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Plantation Shutter Measuring Guide

How to Measure Plantation Shutters

Learn how to accurately measure your windows for plantation shutters to ensure a perfect fit. This step-by-step guide will help you avoid common mistakes and achieve a professional result for both DIY installations and custom shutter projects.

Understanding frame types, window depth and squareness is essential for selecting the right shutter configuration. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure your shutters are measured correctly the first time.

1.1 – Get a Precise & Accurate Measurement

Before installing plantation shutters, it is important to measure your space correctly to ensure a perfect fit.

  • Always use a new tape measure
  • Measure to the closest millimetre
  • Measure each window individually, even if they appear identical

There are six frame types:

  • Z - Recess Fit (In Fit)
  • Large L - Face Fit (Out Fit)
  • Direct Mount (In Fit)
  • Small L - Recess/Face Fit
  • Fixed - U Channel
  • Small L - Face Fit
Frame Type-02.jpg

Z - Recess Fit (In Fit)

Frame Type-03.jpg

Large L - Face Fit (Out Fit)

Frame Type-04.jpg

Small L - Recess/Face Fit

Frame Type-02.jpg

Small L - Face Fit

Frame Type-03.jpg

Fixed - U Channel

Frame Type-04.jpg

Direct Mount

1.2 – Determine Window Squareness

Measure diagonally from corner to corner. If the difference exceeds 6mm, a face fit or recessed Z frame is recommended.

Measure window squareness

1.3 – Measuring Recessed (In) Fit

  • Width: Measure top, middle and bottom
  • Drop: Measure left, centre and right
  • Use the smallest measurement for recess fit
Frame Type-02.jpg

Z- Recess Fit

Frame Type-03.jpg

Small L - Recess/Face Fit

Frame Type-02.jpg

Direct Mount

Frame Type-02.jpg

Fixed - U Channel

Blade Size Minimum Depth
89mm 55mm

In some cases, window depth can be less than 50mm by using a mid rail. If a window winder blocks the bottom frame, a 3-sided frame may be used.

1.4 – Measuring L Frame Face Fit (Out)

  • Width: Measure across architrave (top, middle, bottom)
  • Drop: Measure from top to bottom of architrave
  • Use the largest measurement for face fit

A minimum of 25mm flat surface is required. Larger architraves may require large L frames.

Frame Type-02.jpg

Small L - Face Fit

Frame Type-03.jpg

Fixed - U Channel

Frame Type-03.jpg

Large L - Face Fit (Out Fit)

2.1 – Mid-Rail Position

  • Mid rails provide structural strength
  • Commonly placed at the centre
  • Required for larger panels

Measure from bottom to the centre of the desired mid-rail position.


No

Even_2.jpg

Even

Uneven_2.jpg

Uneven

2.2 – T-Post Position

T-posts divide panels and support large shutters. Maximum panel width:

  • Basswood: 950mm

T-Post 1 = edge of frame to centre of post T-Post 2 = edge of frame to centre of second post

Even.jpg

Even

Uneven.jpg

Uneven

3 – Frame Configuration

Shutters can be configured with 3 or 4 sides. The most common is a four-sided frame (Left, Right, Bottom, Top).

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