1.1 – Get a Precise1 & Accurate Measurement

Before you learn how to install plantation shutters, it is important to understand how to measure your space to ensure your shutters will fit perfectly.

Explore the tips below on how to measure your space accurately the first time:

• Always measure with a new tape measure
• Always measure to the closest millimetre 
• Measure all windows, even though they appear to be identical in size and shape

1.2 – Determine the Squareness of the Window

After taking the measurements of your window, you should next measure its squareness. When you do this, ensure that you are measuring diagonally from corner to corner. Should the difference between the two diagonals be greater than 6mm, a Face fit or a recessed Z Frame fit is highly recommended. Please see the image below for assistance.

1.3 – Measuring Recessed (in) L and Z Frame Fit

After you take the measurements of the window and its shape, it’s important you take additional measurements if you are after a recessed L and/or Z Frame. See the notes below for more information:

• Width – take three measurements at the top, middle and bottom of the window opening.
• Drop – take three measurements at the left, centre, and right of the window opening
• For recess fit provides the smallest width and height measurement.

1.4 – Measuring L Frame Face Fit (Out)

After you take the measurements of the window and its shape, its important you take additional measurements if you’re after an L Frame face fit. See the notes below for more information:

• Width: take three measurements from the edge of the architrave to the edge of the architrave at the top, middle and bottom on the window frame.
• Drop: take three measurements from the top of the architrave to the bottom of the architrave at the left, centre, and right of the window opening
• For Face fit (in)L frame, provide the largest width and height measurement.

2.1 – How To Measure Your Mid-Rail Position

The next step is to measure your mid-rail position. Mid rails provide strength to your shutters and allow you to operate the top blades independently from the bottom blades.

When you are measuring your mid-rail position, please note the following: 

• Customers are agreed to give up warranty claims if panels over 1800mm for basswood and 1600mm for PVC without mid rails.
• Extra charges may apply if more than one mid rail is needed within 1800mm.
• The most common placement for a mid rail is in the exact centre of the panel.
• It is also common to place the mid rail at a natural break.

 For more information about how to measure specific frames, see below: 

• Recessed L & Z Frame: Measure from the bottom of the inside of your window frame to the centre point of the desired location of the mid rail.
• Face Fit L Frame: Measure from the bottom of the architrave to the centre point of the desired location of the mid rail.

2.2 – How To Measure Your T-Posts Position

A T-post is a vertical bar that is used to support and connect two or more panels of a plantation shutter. The T-post is placed in the centre of the opening where the panels meet. It is important to measure your T-Post’s position as it allows the panels to pivot smoothly and independently. 

The maximum individual Panel Width is 950mm for basswood and 750mm for PVC. For larger windows, T posts can be used with any frame type where the size of the window requires three, four or six panels etc. They are used to divide windows vertically to match window design and cover large spaces.

When ordering your shutters, you can choose Standard Panel widths – all panels are made of equal sizes or ‘Custom’. Below are measuring instructions if you choose custom sizes.

2.2.1 – Recessed (In) Fit – L Frame & Z Frame

Explore below the different options for T-Post positioning on a Recessed (In) Fit – L Frame & Z Frame.

T-Post 1 = Inside edge of window frame to centre of first T-Post
T-Post 2 = Inside edge of window frame to centre of second T-Post

2.2.2 – Face (Out) Fit – L Frame

Explore below the different options for T-Post positioning on a Face (Out) Fit – L Frame.

T-Post 1 = Outside edge of architrave to centre of first T-Post
T-Post 2 = Outside edge of architrave to centre of second T-Post

3 – Check Number Of Sides Of Frame

Shutters with frames have 3 or 4 sides, which will be noted in order sheet, All of the frames can be made in three or four sided frames. The most common is a four-sided frame. LRBT stands for Left, Right, Bottom and Top frames.