How to Measure Windows for Plantation Shutters
Measuring your windows for plantation shutters may seem like a difficult task that might require professional help at first. But once the process is broken down into small steps, it becomes quite simple. While you will need to be careful to measure as accurately as possible--it is recommended that you make each measurement twice--measuring your windows for plantation shutters requires only a short time and very few tools. Making your own measurements can save you money, as some companies that install and fabricate shutters charge for measurement services. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Measure each of the windows you plan to put plantation shutters on with a steel tape measure to make sure they are square. Measure diagonally, from corner to the opposite corner. This will determine your mounting style: only square windows have plantation shutters mounted from the inside. Windows that are not square require outside mounting.
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2
Measure the depth of windowsill to make sure there is at least 1 ½ inches from the back of the window to any window hardware. Even if there is no hardware in place, you will need at least 1 ½ inches of clearance between the back of the window and the plantation shutters. If you do not have this much space, you will have to use an outside mount.
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Measure the inside width of the first window at the very bottom of the window. Make the same measurement at the center of the window and at the top, always measuring inside the window, regardless of your mounting style. Put an asterisk next to the largest of the three measurements, as this is the one you will be using as your final measurement of width for that window.
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Measure the inside height of the window starting on the far left side. Make the same measurement at the center of the window and on the opposite side of where you began, always measuring inside the window only. As with the width measurements, put an asterisk next to the largest of the three measurements. This will be the final height measurement for that window.
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Repeat this process exactly for all windows that will have plantation shutters, making a note next to each window with a number corresponding to the notes measurements you have written on your pad of paper.
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Make sure to specify that you want plantation shutters before when approaching someone about making them, as plantation shutters have different-size mounting strips, traditionally 2¼ inches, than other shutter styles. You will also need to tell the company you are purchasing the shutters from whether you will be using an inside mount or outside mount for each window.
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Tips & Warnings
An outside mount places the shutters on the wall around the window. An inside mount places the shutters completely within the window frame. Rewrite or type your measurements in a clear, straightforward way to prevent confusion when your shutters are being fabricated.
