
Learning how to measure for plantation shutters is easy, but it is important to remember a few key things:
- Always measure with a steel tape measure. Never use a cloth tape. Measure sizes to the nearest 1/8-inch. Don't worry if your window measurements are uneven. ...
- Be careful about transposing measurements. Be sure to always have width and height clearly marked. ...
- The Home Depot shutters ship with frames. This makes mounting easier.
- Have a step ladder handy to help get accurate measurements safely.
What type of plantation shutters should I Choose?
- Tier on TierShutters: These plantation shutters include two sets of left and right shutters. ...
- Café Style Shutters: Like Tier on Tier shutters, these plantation shutters allow light in but not as two sets of shutters. ...
- Full Height Shutters: These plantation shutters are the most common and include two sides at the window’s total height.
How to measure for inside Mount plantation shutters?
Tools
- Plantation Shutter Considerations. Always measure with a steel tape measure. ...
- Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount Plantation Shutters. ...
- Measuring for Inside Mount Plantation Shutters. Measure the inside width of the window in three locations, as shown in illustration A: top, middle and bottom.
- Measuring for Outside Mount Plantation Shutters. ...
Are plantation shutters worth it?
Plantation shutters are worth it because they offer an elegant look, and are energy-efficient by directing airflow and deflecting heat. Plantation shutters are durable, add extra privacy, and are easier to clean compared to curtains or blinds. Also, they can add value to your home.
How to measure Windows for plantation shutters?
Measuring for Inside Mount Plantation Shutters
- Measure the inside width of the window in three locations, as shown in illustration A: top, middle and bottom. ...
- Measure the height of your window at the three positions indicated in illustration B: left, middle and right. ...
- Record the smallest or tightest inside measurement of the window frame within 1/16 of an inch for width on the order form.

How are outdoor shutters measured?
Measure for the shutter height at the left side, middle, and right side of the window opening from the top of the window to the bottom excluding any window sill. If the heights vary at each of these points, use the SMALLEST of the three measurements. This measurement will be the height of the shutter you need to order.
How do I know what size exterior shutters to buy?
It is generally best to find a single width that works for all of your windows. The width that usually works best for decorative shutter is between 25% and 33% of the total width of your window including the window trim.
What length should exterior shutters be?
It should look like the shutters could close inside the window opening. Standard vinyl shutters are available in the following heights: 35", 39", 43", 47", 51", 55", 59", 63", 67", 71"....Window WidthShutter Width16" or smaller7"17" - 22"9"-10"23" - 31"12"-14.5"32" - 40"14.5"-16.25"-17.75"
How do you mount plantation shutters?
1:493:18How to Install Plantation Shutters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow you can place the shutter doors into the frame aligning the hinges. Take your hinge pins andMoreNow you can place the shutter doors into the frame aligning the hinges. Take your hinge pins and push them into place joining the doors to the frame. You may need to adjust your doors.
Do shutters have to be the same size as window?
Shutters should be the same size as the window opening. Whether one or in a pair, when held up to the window they should fit as if they were going to be closed. Most of the time I see shutters that are incorrect in length and/or width.
What sizes do plantation shutters come in?
Choose from 1 7/8, 2 1/2, 3 1/2 and 4 inches. Larger louver sizes help give your window a more modern, contemporary look. They also preserve a clearer view when you open the louvers to look outside. A smaller louver size helps lend a more traditional design to your window.
Should shutters be taller or shorter than window?
The height of window shutters you should order is generally the actual height of the opening not counting the sill should you have one; however, many customers prefer to have the panels a little taller than the actual opening height. A couple of extra inches in height can be very attractive.
What size shutters are best?
3 ½” slats let in plenty of light and fit with any style of home décor. A large window with a great view to the outdoors will look stunning with 4 ½” slats in proportion to the size, and to maximize light entry and visibility through the slats. For the most modern look and cleanest lines, opt for 4 ½” slats.
Where should exterior shutters be placed?
When open, shutters should be located tight to the window covering all or part of the window casing and projecting outward at the window edge. Architecturally, it is not necessary for a feature to actually be functional; however, it must always appear functional.
Can plantation shutters be outside Mount?
When fitting plantation shutters, you can install them as either an inside or outside mount. Inside mount fits inside the recessed depth of a window opening. Outside mount attaches to the wall or trim surrounding a window opening, keeping the inside of the recess completely clear.
What is the difference between an inside and outside mount for shutters?
