Shutter Basics
Plantation shutter panels comprise of rails running horizontally on the top and bottom and stiles running vertically on the sides attached (hinged) to a frame, and louvers which rotate open and closed. Divider rails are required on panels that exceed 1500mm in height. The divider rail adds strength and support to your shutter panels, and allows you to open the top louvers while keeping the bottom ones closed.
Measuring
Measuring for your shutters is as easy as A,B,C and at Décor we believe in the KISS principle “keep it simple stupid” so please read through the following instructions before progressing and you will be ready to measure like a pro. By choosing to measure and install your own shutters you will save hundreds if not thousands of dollars and have the satisfaction of improving your home all by yourself.
There are a few simple steps so lets get started.
- First, decide where your shutters are going to sit inside (RECESS FIT) the recess or outside the recess (FACE FIT) on the wall or window frame.
- RECESS FIT is where the shutters will sit on the inside of the window frame.
- FACE FIT is where the shutters will be mounted on the architrave or outside of the opening and will cover the total window area.
- As you can see from figure 2 face fit shutter sits inside your room by approximately 50mm with the blades closed and 75mm with the blades open.
- Where your window frame has the space to allow for it and is reasonably square we recommend the RECESS FIT option.
- With the recess fit make sure you have full window depth clearance, 65mm is required for an L Frame (fig 3) or 50mm for a Z Frame (Fig 4).
Measuring the depth of your window sill
Measuring across the window left to right and from the front of the opening to the back of the window your measurement must take into account any obstructions. Look out for any obstructions like window winders or handles that might pose a problem.
If you measure less than 60mm (L Frame) or 50mm (Z Frame) then your only option will be to install face fit shutters. If your measurements are greater than this then you can install recess fit shutters.
To ensure the perfect fit, the first thing you’ll need to do is decide whether you will be face fitting or recess fitting your new shutters.
Although you may have the depth the other deciding factor is squareness of the opening.
First of all, you need to check that your recess is pretty much square, making it suitable for your shutters. All you need to do is measure the recess diagonally from corner to corner on both sides. Then, compare the two measurements.
If the difference is 10mm or less, you’re good to go with internal mount (RECESS FIT) which we highly recommend. If they vary by any more than 10mm then unfortunately you won’t be able to fit shutters in your recess.
If this happens, don’t worry, you can install your shutters on the outside of the window opening (FACE FIT).
Before you start you will need:
• A good quality steel tape measure
• A spirit level
• Paper and pen
TIP!
Measure the window and record the size, go away and have a cup of tea, go back, measure again, “measure twice, cut once 🙂 ”
Use a steel tape measure
Inside (RECESSED) mount
An Inside Mount fits within your window frame. It is a sleeker and the preferred way to install your window coverings, as long as you have enough depth. Available Inside Mount frame options are: Z Frame and L Frame. (See below for further explanation)
Measure for depth of reveal clearance (Z frame is recommended for DIY installation if you have the required depth). 65mm is required for an L Frame (fig 3 above) or 50mm for a Z Frame (Fig 4 above).
Make sure there are no window locks or handles that would obstruct the frame or the opening of the blades.
- Width – take the exact measurement of the inside of your window frame from left to right in 3 places; once at the top of the window, once across the middle and one across the bottom. You will the need to record the smallest measurement
- Drop (height) – once again we need your exact measurement of the inside of your window frame from top to bottom. You will need to take 3 measurements; one on the left, one in the centre and one on the right-hand side. You will then need to record the smallest measurement.
- Installing a midrail in a panel can offer flexibility in hiding window mullions and handles. A midrail also adds strength and stability to a shutter. See below for details on how to measure.
• If you have an inward opening window, please speak to our team for expert advice.
Measuring for a mid-rail
For taller shutters over 1500mm we put in a stylish midrail to give your shutters support. The great thing about a midrail is you can customise its height so that it matches your windows and looks at its best. Usually, people tend to position their midrails at the same height as any transom bars on their window or so that it doesn’t obstruct the view when sitting down and looking through the shutters.
There are just a couple of small restrictions when customising your midrail. For structural reasons they must be a minimum of 380mm and a maximum of 1300mm from both the top and bottom of your shutter panel.
To position your midrail, simply measure from the bottom of your recess to the midpoint of where you want it to sit. If this is level with your transom bar, measure from the bottom of the recess to the centre of the transom bar. Record this measurement with the width and height measurements for this window
We always recommend ordering with a four-sided frame however this will not be possible if your window has a protruding sill.
A. Full four-sided frame
Full height shutters fitting tight up to the window = Four sides frame
B. Three-sided frame
Three-sided frame. Top, left and right. No bottom due to protruding sill.
Step 1 – Choose your type of Inside Mount Frame
We offer two types of frame for all shutter ranges. L Frames and Z Frames.
Z Frames A semi recessed frame, which is fitted at the front of the opening. It has a molded edge which overlaps on to the wall which gives a seamless finish. This option allows the panels to fold back 180° flat on the wall either side of the window.
Use a steel tape measure
Outside Mount (Face Fit)
Face Fit is where the shutter frame will be mounted on the wall or architrave of the window opening and will cover the entire window. The frame is installed on your wall, outside of the window opening. If your window has an architrave, then the frame will be directly fitted to the architrave.
Face Fit is only suitable for an L Frame mount. Measure for depth of reveal clearance 48mm depth of frame is required for shutters using both 63mm and 89mm blade with the L frame. Make sure there are no window locks or handles that would obstruct the frame.
- Width – take the exact measurement of the inside of your window frame from left to right in 3 places; once at the top of the window, once across the middle and one across the bottom. You will the need to record the smallest measurement. If the window has an architrave surround then the measurement should be taken from the outside of the edge of architrave as per the image below. (Figure iii)
- Drop (height) – once again we need your exact measurement of the inside of your window frame from top to bottom. You will need to take 3 measurements; one on the left, one in the centre and one on the right-hand side. You will then need to record the smallest measurement. If the window has an architrave surround then the measurement should be taken from the outside of the edge of architrave as per the image below. (Figure iii)
- Installing a midrail in a panel can offer flexibility in hiding window mullions and handles. A midrail also adds strength and stability to a shutter. See above page xx “Measuring for a mid-rail”.
- If you have an inward opening window, please speak to our team for expert advice.
- We do not recommend installing on a highly decorative architrave. See details below.
What architrave (window trim) is acceptable:
What architrave (window trim) is not advisable:
STEP 1 – L frame guidance
- Bird’s eye view of window and frame looking down from above. Frame is shown on a non-recess window – outside mount fixing, with cover strip to cover screws.
- When taking measurements, remember to include the width of the frame (38mm) left, right, top and bottom (if using a 4 sided frame).
