The Cheapest and Smartest Way to Buy Window Shutters
29th August 2025
3 min read
Plantation shutters are widely considered the gold standard of window dressings. They offer unparalleled light control, privacy, and curb appeal. However, if you’ve already started looking for quotes from full-service shutter companies, you’ve likely noticed one thing: they can be incredibly expensive.
The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice quality to save money. By choosing to measure and install them yourself, you can access the exact same premium products used by professionals at a fraction of the cost. Here is why DIY is officially the smartest way to buy shutters.
Cutting out the middleman
When you buy from a traditional "measure and fit" company, a large portion of your quote isn’t actually paying for the shutters. You are paying for the salesperson’s commission, the surveyor’s petrol, the installer’s hourly rate, and the company’s expensive showroom rent.
By taking on the measuring and fitting yourself, you cut out all those "middleman" costs. This typically results in a saving of roughly 60% compared to full-service quotes. For a standard home, that can mean saving hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds.
Image credit: @flatbythestation
Same high-quality materials
A common myth is that "cheap" shutters mean lower quality. While this might be true for plastic or off-the-shelf shutters found in big-box DIY stores, it isn't the case with specialist DIY shutters.
At DIY Shutters, we use the same sustainably sourced Paulownia hardwood that high-end interior designers and professional installers use. We also offer our faux wood shutters, manufactured right here in the UK and built to the same exacting standards — perfect if you're looking for a waterproof, low-maintenance alternative. You aren't buying a "budget" version of the product; you are buying the premium product and simply doing the labour yourself.
Accuracy is easier than you think
Many people worry that they aren't "handy" enough to measure their own windows. However, because our shutters are custom-made to the millimetre, the fit is actually much more forgiving than you’d expect.
We provide clear, step-by-step guides that show you exactly where to place your tape measure. Furthermore, our expert team reviews every order before it goes to manufacture. If something looks unusual in your measurements, we’ll call you to double-check, ensuring you get a perfect fit every single time.
Longevity equals better value
The "smartest" way to buy shutters isn't just about the upfront price; it’s about how long they last. Cheap blinds or curtains often need replacing every few years as they fade, fray, or break.
Hardwood shutters are a permanent fixture. They don’t warp in the sun, they are easy to clean, and they stay looking brand new for decades. When you factor in the "cost per year," DIY hardwood shutters are significantly cheaper than almost any other window treatment on the market.
Image credit @thegentsofverona
Adding value to your home
Because plantation shutters are considered a permanent addition to the property, they are one of the few window dressings that can actually increase the resale value of your home. Potential buyers see shutters as a premium feature, making your home more desirable and potentially more valuable.
Ready to get started?
You don't need a professional to get a professional finish. By choosing the DIY route, you keep the "installation premium" in your own pocket while still enjoying the luxury of real wood shutters. It is quite simply the most intelligent way to upgrade your windows.