Inside mounted shutters sit inside the window recess and are usually fitted flush against the wall. In contrast, outside mounted shutters are fitted onto the wall, around the window. Both mounting options look great! Some prefer inside mounting because the shutters don't extend into the room.
What is direct mount plantation shutter?
A direct mount is where the plantation shutter panel is mounted straight onto the window without a frame. Just like how a door hangs.
What size shutters are best?
3 ½” slats let in plenty of light and fit with any style of home décor. A large window with a great view to the outdoors will look stunning with 4 ½” slats in proportion to the size, and to maximize light entry and visibility through the slats. For the most modern look and cleanest lines, opt for 4 ½” slats.
How do you measure for vinyl shutters?
1:243:19How to Measure for Exterior Vinyl Shutters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipX here shutters should not exceed the window height measures the height from the top edge of theMoreX here shutters should not exceed the window height measures the height from the top edge of the window trim to the same point at the bottom.
How far should shutters be from window?
1/4 inchIf there is a sill at the bottom of the window and you are installing vinyl shutters, it is important to leave a gap of at least 1/4 inch to allow the vinyl material to expand and contract. This of course does not apply to other shutter materials.
How do you fit window shutters?
0:034:12How to install window shutters with the right frame - inside mount - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere should be a 5 mil clearance gap between the frame and the wall. Hold the frame in place byMoreThere should be a 5 mil clearance gap between the frame and the wall. Hold the frame in place by inserting the plastic wedges make sure they're fitted in tight to stop the frame falling. Forward.
How to measure for a shutter?
First measure from the window to the front of the obstruction. Next measure from the window to the front of the recess. Finally, subtract the smaller measurement from the larger measurement. As a general rule, you'll need 70mm of clearance from your obstruction to the edge of the recess to inside mount your shutter.
How much clearance do you need for an inside mount shutter?
If you have a recess with at least 70mm of unobstructed clearance (e.g. free of window winders, locks, handles, etc), you will be most likely be installing an inside mount shutter.
How to measure for a square set window?
Measuring Inside Mount For A Square Set Window With A Sill. Measure the drop - bottom to top - of your window in three different places. Start from the top of your sill and end on the inside of your recess. Measure the width of your window - left to right - in three different places; Compare your measurements and select the smallest of the three.
Why do some shutters need to be mounted inside?
Some DIYers prefer inside mounting because the shutters don't extend into the room. Inside mounting also results in a slightly smaller shutter, saving you money.
How to measure inside mount for square set window?
Measuring Inside Mount For A Square Set Window. Measure the drop - bottom to top - of your window in three different places; Measure the width of your window - left to right - in three different places; Compare your measurements and select the smallest of the three.
Where to measure outside mount for window?
When measuring outside mount for a window with a sill and architrave, your height measurement should begin at the top of the window sill and end at the edge of the architrave.
Where to measure for window frame?
Measure from the edges of the inside of the window (as if you're measuring for an inside mount ). Our system will then add the necessary adjustments to allow your frame to fit around the window.
How many panels are in a plantation shutter?
The number of panels in each plantation shutter will vary based on your window size. Multiple panels within the same shutter will be divided equally and will be all be the same size.
How to tell if a window is square?
In order to determine if your window is square, measure the window diagonally. If the 2 measurements differ by more than 1/2" we recommend an outside mount shutter. Outside mount shutters are mounted to the wall outside the window frame.
What does warranty cover on window blinds?
Warranties cover the original purchaser of the window blinds and shades.
How to ensure shutter frame fits outside mount?
To ensure the shutter frame fits as an outside mount, you will need to include the width of the frame in your measurements. To do so, you can reference the specs, or print out the templates for your preferred frame from our outside mount measuring guide. Using the frame templates from our outside mount guide will help you visualize ...
What is an outside mount shutter?
Outside mount shutters are measured to surround your window opening and mount to the wall just outside of the glass area, or on top of your existing trim. You may also hear this referred to as direct mount plantation shutters.
How to measure for inside mount?
Inside mount is very easy and straightforward to measure for. Measure your window opening width and height in at least 3 spots to check for any variance, and then provide us with the smallest exact measurement for the width and height.
Can you install outside mount shutters on top of existing trim?
Outside mount frames can also be installed directly on top of existing window trim. Since outside mount shutters surround the window opening, they will hide any imperfections and eliminate gaps if there is a lot of variance in your window opening measurements. When you take your 3 measurements for width and height, if there is a lot of variance, ...
