How to Install Vinyl Shutters

There are two methods of installing vinyl exterior shutters. The first uses non-corrosive metal screws. The second approach employs vinyl spikes. Screws are primarily used to attach outdoor shutters to wood and other soft siding. Spikes are designed to secure shutters to masonry, brick, stucco, hardboard or other hard surfaces. Scales, or ridges, of the shutter spike hold the apparatus in position.

Follow the measuring instructions for vinyl shutters to help get the correct specifications for pricing and ordering.

Vinyl Shutter Spikes or Screws

Vinyl Shutter Installation with Shutter Screws

Install Louvered, Raised Panel or Combination Shutters:

Install Board & Batten Shutters:

Place the decorative vinyl shutter face up on a flat work surface.

Mark six (6) spots on each shutter (See drawing below).
(2) Measure down 2″ from the top of the shutter and center on each side stile.
(2) Measure up 2″ from the bottom of the shutter and center on each side stile.
(2) Determine the vertical middle the shutter and center on each side stile.

At each mark, drill a 1/4” diameter hole.

Place the vinyl shutter next to the window where you plan to install. Mark the locations of the mounting holes on the building.

After removing the shutter, drill a hole at each mark:

❱ For Wood, Vinyl or Aluminum siding, drill a 1/4” diameter hole through just the siding.  Be careful not to drill into the wall.

❱ For a Wood wall, drill a 1/8” diameter hole, 1 ¾”deep into the wall.

❱ For a Masonry or Brick wall, obtain a screw anchor for a #10 screw. Follow installation instructions given by the anchor manufacturer. (Shutter spikes are recommended for masonry or brick.)

Bring the shutter back into position next to the window. Fasten with the metal screws provided.

***Be careful to use a hand screw driver rather than a power drill so that metal screws are not over-tightened, causing shutters to distort.***

Continue with this process until all shutters are installed.

Tools Required:

• Power Drill
• 1/4” Drill Bit
• 1/8” Drill Bit
• Tape Measure
• Pencil/Marker
• Phillips Head Screw Driver

Shutter Spike Installation

Place shutter face up on a flat work surface.

Mark six (6) spots on each shutter (See drawing above).
(2) Measure down 2″ from the top of the shutter and center on each side stile.
(2) Measure up 2″ from the bottom of the shutter and center on each side stile.
(2) Determine the vertical middle the shutter and center on each side stile.

At each mark, drill a 5/16” diameter hole.

Place the shutter next to the window where you plan to install. Mark the locations of the mounting holes on the building.

After removing the shutter, drill a hole at each mark:

❱ For Wood, Vinyl or Aluminum siding, drill a 5/16” diameter hole through the siding.  Be careful not to drill into the wall. Then proceed to one of the next two steps.

❱ For a Wood wall, drill a ¼” diameter hole, 2 ¼” deep into the wall.

❱ For a Masonry or Brick wall, drill a ¼” diameter hole, 2 ¼” deep into the wall (It is not recommended to use a concrete anchor when using shutter spikes.)

Bring the shutter back into position next to the window. Insert shutter spikes into each pre-drilled hole.

Gently hammer each shutter spike into the building until all spikes are partly in, then finish tapping all of them in place until the back of the spike head meets the shutter face.

***DO NOT TO TAP SPIKES TOO FAR CAUSING THE SHUTTER TO DIMPLE.***

Continue with this process until all shutters are installed.

Tools Required:

• Power Drill
• 1/4” Drill Bit
• 5/16” Drill Bit
• Tape Measure
• Pencil/Marker
• Phillips Head Screw Driver

The vinyl shutter warranty is only valid if shutters are mounted in the position specified in the illustration and shutter spikes or screws are installed into the wall.