By the ShutterAuthority.co.uk – The UK's Independent Window Shutter Guide Team · Updated May 2026 · Independent, reader-supported

How Much Do Plantation Shutters Cost in the UK? Full 2026 Price Guide

Plantation shutters are expensive — there's no way around that. But how expensive depends entirely on what you're buying, who you're buying from, and how you install them. A pair of budget shutters from Amazon might cost £200. Made-to-measure wooden shutters from a premium supplier can easily exceed £5,000 per window. This guide breaks down where that money actually goes.

Quick Cost Overview

For a standard medium window (around 1m wide × 1.2m tall):

• DIY foam/vinyl kits: £150–£400 per window
• Made-to-measure composite: £800–£2,000 per window
• Made-to-measure hardwood: £1,500–£4,000+ per window
• Installation labour: £80–£150 per window (if needed)

Most UK homes will spend £2,500–£8,000 for full-house shutters across 8–12 windows. But that range reflects the massive variation in materials, customisation, and installation options.

Why Material Matters Most

The material you choose determines roughly 70% of the total cost.

Hardwood (solid timber) Real wood is the premium option: typically oak, walnut, or mahogany. Prices run from £2,500 to £5,000+ per window for made-to-measure. Hardwood ages beautifully, can be sanded and refinished if damaged, and insulates better than alternatives. The downsides are weight (heavier to operate), sensitivity to humidity changes in kitchens and bathrooms, and genuine wood is expensive. Solid hardwood is usually only worth it if you're keeping the shutters for 20+ years.

Engineered wood/composite This is the sensible middle ground: timber veneer over MDF or composite core. Costs typically £800–£1,800 per window for made-to-measure. It looks like real wood, handles moisture better than solid hardwood, and is lighter to operate. It won't sand and refinish like solid wood, but it's more durable in humid rooms. Most mid-range UK suppliers use engineered wood as their standard.

Vinyl and foam Budget materials, mostly from online retailers. Prices start at £150–£400 per window, usually off-the-shelf sizes rather than made-to-measure. Vinyl is moisture-resistant (good for kitchens), lightweight, and low-maintenance. The trade-off is they look obviously cheaper — the slats feel hollow, colour can fade, and they lack the heft of wood. Fine for rented properties or testing if you actually like shutters.

Cost Breakdown by Window Size

Shutters are priced by area, and the maths means larger windows don't cost proportionally more — they're more efficient to make. Here's what you'd expect for made-to-measure composite shutters:

• Small window (0.6m × 0.8m): £600–£900
• Medium window (1m × 1.2m): £900–£1,400
• Large window (1.4m × 1.6m): £1,200–£1,800
• Bay window (curved/angled): £2,500–£4,500

Bay windows jump the price significantly because they require curved tracking and multiple panels. Bifold shutters (which stack back) cost more than hinged shutters because they need specialist hardware.

Made-to-Measure vs Off-the-Shelf

Off-the-shelf (online retailers) Limited to fixed sizes, usually A4, A3, or standard window dimensions. Costs £100–£400 per window. Hillarys and Shuttercraft sell these, plus various Amazon sellers. Installation is DIY (mostly straightforward) or they'll send a fitter for an extra £60–£120. The catch: most UK windows aren't standard sizes, so you'll need to pad out gaps with trim, which looks cheap.

Made-to-measure (specialist suppliers) Built to your exact measurements. Costs £800–£4,000+ depending on material. Major UK suppliers include Hillarys (owned by Dunelm, now Shutterly), Shuttercraft, Ebony Shutters, and Independent shutter companies. You get a home survey (often free), precise fit, multiple customisation options (slat width, frame colour, hinge type), and professional installation. The cost is higher but the finish is noticeably better.

Installation Labour Costs

If you go made-to-measure, installation is usually included in the quote (or adds £80–£150 per window). DIY installation from online kits takes 1–3 hours per window if you're comfortable with a drill and level. The actual difficulty depends on your window frame condition — if frames are damaged or out of square, you'll need a professional to fill gaps or adjust.

What Drives Price Variations

Supplier tier Hillarys and Shuttercraft operate large showrooms and have marketing costs built in. Smaller regional suppliers or direct-to-trade manufacturers often quote 15–25% less for identical spec. You're paying for convenience and brand recognition, not necessarily better shutters.

Customisation Standard options (mid-tone painted finish, 89mm slats, standard hinges) are base price. Upgrades add cost: natural wood stains, narrower 63mm slats for modern aesthetics, silent soft-close hinges, motorised operation. Each option adds £100–£300 per window.

Tracking and hardware Tracked shutters (where panels slide rather than swing) cost more to install and require more reinforcement. Motorisation (battery-operated remote control) adds £1,500–£3,000+ for a full installation.

Bulk discounts Ordering shutters for 8+ windows usually gets you 10–15% off. Some suppliers negotiate harder for larger projects.

Where to Buy and Compare

Premium made-to-measure: Hillarys, Shuttercraft, Thomas Sanderson — expect £1,500–£3,500 per window, includes survey and installation.

Mid-range: Independent local suppliers, sometimes regional brands — £900–£2,000 per window.

Budget: Online retailers (Amazon, eBay, Wayfair), off-the-shelf Hillarys kits — £150–£500 per window.

Getting quotes from 2–3 suppliers is essential. Most provide free in-home surveys. Request the same spec from each so you can actually compare.

The Honest Truth About Price

Shutters are a long-term investment. Cheap vinyl shutters look it within 3–4 years. Good composite shutters last 15–20 years with minimal maintenance. Hardwood lasts even longer if you look after it. If you're staying in the house, mid-range made-to-measure (£900–£1,500 per window) gives you the best balance of durability, appearance, and cost. If you're renting or unsure, test the water with budget options first.

The price guides online are often outdated or too vague. Get actual quotes — that's how you'll know what you're actually paying.