter frame stays in place.
To Buy or To Build? (Advantages & Disadvantages)
There are advantages and disadvantages to both buying ready-made Security Shutters and building DIY Security Shutters yourself. Some of the major advantages and disadvantages of both are discussed below.
Advantaged of Buying Ready-Made Security Shutters
- If you chose to buy ready-made security shutters from the market, you would have a lot of variety in terms of design to choose from. The designs of hinges and latches might also be more consistent with the designs of shutter panels.
- Buying ready-made Security Shutters does not require a lot of hard work and they are easy to install.
Disadvantages of Buying Ready-Made Security Shutters
- Retailers have the incentive to choose the cheapest quality of materials, and hence ready-made Security Shutters have no guarantee of being strong and durable. DIY Security Shutters might focus more on design than on quality making them cost a lot while not being adequate enough to provide security. The materials used may deteriorate with continuous exposure to sunlight and rain. Their low-quality materials might leave your windows vulnerable to potential break-ins.
- Ready-made Security Shutters might not fit your windows perfectly, making them less secure and less aesthetic for your windows.
- Ready-made Security Shutters may cost significantly more than DIY Security Shutters.
Advantaged of Building DIY Security Shutters
- If you choose to build, you have the ability to choose quality materials for your Security Shutters that are both strong and durable.
- With the right measurements on your windows, you can build Security Shutters that fit your windows perfectly.
- They can save you a lot of money since they cost significantly less than ready-made Security Shutters.
Disadvantaged of Building DIY Security Shutters
- You might not be able to match the design complexity of ready-made Security Shutters with a DIY Security Shutter.
- A DIY Security Shutter might take a lot of hard work to build and install.
Wrapping Up
Overall building your own security shutters is one of the best ways to save some money. Since they are so easy to build this is one of the most common do-it-yourself projects and for good reason. We hope our guide helped and if you have any questions feel free to ask our team.
References
(1) Hickory – https://www.britannica.com/plant/hickory-plant
(2) Yellow Birch – https://www.britannica.com/plant/yellow-birch
(3) Hard Maple – https://www.britannica.com/plant/maple-tree
