How to Hang Shutters on Stone

After settling on the right shutters for your house, don't automatically call a professional to hang them. With the proper tools, you can save money by doing it yourself.

1. Place one of your shutters next to the window in the exact spot you plan to hang it. Use a pencil to mark the locations for the screws. Screws should be located 3 to 5 inches from the top of the shutter in the side rails.

2. Choose a location for two bottom screws using the same method. The bottom screws should also be located in the side rails of the shutter, 3 to 5 inches from the bottom.

3. Check the screw locations you have chosen to make sure all four screws will be drilled into mortar, rather than stone. Depending on the type of stone you have, drilling screws into it may prove difficult, if not impossible. Also, mortar holes can be more easily repaired than holes in stone.

4. Lay the shutter flat on the ground. Drill holes through the shutter at each marked screw location.

5. Place the shutter back into its original position next to the window. Drill through the holes you made in the shutter to the mortar beneath. Do not drill deeply. Your goal is merely to mark the screw locations.

6. Place the shutter aside. Drill the locations you marked in the mortar to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Your holes should be approximately ¼ inch in diameter.

7. Insert the masonry anchor. They will be provided to you when you purchase the shutters.

8. Place the shutter back in its original position next to the window. You may use the drill or a screwdriver to drive the screws into the masonry anchors through each hole.

9. Hang the remainder of your shutters using the same method.