Shutter Measurement and Installation
Measure & Install Your Shutters with Confidence
Simple step-by-step videos and instructions to help you get it right the first time.
Measure Once. Install with Confidence.
Getting the right fit matters. That’s why we’ve created simple, step-by-step guides to walk you through both measuring and installation. Whether you’re working with Bahama shutters or traditional styles, you’ll have clear instructions that help you get it right the first time.
Bahama Shutter Guides
Start with measurement, then move through installation using guides below.
Bahama Shutters Mounting Styles
Bahama Shutters can be installed in any area where shade or moderate privacy is needed. They can be mounted on windows, porches or gazebos.
Installation can be done as an “Inset” or “Face Mount”. Face Mount is our most popular option where the shutter is installed over the window. Inset is installed where the shutter fits inside of the window framing.
Image 1: Inset Mount Bahama Shutter. (Installed inside the window opening)
Image 2: Face Mount Bahama Shutter. (Installed above the window opening)
Image 3: Measuring Windows for Bahama Shutters. This image shows an Inset Bahama Shutter.
Measuring for Bahama Shutters
Measure Overall Width
To measure the width, measure from point A (on Image 3) to point B.
- If inset mount subtract 3/8″.
- If face mounted add 3-4″ for the stays.
Measure Overall Height
To measure the height, measure from point C (on Image 3) to point D.
- For inset mount subtract 3/8″. For inset mount insure you are measuring at the location of minimum dimension to ensure the shutter will fit.
- For face mount add 3″.
Want a visual guide? The video below walks you through each step.
Steps to Measure for Bahama Shutters
Here Adam gives measuring info on capri, mid, or full-length bahama shutter.
How to Install Bahama Shutters
If you have a drill and a level, this is for you. (Okay, maybe you’ll need a ladder too.)
Traditional Shutter Guides
Start with measurement, then move through installation using guides below.
Traditional Shutter Mounting Styles
Traditional Shutters come in many styles and have multiple mounting options. The most popular mounting options include Direct Mount, “Party Trick” Mount, and Historical Mount.
We don’t recommend the Direct Mount for our shutters. Because if you’re going to invest in quality shutters, screwing them to the wall just doesn’t fit that aesthetic.
Our “Party Trick” Mount is when you want functional hinges but don’t care if the shutters fully close. People get these so they can have the “party trick” of moving shutters without the hassle of very EXACT measurements.
Our Historical Mount shutters are fully functioning shutters. These require accurate measurements but allow for the shutters to fully close and lock.
For the “Party Trick” and Historical mount options, we use two types of hinges to install: face mount and jam mount hinges.
Image 4: Party Trick Mounting
Image 5: Historical Mounting
Image 6: Face Mount Hinge
Image 7: Jamb Mount Hinge
Image 8: Measuring Traditional Windows
Measuring for Traditional Shutters
Measurements should be taken from the inside of the window casing. This is the area that historically functional shutters would cover.
Measure Overall Width
To measure the width, measure from point A (on Image 8) to point B.
- This is the measurement for a PAIR of shutters. Divide by 2, this is the measurement for each shutter panel.*
Measure Overall Height
To measure the height, measure from point C (on Image 8) to point D.
- If you have a bank of 2 or 3 windows. Measure one of the end windows and use those measurements to determine height and width for a single panel on each side of the bank.**
*If you are ordering functional shutters, because there could be variation, measure three locations – once near each side and once in the center – and use the smallest of the three measurements. Do this for both the height and the width. If you are planning to actually close your shutters, we recommend you deduct 1/4” from your smallest measurement to ensure clearance.
**If you have a bank of two windows, and are planning on closing the shutters, you will have to have the panels bi-folded to work. This requires additional hardware.
Want a visual guide? The video below walks you through each step.
Steps to Measure for Traditional Shutters
Here Adam gives directions on measuring your shutters for the perfect fit on your home.
Measuring for Arched Shutters
Image 9: Measuring Arched Windows
Measurements should be taken from the inside of the window casing. This is the area that historically functional shutters would cover.
Measure Overall Height
To measure the height, Measure from point A (on Image 9) to point B.
Measure the Breakline
To measure where the arch begins, Measure from point E (on Image 9) to point F.
Measure Overall Width
To measure the width, Measure from point C (on Image 9) to point D.
- This is the measurement for a PAIR of shutters. Divide by 2, this is the measurement for each shutter panel.*
- If you have a bank of 2 or 3 windows. Measure one of the end windows and use those measurements to determine height and width for a single panel on each side of the bank.**
*If you are ordering functional shutters, because there could be variation, measure three locations – once near each side and once in the center – and use the smallest of the three measurements. Do this for both the height and the width. If you are planning to actually close your shutters, we recommend you deduct 1/4” from your smallest measurement to ensure clearance.
**If you have a bank of two windows, and are planning on closing the shutters, you will have to have the panels bi-folded to work. This requires additional hardware.
How to Install Traditional Shutters
All you need is a measuring tape, a marker, a drill, and some hardware to hang the perfect shutter.