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

Best DIY Window Shutter Kits UK 2026: Install Yourself and Save

Installing interior shutters yourself can save thousands compared to hiring a fitter, but only if you pick a kit that matches your skill level and window dimensions. We've tested and compared the main DIY options available in the UK right now, from straightforward plantation shutter kits to more involved louvred systems, to help you decide whether self-installation makes sense for your home.

What's in a typical DIY shutter kit?

Most kits ship with pre-finished shutter panels, hinges, and tracking hardware. You won't get the full scaffolding of a professional installation—no site survey, no bespoke cutting to millimetre tolerances, no finished hardwood cills. What you do get is a standardised system designed to work within common window measurements, usually covering windows from roughly 400mm to 1200mm in width.

Kits typically include mounting brackets (either face-fit to the window frame or inside-fit to the reveal), hinge mechanisms, and a choice of louver sizes. The big variable is panel construction: solid timber kits cost more and look more authentic but demand more care during fitting, while MDF or composite panels are lighter, more forgiving, and less prone to warping in bathrooms or kitchens.

Real difficulty levels and tool requirements

Entry-level (face-fit, composite panels, 2–3 hours per window)

These kits mount onto the window frame with brackets holding pre-made shutters. You'll need a cordless drill, spirit level, tape measure, and a socket set. If your walls are solid brick, you'll need masonry anchors and a hammer drill. Face-fit shutters are fastest and most forgiving—the frame takes any measurement errors—but they sit proud of the wall and block a few millimetres of light.

Amazon UK stocks Solstice Blinds and Jasno kits in this category. Both ship with adjustable louvers and magnetic closures. Installation typically takes two people and a steady hand.

Intermediate (inside-fit, composite, 4–6 hours per window)

These sit flush inside the window reveal, which looks neater but demands more accuracy. Your window opening must be measured to within 5mm, and you'll need to fit vertical tracks inside the reveal, then hang shutters on a horizontal rail system. The drill and level remain essential; add a jigsaw (for cutting shutter panels to reveal depth) and a laser tape measure (much more accurate than traditional measuring).

Real Shutterly and PVC Shutters UK make well-reviewed inside-fit kits. Both include detailed templating guides. The risk here is under-measurement—if your reveal is shallower than expected, your shutters won't close properly.

Advanced (track-mounted timber, 6–10 hours per window, two-person job)

Full timber plantation shutters with tracking systems require routing, careful hinge fitting, and precise stile-and-rail assembly. Unless you've built furniture before, these are genuinely hard. Most UK installers now skip this category and go straight to pre-assembled composite, which is why true timber DIY kits are increasingly rare.

If you find one, expect to need a router, hammer and chisel set, and possibly a circular saw. Mistakes are not easy to correct.

Best kits by use case

Budget-conscious, standard windows

Solstice Blinds composite face-fit kits are the most forgiving entry point. They're sold on Amazon UK, arrive pre-finished, and the mounting is genuinely straightforward. Expect to spend £300–600 per window depending on size. The downside: slight light bleed around the edges and visible brackets from outside.

Bathrooms and kitchens

PVC or composite inside-fit systems from PVC Shutters UK or Real Shutterly handle moisture far better than timber. The tracks can't rot or warp. Fit them at least 100mm back into the reveal so steam doesn't condense against the panels. Cost runs £500–900 per window, and installation is more involved, but the longevity pays back over fifteen years.

Period properties, Grade II listed homes

If you need shutters that look authentically recessed—crucial for listed-building consent—you must fit inside the reveal. Face-fit kits stick out too far. Expect to spend on a composite inside-fit system (not cheaper, just less disruptive to original plasterwork). Check your local authority's guidance on materials; some regions want timber or timber-look only.

Large windows or non-standard dimensions

Most DIY kits max out at 1200mm wide. Anything bigger, and you'll need to either source a custom kit (often not much cheaper than professional fitting) or fit two shutter pairs side-by-side, which requires a centre post and more precision.

When to hire a professional instead

If your window reveals are less than 80mm deep, installation is nearly impossible without routing the brickwork. If you have more than six windows, the time cost becomes substantial. If your windows are tilted, arched, or bay units with complex joinery, DIY kits simply won't fit. Professional installers typically charge £700–1500 per window but guarantee finish and longevity.

Tools you'll genuinely need

• Cordless drill and bit set
• Spirit level (a 2-metre laser level is worth the £40 outlay)
• Tape measure (5 metres, 25mm blade minimum)
• Masonry anchors and screws for solid walls
• Jigsaw, for inside-fit kits
• Basic socket set, for hinge fittings

Most of these pay for themselves across multiple windows or future projects.

Next steps

Before ordering, measure your windows three times: width at top, middle, and bottom; depth of reveal at left, centre, and right. Photograph the frames and walls around them. Get the measurement right, and any decent kit will fit. Get it wrong, and you're either blocking light or leaving gaps.

Once you've chosen your kit, follow the supplier's fitting guide to the letter. A full step-by-step installation walkthrough is available in our complete how-to guide, which covers measuring, bracketing, hinge fitting, and louvre adjustment in detail.

DIY shutters make sense if you're comfortable with basic carpentry, have standard windows, and value saving money over guaranteed perfection. For most UK homes, a composite inside-fit kit balances ease of installation with professional appearance.