How Do You Measure For Shutters That Close Completely On The Outside?

To determine the optimal width measurement for shutters, measure the width of your window and divide it by three to find the nearest available shutter. For example, if your window measures 42 inches in width, you will have 14. If you plan to use shutter hardware to install shutters, gather key measurements such as the window’s jamb depth (C).

External shutters are purely decorative, but their size is important for their authenticity and proper finishing. Use our Shutter Measuring Guide and Cheat Sheet to achieve the right aesthetic balance when planning your exterior shutter project. Measuring for wood exterior shutters requires time and tools, including a steel tape measure, ladder, pencil, and paper. It takes about 5-10 minutes per window to obtain proper measurements. Timberlane Exterior Shutters offers visual guides and clear instructions for squared and arched windows.

To choose the appropriate size for your exterior vinyl shutter, measure the appropriate width and height of your window opening. Decorative shutters should be placed adjacent to the outer edges of the window frames with the shutter tops and bottoms in alignment with the tops and bottoms of the windows. For the most authentic look, measure only the height of the window opening without any frame or trim around the window. The shutters should measure the same height as the inside of the window frame, with the bottom of the shutter installed even with the top of the window sill.

For an authentic look, find a width that is close to 50 of the size of the glass and window. Measuring for wood exterior shutters requires time and tools, including a steel tape measure, ladder, pencil, and paper. The width that usually works best for decorative shutters is between 25 and 33 of the total width of your window, including the window trim. Divide the width of the window opening in half and use that as the width of the shutter panel you would order.

Which way should shutters close?

Plantation shutters are designed with slats closing fully flat in the upwards direction, providing optimal light blockage and privacy. The slats overlap by about ½” creating a seal that blocks light and insulates the home. A central tilt rod connects all slats, allowing for easy push-pull operation. A mid-rail can separate the upper and lower sections of the slats for separate control. A hidden tilt rod connects slats by a thin metal rod hidden off to the side near the hinges.

The slats can be moved by hand, and all other slats on that rod will move in unison. This allows for a more personalized and controlled shutter system. Overall, plantation shutters offer a secure and privacy-enhancing solution for homeowners.

Should all exterior shutters be the same width?

For decorative installation, it is recommended to find a single width for all windows, typically 25 to 33 of the window’s width, including the window frame. To choose the correct shutter width, measure the shutters as if they were closed, including the window trim and the opening where the window recesses into the brick. Window widths may vary, so measure at the top, middle, and bottom of the window for the most accurate measurement. If measurements are different, use the SMALLEST of the three measurements. To get the required shutter width, divide the smallest window width measurement by 2, such as 35″ for a 17. 5″ width.

How to properly measure for exterior shutters?

Shutters should measure the same height as the inside of the window frame, with the bottom installed even with the top of the window sill. For door shutters, measure inside the frame from the top of the threshold to the bottom of the top jamb. Arch Top shutters are an option for Custom Louvered and Custom Board-n-Batten shutters. When ordering Arch Top shutters, two height measurements are needed: the overall shutter height (the tallest point) and the shorter height measurement (the arch radius).

The standard arch drop is a 1:1 ratio, meaning the difference in height from one side of the shutter to the other is equal to the width of the shutter. If the ratio works for your application, only the overall height (tallest side) of the shutter is needed.

How much space should be between shutters?

The placement of shutters can prove to be a challenging endeavor when windows are situated in close proximity to one another. To guarantee optimal placement, the distance between shutters on adjacent windows must be a minimum of half the width of a single shutter. The dimensions of a shutter should be such that its width and height are each equal to half the width of the window. This configuration lends the shutters a sense of authenticity while preventing them from completely covering the window.

How do you fit exterior shutters?

The process entails the drilling of pilot holes for the shutter, which is then installed. If the screws are fastened with sufficient force, the shutter can be considered fully assembled.

Which direction should shutters go?

When installing a fixed louver shutter, the louvers should be facing down and towards the back when not covering the window. This allows rain or water to fall through the louvers and down behind the shutter, preventing pooling or building in the shutter or window area. When closed, the louvers should be pointing down and out, away from the window, allowing water to drain towards the front and away from the area between the shutter and the window.

What is the best way to close shutters?

The shutters are designed to be opened and closed manually, with some overlap when closed. They are designed to provide privacy while blocking out light and insulating the home. There are three options for louvered/slatted shutters: central, offset, and hidden. The hidden tilt rods are invisible and built into the frame, allowing the shutter louver to open as one. However, a hidden split is required for windows over 130cm in height, allowing separate slat control on the top and bottom sections. This split can be customized to be placed at any point of the window.

Central and offset pushrods are visible and run down the front of the shutter. The offset is closer to the hinged side, while the central runs directly down the middle. Both options are connected to the louvers, requiring only a pushrod to open and close them. Overall, the shutters are designed to provide privacy, block out light, and insulation.

Should shutters be the exact length as the window?

To create an authentic look for your window, measure the width of the window opening, not including any frame or trim. Vinyl shutters should be half of the total window width, available in 12″ and 15″ standard widths, and custom widths are also available. Measure the height of the window opening, not including any frame or trim, to ensure the shutters can close inside the window opening. Standard vinyl shutters come in various heights, including 35″, 39″, 43″, 47″, 51″, 55″, 59″, 63″, 67″, and 71″.

It is recommended to go with the closest available height, and if your window height falls between two standard heights, round up to the next available standard size. Custom sized vinyl shutters are also available in 1/4″ increments.

What is the recommended shutter width?

The recommended shutter width for windows is 24″ or smaller, with vinyl shutters being for decorative purposes only. For the best look, order exterior vinyl shutters 25 to 33 of the window width, including the window frame. However, if you want the shutters to close over your windows, order them 50 of the window width. Exterior shutters should never exceed 50 of the window width, so when ordering vinyl shutters, err on the side of being narrower than 50 when your exact size is not available. For example, if you have a 30 inch wide window, your “ideal” shutter width would be 15 inches, but the next best match would be 14 1/2 inch wide window shutters.

How do you put shutters on windows that are close together?

Bifold shutters can be used to cover windows with limited space, allowing two shutters on one side only. This method is ideal for bay windows and can be seen in the top picture. Leaning shutters are used when exterior shutters are close to a chimney or a wall that takes a 90° turn to lay flat. This method is traditionally accepted and allows the shutter to lean against the obstruction. The base support for the chimney is on the left side, while the right picture shows the entire house side.

Exterior shutters on gable windows can be mounted either by hinged shutters and accepting the slight hangout, or by using hardware designed for Bahama shutters at the top. These options can help create a more functional and visually appealing window design.

What is the rule for shutters?

The optimal window width, inclusive of the window trim, is typically 25 to 33 inches, and the optimal height of a decorative shutter is typically the distance from the top to the bottom of the window trim.