I'm so excited to be sharing the finish of our new custom made shutters that we recently added to our covered porch. My Husband and a dear friend of ours, who oh so kindly, not only helped with the project, but also provided most all of the tools for it too. Thanks again Tom! Thank you, to both of them for all the hard work they put into this. They both did an excellent job. I am truly grateful. They exceeded my expectations and I love the results!
Over a year ago this past November we were almost at completion of the dream-turned-reality of our new covered porch and patio area. You can read more on that here. It was an adventure that lasted from the tear down of our old deck and patio in late July, through to right before and just in time to host our Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.
We use the added space quite regularly and even throughout the winter with the use of the fireplace and occasionally an out-door heater. I shared a post on the curtains we made from drop cloths, and while they do a fairly good job for the most part with keeping the sun out, providing shade and privacy. We also used them to help keep some heat in during the cooler months, and to cut down on the rain coming in as well. We found that we get more rain and debris coming in from the west side, even if closing and securing the curtains.
I started thinking about shutters and wondering how, or if, that would be doable, affordable even? After much looking, and searching, my ideas were then shown to the hubby for approval, and then also to the wood-working man extraordinaire/friend, Tom. Who in short order put together a plan of action and list of needs. With said plan a go, they were off to get supplies and begin the creation that proved even more to my liking and total satisfaction, than the original thought or vision. To say I am pleased with the final result is definitely an understatement! I'm loving the new shutters and I am truly amazed every time I look at them. I have jokingly said to them that I better not be asking for more shutters for a while, but don't you think they would look good say, around the whole porch? Or perhaps just on the opposite side for now!
We actually began this project in October, and worked mostly over the weekends doing what we could, when we could as time allowed, and allowing for the painting and drying time too. We were finished just before ringing in the New Year!
Our work area for the painting. Painted bottom sections completed.
Painted top sections completed.
All hinges added. Ready for installation!
Installation Day! This is the area where they will be installed
Hard at work installing the top portion, after the bottom portion has been added to this section.
I'm loving the look already! "Looking good fellas...Keep up the good work!"
Installation complete! Just a few details left to do, by adding some trim and latches on the inside to lock the shutters while closed. They are doing a terrific job of keeping out the wind and rain, and the leaves and pine straw from the nearby trees. I think the shutters are beautiful, and they're a nice addition to the whole look of our covered porch.
Trim added to the top and bottom of these sections and latches added.
Close-up of the trim and latches. The latches keep the shutters securely closed, especially in windy conditions
A view from the outside when all shutters are closed.
View from inside with the top shutters open.
(I took this photo before the trim and latches were added.) The shutters are a beautiful and functional addition to our porch. We are very pleased with the whole process, and the completed look is even better than imagined! Now we can close off the wind and rain, and maybe even laugh at the weather a little bit!
I started thinking about shutters and wondering how, or if, that would be doable, affordable even? After much looking, and searching, my ideas were then shown to the hubby for approval, and then also to the wood-working man extraordinaire/friend, Tom. Who in short order put together a plan of action and list of needs. With said plan a go, they were off to get supplies and begin the creation that proved even more to my liking and total satisfaction, than the original thought or vision. To say I am pleased with the final result is definitely an understatement! I'm loving the new shutters and I am truly amazed every time I look at them. I have jokingly said to them that I better not be asking for more shutters for a while, but don't you think they would look good say, around the whole porch? Or perhaps just on the opposite side for now!
With the help of my husband here is a brief description of the Shutters:
From 12' x 1" x 8" Cypress lumber they cut 6' and 3' lengths, and then biscuit-cut and joined them to make 1" x 16" panels. Each panel was reinforced with additional 1" x 4" pieces of cypress, that were screwed horizontally across each joined panel, by counter-sinking the screws and filling the holes with wooden dowels. Each completed panel was then connected with mortised hinges, creating a bi-fold 32" shutter. A set of the 32" shutters filled each of the four openings on that area.
When all eight shutters are in the closed position, it provides weather protection for almost a 100sq ft area. Pintle hinges were used to mount the shutters to the deck. He describes it as "A deceptively complex design that included 40 hinges connecting 32 pieces of cypress."
We chose to paint the shutters white to match the rest of our porch and house trim using the same "Super Paint", and the black hinges were chosen to match the balusters in our railings which are black powder coated, as are all of the hinges.
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View from the outside when just the top shutters are opened.
I just love it when a plan, goes better than planned!...
