How to Properly Measure for Fauxwood Plantation Shutters
Fauxwood plantation shutters are simple to measure, but accuracy is essential.
Use only a quality steel tape measure.
Measure all windows, even though they may appear to be identical. Expect your windows to be out-of-square. When specifying measurements, always provide the width first, then the height. All measurements must be in inches and measured to an accuracy of 1/8 of an inch.
Installing your shutters is also simple, but we recommend you review the Installation Instructions before measuring.
1. Shutter Components
Plantation shutters are generally comprised of a shutter panel attached (hinged) to a frame. The panel itself consists of louvers, which rotate open and closed; stiles running vertically on the sides; and rails running horizontally on the top and bottom. Panels over 60" require one divider rail, which adds strength and support to your shutter panels, and allows you to open the top louvers while keeping the bottom ones closed. For panels under 60", divider rails are optional. (See Illustration A)
Illustration A
2. Measuring for an Inside Mount - Z-Frame
Description:
The Z-Frame is used for Inside Mounts. Inside Mount installations require that your window has at least 1 1/2" clearance (See Illustration B). If your window does NOT have 1 1/2" of clearance, then you must use an Outside Mount.
Illustration B
The Z-Frame is installed within the window opening, AND extends by 1" onto the face of your sheetrock/molding (See Illustrations C1 & C2). However, if you have a protruding sill the frame will stop at the sill (See Illustration C1). The face of the frame will cover most inconsistencies or light gaps due to out-of-square windows. The Z-Frame will hide up to 3/4" of deviation per side.
| Illustration C1 | Illustration C2 |
How to Measure:
- Determine that there is at least 1 1/2" of clearance (See Illustration B).
- Measure the inside window opening from edge to edge (See Illustration D).
- Inside measurements must be precise, so be sure to measure the width and height
- in three different places, and provide the narrowest width and shortest height.
- When placing your order, provide the tightest measurements within 1/8".
- The factory deducts approximately 1/4" from your measurements so your
- shutter will easily slip into your window.
Illustration D
Note: Special attention should be given to window openings that have: sloped sills, window cranks, latches, security devices, removable screens, etc. because they may obstruct the Z-Frame. When measuring, for Inside Mount be sure you have at least 1 1/2" of clearance.
3. Measuring for an Outside Mount – Square Frame
Description:
The Square Frame is used for Outside Mounts. Outside Mount installations are necessary when there is not at least 1 1/2" of clearance within your window opening (See Illustration B). The frame is installed on your wall, outside of the window opening. If your window has trim, attach the frame directly to your trim or first remove the trim and mount the frame to your wall (See Illustration E). The Square Frame has a base dimension of 2" and requires at least 2" of a flat surface to mount. The mounting screws must be drilled into a secure surface such as wood, not drywall. Otherwise, use drywall bolts. If your window has molding of less than 1" or has a dimensional surface, it is best to remove the molding.
Illustration E
How to Measure:
- When ordering, be sure to specify finished sizes, including the frame.
- Outside Mount shutters will come to you without any deduction from or additions to your ordered sizes.
- Width: When determining the finished width of your shutter, including the frame (See Illustration F),
- add at least 4 1/8" to the width (4 1/8" each side) of the window opening size.
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- Height: For the finished height add at least 3" (at least 2", to each, the top and bottom) to
- the window opening size, unless there is a protruding sill. If your window has a protruding
- sill, add at least 2" (at the top) to the window opening height.
-
- When your molding is wider than 2", the Square Frame should be installed directly on the molding.
- Special attention should be given to obstructions that might interfere with the installation.
Illustration F
Measuring for a French Door:
It is crucial that you specify if your Outside Mount shutter is for a French door, so the factory can include 3" mounting screws and provide you with pre-drilled holes from the front. In addition, you will get four pre-cut pieces of Filler Strips that will hide all mounting screws on the front screw port.
4. Measuring for a Divider Rail
Divider rails add strength to your shutters, and allow you to operate the top louvers independently from the bottom louvers. Divider rails DO NOT allow you to swing open the top section of a panel separately from the bottom like a horse door. They are mandatory for shutters taller than 60" and optional between 40" through 60" in height.
The most common placement of a divider rail is in the exact center of the panel. However, it is also common to place the divider rail at a natural break, as there is with a double-hung window (See Illustration G).
Illustration G
Measuring for a divider rail location NOT centered on the panel:
Inside Mounts: Measure from the bottom of the inside of the window opening (the sill) up to the CENTER POINT of the desired location of divider rail (See Illustration H).
Click here for an interactive demo of how to measure for divider rail placement.
Outside Mounts: Measure from the bottom of the Square Frame to the CENTER POINT of the desired location of the divider rail (See Illustration I).
Click here for an interactive demo of how to measure for divider rail placement.
Illustration I
Note: Divider rail location may actually vary by 1/8" due to computer-determined spacing of the louvers. Divider rails cannot be located within 20" from the top or bottom of your shutter.
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