What are the rules for installing wooden shutters in France?

Reader Question: We are thinking of making our own shutters for our house. Do you know what wood is best to use?

Before undertaking this project you should be aware that, unless replacing existing shutters with identical ones, you will need authorisation from the mairie due to the fact the work will make a significant change to the exterior of your property.

This will be in the form of a déclaration préalable de travaux (DP); a prior declaration, with tacit approval given after one month (two in the case of conservation areas or properties close to historic monuments).

In addition to requiring this permit, some areas require external aspects of properties, such as their shutters, to keep to a certain aesthetic theme. 

This includes keeping the same colour and pattern as other shutters nearby. You should contact your mairie to see if such rules apply in your area.

You can read more about these regulations in our article.

Read more: Do I need to declare changes to shutters at my French house?

There are, however, no additional rules requiring you to purchase shutters or have them installed professionally, and you can choose to make them yourself from the raw materials.

Wood can be purchased from DIY shops and then shaped yourself if you have access to the right equipment, or can be bought in strip form (lames) to make it easier for you to assemble.

What is the best wood to use? 

The best wood depends on what you want to get out of the shutters.

It also depends on the location of your home and the weather.

Generally, there are three types to pick from: 

• Softwood – Light and cheap, the most popular options include fir, spruce, and Douglas fir. 

• Hardwood – more durable but may be more expensive, includes oak, chestnut, and beech (that can be used for exterior purposes if treated properly)

• Exotic wood – resistant to moisture but generally the most expensive as it needs to be imported, includes teak, ipe and iroko. 

If you want a green option, the best choices are from trees common in France (such as chestnut) that have either the PEFC or FSC® certification for sustainability. 

Costs vary depending on the type and quality of wood, with all budgets catered for..

Other materials may be needed 

If you are planning to construct the shutters yourself, you will also need to decide on how they should open and close.

Hinges are the most traditional option, but rolling and mechanised shutters are others. 

You can buy installation kits for mechanical shutters. 

Finally, you should check to see if the work you plan to do will affect your home insurance policy.

Read more: Are the shutters on my French house essential for insurance?