How to measure windows for DIY shutters?
We can create custom made shutters that fit any window shape and size. Our experience has taught us the importance of listening and understanding our customer’s needs.
AUSTRALIAN MADE
Our shutters are produced locally.
Shutter ComponentsPartsPieces Explained
We make measuring and installing really simple. View our simple to understand guides on how to measure and install our DIY shutters.
Shutters can be hinged directly to the reveals without framework. However, with openings most often out of square, the gaps between the panel and the edge of the opening can be obvious if no framing is used. By placing framing around the shutter, any gaps between the edge of the frame and the reveal can be filled using gap filler for a much neater finish. Framing provides better light block than shutters installed without framing and, particularly on face fit shutters the correct frame will provide the necessary clearance for blades to be fully operational.
Stiles make up the side of every panel and comes standard as D mould.
Hinges will be painted to match the shutter color.
Top rail make up the top of every panel to provide strength through the panel frame.
Mid Rails/Divider – provide structural support and are inserted for panels at certain heights (1800mm) Mid rail can be chosen on smaller sizes to cover up door handles or mullions to provide cleaner look. Typically, mid rail with also be the point at which groups of blades are separated, meaning blades above or below the rail will operate independently.
Louvre/Blades – the horizontal slats within the panel, which are available in 63mm, 89mm and 114mm.
Bottom rail makes up the bottom of every panel to provide strength through the panel frame.
How to measure?
1.1 Getting a precise and accurate measurement is the first step to a perfect shutter.
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Always measure with a new metal tape measure
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Always measure to the closest mm
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Measure all windows, even though they appear to be identical
There are three types of frames, L Frame recessed (in) fit, Z Frame recessed (in) fit and L Frame (Out) face fit.
1.2 Determine the squareness of window
Measure diagonally from corner to corner.
Should the difference between the two diagonals be greater than 6mm, Fact fit L or recessed Z Frame fits is highly recommended.
How mounting works?
INSIDE with a Z Frame
INSIDE with a L Frame
OUTSIDE with a L Frame
1.3 Measuring recessed (in) L and Z Frame fit
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Width – take three measurements at the top, middle and bottom of the window opening.
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Drop – take three measurements at the left, center, and right of the window opening
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For recess fit provides the smallest width and height measurement.
BLADES – CLEARVIEW TILT ROD
Size: 89 mm
Minimum Depth: 50 mm
* For some circumstances, Window depth can be less than 50mm by using a mid-rail at the position of hand bar. If there is a winder at the bottom of window blocked the bottom frame, 3 sides frames (no bottom frame) is the option.
1.4 Measuring L frame Face Fit (out).
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Width – take three measurements from the edge of the architrave to the edge of the architrave at the top, middle and bottom on the window frame.
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Drop – take three measurements from the top of the architrave to the bottom of the architrave at the left, center, and right of the window opening
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For Face fit (in) L frame, provide the largest width and height measurement.
*You need at least 25mm of flat surface to mount your shutter frame. If the architrave is over 70mm, then 65mm ML (medium L) frames are needed. otherwise SL (standard L) frames work better.
Measuring Recessed Fit
Measuring Face Fit
2.1 How To Measure Your Mid Rail Position
Mid rails provide strength to your shutters and allow you to operate the top blades independently from the bottom blades.
Customers are agreed to give up warranty claims if panels over 1800mm for basswood and 1600mm for PVC without mid rails.
Extra charges may apply if more than one mid rail is needed within 1800mm.
The most common placement for a mid-rail is in the exact center of the panel.
It is also common to place the mid rail at a natural break.
For recessed fit L or Z Frame, measure from the bottom of the inside of your window frame to the center point of the desired location of the mid rail.
For face fit L Frame measure from the bottom of the architrave to the center point of the desired location of the mid rail.
Mid-Rail Position
Mid-Rail Styles
Mid-Rail Panels
2.2 How to measure your T-posts position
The maximum individual Panel Width is 950mm for basswood and 750mm for PVC. For larger windows T posts can be used with any frame type where the size of the window requires three, four or six panels etc. They are used to divide windows vertically to match window design and cover large spaces.
When ordering your shutters, you can choose Standard Panel widths – all panels are made equal sizes or ‘Custom’.
Below are measuring instructions if you choose custom sizes.
T-Post Even
T-Post Example
T-Post Un-even
2.2.1 Recessed (In) fit – L Frame & Z Frame
T-Post 1 = Inside edge of window frame to centre of first T-Post
T-Post 2 = Inside edge of window frame to centre of second T-Post
2.2.2 Face (Out) fit – L Frame
T-Post 1 = Outside edge of architrave to centre of first T-Post
T-Post 2 = Outside edge of architrave to centre of second T-Post
3. Number of sides of the frame
Shutters with frames have 3 or 4 sides, which will be noted in order sheet, All of frames can be made in three or four sided frames. Most common is a four-sided frame.
LRBT stands for Left, Right, Bottom and Top frames.
T-Post Recessed (In) fit - L Frame & Z Frame
T-Post Face (Out) fit - L Frame
