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

Z - Recess Fit (In Fit)

Large L - Face Fit (Out Fit)

Small L - Recess/Face Fit

Small L - Face Fit

Fixed - U Channel

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.

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

Z- Recess Fit

Small L - Recess/Face Fit

Direct Mount

Fixed - U Channe
| Blade Size | Minimum Depth |
|---|---|
| 89mm | 68mm |
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 ML frames.

Small L - Face Fit

Fixed - U Channel

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
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
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).







