How much do plantation shutters cost?

The short answer

Custom plantation shutters in SoCal and Western Arizona typically cost between $200 and $450 per square foot for painted composite, and $350 to $700 per square foot for premium hardwood — installed.

For a typical 36" × 60" bedroom window, that works out to roughly $300–$675 per window composite, or $525–$1,050 per window hardwood, with all measuring, manufacturing, and installation included.

Plantation shutters cost per window

Ranges reflect 2026 installed pricing for homeowners in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, and Lake Havasu / Bullhead / Yuma markets.

What actually drives the price

• Material. Engineered composite is the value choice; basswood and hardwood cost 50–80% more but offer richer stain options.
• Louver size. 3½" and 4½" louvers (the modern look) cost slightly more than 2½" but give cleaner sightlines on large windows.
• Frame style. Deco, L-frame, Z-frame, and full-trim each price differently — and depend on whether your window has a drywall return or existing casing.
• Specialty shapes. Arches, angles, and bay configurations add 25–40% for the template work and custom milling.
• Installation. In SoCal and Arizona, expect $40–$80 per window installed. Factory-direct shops usually fold this into the per-window price; big-box retailers itemize it separately.

Why factory-direct costs less

The big-box price tag for a single 36" × 60" plantation shutter regularly lands between $900 and $1,400 — for the same composite product we manufacture in Mentone for roughly half. The difference is overhead: a retailer marks up the manufacturer's price, a sales rep takes a commission, and a subcontractor installs.

Assured Shutters Inc cuts, finishes, and installs every shutter in-house. You're paying for the shutter and the installer — not three layers of margin in between.

Regional price factors in SoCal & Arizona

• Heat exposure. West-facing rooms in the Inland Empire, Coachella Valley, and along the Colorado River need UV-stable composite or painted hardwood — vinyl warps within a season.
• Coastal humidity. San Diego, Orange County, and Ventura homes do better with composite or marine-grade finish near the beach.
• HOA requirements. Many SoCal communities require a uniform exterior-facing louver color — usually white or off-white. We match HOA specs at no extra cost.

Are plantation shutters worth the cost?

For most homeowners, yes. Shutters are considered a permanent home improvement — they stay with the house, typically return 50–75% of cost at resale, and outlast blinds or drapery by 20+ years. In hot inland climates they also measurably cut cooling bills by insulating the window opening.