
How to Measure Your Windows for Exterior Shutters
- Measure the width of your window
- Divide your window width by 2
- This is typically your shutter width for each window
- Measure the window height – this is your shutter height
How to fit shutters for Windows?
• Lay out shutters on the floor in format that will be attached to window. • Chop down the side frames until they are the correct height (please note frames normally arrive 2mm longer to lift shutters off the window sill). • Hinge the side frame to the shutter panels making the top of the frame flush with the top of the panel.
How to measure for exterior window shutters?
Shutter Measuring Tips:
- Use a steel tape measure. Don’t attempt to measure with a yard stick or ruler.
- Employ an assistant to help with larger windows.
- Don’t assume similar windows are the exact same size. Check all windows to assure accuracy.
- A sturdy ladder is essential for safety when measuring tall or elevated windows.
How to choose the wood for window shutters?
What to Look for in the Construction of Exterior Shutters
- Wood Availability. You should find it easy to procure the wood for your exterior shutters. ...
- Customization. The best exterior wooden shutters are those that are easy to customize. ...
- Appearance. If you use wood to make exterior shutters, it needs to be pleasing to the eye. ...
- Low Maintenance. ...
- Lightweight. ...
- Durability. ...
How to build shutters for windows exterior?
How to Make DIY Wood Shutters
- Determine your shutter sizes. The height of your shutters will depend on the size of your windows. ...
- Cut your wood planks. Each shutter is made of two main parts – a solid back and a double-frame for the front. ...
- Attach the back. Place the front frame of the shutter face down on a flat surface. ...
- Finish your shutters. ...

Are shutters supposed to be the same size as the window?
For the most authentic look, we recommend measuring only the window opening not including any frame or trim around it. Typically, the width of your shutters should be half of your total window width.
How do I know what size shutters to buy?
Shutter Width of Wide Windows It is advisable to select a width size divisible into the window width. Shutter size should be between 25-50% of the window width in order to remain aesthetically pleasing. Never install house shutters that are wider than the window.
Should shutters be taller or shorter than window?
Shutter Width 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.
Should shutters be half the width of the window?
7) The widths of your shutters do not need to be exactly half the width of your window. Because your shutters are decorative, and will not be opened or closed they do need to be half the width of the window. We recommend a shutter width about 1/3 of the window.
What size is a standard shutter?
These are available in standard heights ranging from 31" to 80" in 4" increments. There is even a Arch Top version that is available in 14" four board joined shutter that is available in heights from 45" to 94" in four inch increments.
What size shutters are best?
What slat size do most people order for shutters?3 ½” shutter slats are the most popular choice.This lovely kitchen features 2 ½” louvered plantation shutters in a custom color.3 ½” slats let in plenty of light and fit with any style of home décor.More items...•
How far should shutters be from window?
If 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 I choose the right shutters?
Correctly Size Your Shutters Shutters should be sized to cover the window if closed and convey the believable appearance of actually being usable even if theyare non-operable. Also, the shutters should mirror image the window.
Can shutters be bigger than window?
When measuring for shutter height, you can add an extra inch or two to make the shutters taller than your windows. This can give added style and enhance the look of your shutters. That said, this is a personal preference and you may prefer to have your shutters be the same height as your windows.
How do I choose the right shutters?
Correctly Size Your Shutters Shutters should be sized to cover the window if closed and convey the believable appearance of actually being usable even if theyare non-operable. Also, the shutters should mirror image the window.
How do you measure for indoor shutters?
0:522:08HOW TO MEASURE SHUTTERS - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut measure from the top to the bottom of the window casing in three. Places. Top left center andMoreBut measure from the top to the bottom of the window casing in three. Places. Top left center and the top right down to the windowsill. Record the smallest height measure to the nearest 1/8.
Do shutters make a house look smaller?
White shutters, if matched to your window trim, can make a smaller house appear larger. Black shutters can especially pop on larger homes. Think of other dark colors, too.
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.
How long does it take to measure for exterior shutters?
Expect to spend about 5-10 minutes per window to obtain proper measurements.
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.
How to measure a window?
As each window is not created equal, the measurements you take at the top of the window will vary slightly from the one taken along the bottom. Measure the opening along the top of the window, then measure along the bottom.
How many half circles are there in a shutter?
The top of each shutter will be exactly one half of a circle.
Why are shutters important?
The size of the shutters helps you plan your budget, as shutter pricing is based on the amount of materials needed. Plus, you’ll get to know your house just a little better. One window might be a slightly different size than another. That’s not a problem, but it does give one more example of why getting custom-fit shutters is so important ...
What is the high point of a radius top shutter?
Existing radius top shutter: The “high point” of a radius top shutter (also known as the “long side”) is the length from the bottom (B) of the shutter to the tip of the shutter’s arch (A). The “high point” will always equal the shutter length.
What is the high point of a window?
Here are the measuring guidelines for arched and circle top windows: The “high point” of a radius top window (also referred to as the “long side”) is the length from the bottom of the window (B) to the tip of the shutter’s arch (A). The low point (also known as the “short side”) begins at the bottom of the window ...
Where is the low point of a window?
The low point (also known as the “short side”) begins at the bottom of the window ( B) and extends to the “low point” of the window arch’s radius (C).
Can you match shutters on a house?
Sometimes, homeowners want to match existing shutters on their home or additional buildings. If your stile and rail dimensions are different than our standard offerings, that’s okay. We frequently customize these elements for these types of situations.
How wide should shutters be?
Typically, the width of your shutters should be half of your total window width. However, vinyl shutters are available in a handful of sizes.
What width are vinyl shutters?
Keep in mind that the shutters should look like if they could close to cover the window. Vinyl shutters are available in 12" and 15" standard widths. Custom widths are also available. Window Width. Shutter Width.
How wide should a vinyl shutter be?
For the look of functioning shutters, panel width should be about half the width of the window. However, non-functional decorative exterior vinyl shutters will never be closed over windows and are installed only as decorative accents to improve ...
What is a straight top shutter?
A standard straight top has square corners and horizontal top. Arched top shutters have a straight edge on one side and a curved slope on the other. A springline dimension is required to order arch top shutters. Ascertain the springline by measuring from the top of the window down to the start of the arch.
How many colors of molded through vinyl shutters are there?
Choose from 19 standard molded-through exterior vinyl shutter colors. If none of the colors meet your project requirements, select the DIY paintable version to finish yourself.
Is a bay window too wide?
Large or bay windows are often too wide to use panels that appear to be functional , so often a smaller panel is appropriate.
Can you use screws on vinyl shutters?
Spikes are recommended for hard surfaces like masonry, brick, stucco or hardboard. Only screws can be used with board and batten shutters. Siding.
