How to Make Louvered Doors & Window Shutters

Louvers, in installations such as louvered doors or window shutters, are an attractive way to provide privacy and security while allowing for the free-flow of air on both sides of the louvers. Many people will buy louvered bi-fold doors for closets or position them as a screen for a dressing area.

What many woodworkers don't realize is just how easy it is to make louvers. The key is in a jig for use with your router, as a proper router jig will make it quite simple to align your louvers evenly.

In this set of free woodworking plans, we build a shutter for a window that is inconveniently positioned in a shower enclosure. However, the same principle is easily adapted for any interior door or exterior wood shutter, using the same mortise and tenon joinery for the rails and stiles.

Download the Free Woodworking Plans to build a set of Louvers (PDF).

To build these louvers, you'll also need to download the Louver Jig Plans to build the router jig required to make your set of Louvers (PDF).

Difficulty Level

• Woodworking: Moderate
• Finishing: Paint or Stain

Time to Complete

• 6 Hours

Recommended Tools

• Miter Saw or Circular Saw
• Table Saw
• Plunge Router with 1/4" Spiral-cutting Straight Bit
• Router Table and 1/8" Radius Roundover Bit
• Power Drill
• Large Clamps
• Chisels

Materials Needed
• 2 - 2x4 x 8' - Pine or hardwood
• Materials for rails and stiles for your particular application
• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Woodworker's Glue
• Sandpaper