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Desperate Landscape: Help on Hulbert Avenue Landscaping pro Jason Cameron helps a single mom brighten a drab home exterior with new shutters, porch steps and lots of living color. From "Desperate Landscapes" episode DDSL-201

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Figure J

Project 3: Build New Shutters

Jason's plan calls for board-and-batten style shutters which will better complement the style of the house. Board-and-batten shutters basically consist of three vertical boards secured by two horizontal battens (figure J). This style was popular many years ago, but it is making a comeback.

Wood Selection Tip: A soft wood like pine is one option for the shutters. Pine is inexpensive and will save you money, but be warned — pine is generally a little more vulnerable to the elements than some other woods. Jason opted for cedar for this project. Cedar costs a bit more, but it will hold up better in the weather.

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	Figure K
	Figure L

Steps:

• Measure your window for shutters. A good rule of thumb is that the shutters should be wide enough and long enough to fit over the windows. Even if the shutters are purely decorative, they should look like they fit.

• Use a table saw to cut the wood to measurements. Remember three boards vertically for each shutter and two horizontal boards for each one.

• Line up the three boards so they are even. Mark where you want the battens to go. In this case, Jason placed the battens about 8 inches from the top (figures K and L).
  

• Use good quality exterior grade wood glue to secure the battens to the board (figure M).

• Use an 18-gauge nail gun to nail the battens to the boards (figure N).

  Figure M

  Figure N

  
  

• Finally, paint the shutters (figure O) and allow them to dry fully (figure P) before installing (figure Q).

  Figure O

  Figure P

  Figure Q

  
  
  
  

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  RELATED PROJECTS: Desperate Landscape: Pride of the Neighborhood Two Babies, A Dog and One Desperate Landscape A Landscape Emergency: Cleanup on Carolina Avenue Desperate Landscape: Creating a Garden Spot on Garden Road

  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Desperate Landscape: Help on Hulbert Avenue