Is an outside mount better than a window recess?
Outside mount is more forgiving if your measurements are off by a hair or two, since you are not having to work within the confines of the window recess.
Can you put inside mount shutters on a window?
Inside mount is a popular choice if your window is deep enough. Inside mount shutters fit inside the window opening and can be pushed back toward the glass for very deep windows, or they can be pulled forward to be flush with the wall. They can even be pulled out slightly past the wall to give you a little extra depth if needed.
How long does it take to measure for exterior shutters?
Expect to spend about 5-10 minutes per window to obtain proper measurements.
How wide should a shutter be for a window?
Windows measuring less than 32 inches wide may use a single shutter that opens to one side. For shallow window openings, measure from the outside left of the window casing, or trim, to the outside right. Divide this measurement by two for the individual shutter width. Measure Window Height.
What is composite shutter?
Composite shutters can be installed with functional hardware, but have a flat non-decorative back, which will be visible when the shutters are rotated over the window in a closed position. All styles of composite exterior shutters are heavier than their wood counterparts.
What is the difference between vinyl and polypropylene shutters?
There is a slightly different process to measure for vinyl shutters. Polypropylene shutters are sold in fixed widths at various intervals. They also have a different installation method to consider.
Do composite shutters need hinges?
All styles of composite exterior shutters are heavier than their wood counterparts. Composite shutters may need additional hinges to support the additional weight. Exterior windows have many variables (siding material, casing width, etc.) which results in a modified approach to each application.
Can exterior shutters be installed to swing open and close?
Solid exterior shutters, in conjunction with quality outdoor hardware, can be installed to swing open and closed. Measurements of each window for functional exterior shutters need to be made with great precision to ensure a smooth installation. Multiple openings that appear to be the same size can often be very different.
Can shutters be installed in a permanent position?
Wood or composite shutters that will be installed in a permanent position can afford to be approximate in relation to the window size. This type of stationary installation can be accomplished with screws or bolts. Decorative panels may still look functional if they are installed with authentic shutter hardware.
What is an outside mount shutter?
Outside mount refers to the mounting of a shutter outside a window opening. Outside mount shutters can be installed
How many sides can a shutter frame have?
This means that you can have a frame on all 4 sides (left, right, . top and bottom), 3 sides or 2 sides only (left and right). Below are diagrams that illustrate the number of frame sides we . suggest you order based on the style of shutter. As a rule of thumb, the more frame sides the better.
What is a frame in shutters?
A frame is the piece that surrounds shutter panels and creates support for them. It is the piece that is screwed onto the
Do you have to account for every frame side in your final dimensions?
Essentially you must account for every frame side in your final dimensions.
How to measure for shutters?
Measuring Windows For Shutters 1 Look at all the single windows first. 2 I suggest you divide the width of the window opening in half and use that as the width of the shutter panel you would order. 3 This dimension can be reduced by 2" without losing any of the visual effects. 4 If you have very short windows where the height is less than the width, I suggest you divide the width of the window by 4 and order your shutters that width. 5 The relationship between width and height is visually important. So making your panels narrower for those short bathroom windows and they will look appropriate.
How tall are rigid select shutters?
The Rigid Select vinyl shutters remove the guesswork. They are available as an integrated arch one-piece panel. So you would order 84” height as used in the previous example.
How tall is a shutter arch?
If you are ordering an optional arch to add onto the top of a shutter panel you will need to subtract the height of arch from the overall finished height you desire. IE. If you want an 84” finished arch panel and the arch alone is 14” then you will need a 70” panel to make the finished shutter arch combination 84”.
How tall should shutters be for double windows?
The height of window shutters you should order is generally the actual height of the opening not counting the sill should you have one; however, many customers prefer to have the panels a little taller than the actual opening height. A couple of extra inches in height can be very attractive. Now for the double, triple and more windows. I suggest you divide the opening width for the double windows by 4 and use that as your panel width.
How to order shutters for short windows?
If you have very short windows where the height is less than the width, I suggest you divide the width of the window by 4 and order your shutters that width.
How wide should triple windows be?
Triple windows should have the width divided by 6 for an appropriate width to order. Now having said all of this, it's your castle; and you may have a different thought on how the shutters should look. That's OK.
What is an arch shutter?
Arches are a great compliment to a window or door adding an architectural accent that enhances the value of a property in a big way. Arched shutters increase the accent value by completing the look of your arched openings.
