How to Measure & Install Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters give a clean and classic look to any room. Whether you decide to use custom-cut solid wood shutters or the newer plastic ones, they provide privacy and shade without clutter. Hanging plantation shutters is easy, but you have to take careful measurements. It is not possible to hang shutters on every window in the same way--the dimensions of your windows will dictate whether you can use inside-mounted shutters that fit flush with the wall when closed, or outside-mounted shutters, which are attached to the wall on either side of the window. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Measurements
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1
Make sure your window is a square if you want inside-mounted shutters. Measure diagonally from the top left corner to the bottom right, and then again from the top right to the bottom left. If there is more than a 1/2-inch of difference between the measurements, you will have to use outside-mounted shutters.
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2
Measure the depth of the window opening from the outside of the casement holding the window to whatever sticks out farthest from the glass, such as a lock or clasp. You need at least 1 1/2 inches of clearance for inside-mounted shutters.
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3
Measure the height of the window at each side and in the center. Then measure the width at the top, bottom and center. For outside-mounted shutters, use the largest measurements to purchase your shutters.
Outside-Mounted Shutters
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4
Attach your shutters directly to the window frame using 3-inch screws if there is workable molding there. Otherwise, decide where you want the hanging strips to go. Have your helper hold the shutters up to the window, as close to level as you can get. Use a pencil to mark the wall outside of the panels. Mark the wall on all sides.
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Take the hanging pins out of the shutter hinges and remove the shutter panels. Attach the hanging strips to the wall, using the screws that came with the hanging strips.
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Put the shutter panels back on by aligning the hinges with the hanging strips and putting the pins back in.
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Attach the magnetic closers and any screw covers.
Inside-Mounted Shutters
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Have your helper hold the shutters up to the window. Decide where you want them to hang and mark the screw holes with a pencil.
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Attach the mounts to the casement in the places you marked.
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10
Attach one set of shutter panels to the mounts. Step back and make sure they are as close to level as possible.
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Have your helper align the second panel with the first. Adjust the mounts, if necessary, and attach the second panel to its mounts.
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12
Attach the magnetic closers, any hardware and screw covers.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a metal tape measure for the most accurate measurements.
Do not estimate or round up the measurements for inside-mounted shutters.
