How to Measure Plantation Shutters
by Guest on Nov 19, 2014
Plantation shutters are common from Florida to California, where the louvered varieties are used to create a lush, often sultry aesthetic and ambiance. They’ve become a design statement with one very powerful selling point: unlike soft window dressings, their rigid framework allows them to be shaped to fit almost any aperture, even including round windows.
When recording any sort of dimension, it’s important to know the correct terminology for the measurements you’re taking. The proper ways to refer to parts of a plantation shutter are:
- Stiles; the vertical part of the frame
- Rails; the horizontal part of the frame
- Louvers; the usually angled slats spaced at regular horizontal intervals
Use a steel tape to make your measurements, not a cloth tape or short rulers. For most suppliers, measurements made to the nearest 1/8-inch are adequate. Remember to note which figure is the horizontal measurement, and which the vertical. For both height and width, measure in three different places, then record the smallest result (most window frames are not precisely square).
Always buy units that have side rails measuring at least 1-1/2 inches in thickness. This prevents eventual warping of the shutter but needs to be factored into the overall external dimensions.
Points to Remember
Because shutters with operable louvers - slats that rotate to open and close - do not have different exterior dimensions, the style of plantation shutter you have in mind doesn’t affect the measurements your manufacturer will need.
Plantation shutters are typically fitted in pairs and are thus hinged on either side of the window. It’s usual to fit them inside, as opposed to severe weather units, which are invariably exterior fitments. Measurements, thus, must take into account interior decor - you wouldn’t want to order a set that had to be hinged on an ornamental dado rail, for instance.
Be aware of other obstructions that may prevent your shutters from opening completely. If a pipe runs up a wall close to the window, it may prevent an open shutter from being folded flat against the wall. In this case, you’ll need each shutter to be a bi-fold or accordion unit, similar to collapsible doors sometimes used to access kitchenettes.
For plantation shutters mounted inside the window frame, round your measurements down to the closest 1/16th of an inch. For shutters mounted outside the frame, measure the area you wish to see covered, as opposed to the window itself.
If your plans include a divider rail - a horizontal reinforcing strut running from side-to-side across the shutter - it needn’t be central. Style-conscious designers often break shutters into threes, with the divider rail one-third of the way up from the bottom. This layout allows for operable louvers to be set at different angles within the shutter; the lower third blocking the sun from your carpets and seating, for instance, while the upper two-thirds bathe walls in subtle, subdued light.
Popular Articles
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
65313 Views
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
63408 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
58932 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
40231 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
25229 Views
Latest Articles
6 Reasons Why Your House Is Not Selling
As soon as you decide that you need to sell your house, time starts to fly. As of June 2021, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported...
on May 17, 2022
What is the Average Cost to Repair a Foundation?
The most important part of any structure is the foundation, considering that it gives support to everything above it and ensures that the structure...
on Apr 26, 2022
6 Favored Methods for Foundation Waterproofing You Should Know
If you have ever walked down to your basement and noticed a small trickle of water or a small puddle on the floor, you may dismiss it as no big...
on Apr 24, 2022
7 Great Hacks For People Who Hate Doing Chores at Home
Count yourself lucky if you find cleaning and doing chores therapeutic. For the rest of the population, doing chores can be one of the most...
on Apr 12, 2022
Driveway Drain - Why is it Important for Safety
A driveway is often our first impression of a home. It tells people how we want them to feel when they're welcomed in. That's why it's important to...
on Apr 1, 2022
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
6 Reasons Why Your House Is Not Selling
on May 17, 2022
Real Estate / Finance
As soon as you decide that you need to sell your house, time starts to fly. As of June 2021, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported...
Juan Plumbing - Learn about SCAMs
on Sep 17, 2021
Hire Contractors / Estimates

I can firmly say, I'm only trying to be an advocate for a neighbor that is a DISABLED SENIOR who was taken advantage of in this SCAM. I feel the...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 258
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 233
- Real Estate / Finance — 188
- Appliance / Repair — 185
- Interior Design / Decor — 181
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 145
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 138
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 114
- Plumbing / Basements — 114
- Doors / Garages — 112
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Overview of DIY Air Filter Maintenance
The purpose of air filters is to ensure that the air within the home is clean. Modern homes are generally pretty airtight, ensuring that they are...
What You Need to Know About Rotary Drilling
There are many reasons why you might require rotary drilling services. If you have never had this need before, you might be at a loss for where to...
How a Leather Sofa Redefines your Home?
A leather sofa is one of the most demanded products when you think of leather upholstery. It is undoubtedly one of the most expensive interiors...
Carpet or Wood Flooring - the Pros and Cons
Looking to update the appearance of the interior of your home? What better way to freshen up the look of your rooms than replacing the flooring?...
Why a Quality Real Estate Consultant Is Always Better in the Long Run
For those who have their eyes set on investments and lucrative prospects, there are few that can offer as many potential returns as the real estate...