Measuring for shutters fitted inside the window recess

cm.mm

This type of shutter fits inside the recess of a window

Our shutters are supplied with a custom built frame that can either be fitted inside the recess of your window or on the outside.

These instructions explain how to fit shutters inside a window recess.

Is anything in the way?

Look for obstructions, for example a dado rail. Is there anything that is going to affect where your shutters should be fitted? Is there a blind already in place that you want to keep? Are there protruding window handles? Or does the window open inwards?

A deeper shutter frame, which brings the shutter away from the window, may solve some of these issues. Or you may need to fit your shutter frame to the outside of the recess inside.

It is important that you are completely happy with where your shutter frame will fit before you start measuring.

Important: take all your measurements in centimetres to the nearest millimetre eg 150.3cm.

Your measurements will include space for the frame you choose for your shutters. Refer to our ‘Guide to Frame Types’ for more information on choosing the right frame for you.

Although not absolutely necessary, it is a good idea to use the cut-out templates that you will find at the end of this document.

Cut out and tack the template of the frame you will be order-ing into your window recess to ensure there is enough room all the way around and no obstacles will be in the way.

Before getting started

So, let’s take measurements

• A metal tape measure

• A pencil and paper

• A spirit level

Measure the length (or drop) of the recess from top to bottom in three places – make a note of the smallest measurement.

Measure the width of the recess from left to right in three places – make a note of the smallest measurement.

These are your basic measurements but before you order your shutters we need you to do a couple of important checks and adjustments to ensure a good fit.

First measure the two diagonals – top left to bottom right and top right to bottom left. If there is a difference of 12mm or more between these two measurements, your window is too far out of square and we would recommend you fit your shutters to the outside of the recess.

If there is a difference between the two measurements but this is less than 12mm, your shutter frame will fit inside the recess but there may be an uneven gap along one or more sides of the frame. You might need to pack the frame and use decorator’s caulk to fill any gaps.

Next use a spirit level to check the alignment of the recess sides, top and bottom as well as the slope of the sill from front to back. You are looking for anything that might cause an issue when you eventually install your shutters.

Now slightly adjust your two basic measurements to allow the frame to fit inside the recess. As a general guide a reduc-tion of 3 – 5mm will create a snug fit. However your window may not be exactly square or the alignment of your recess may be out. Or there could be a small obstruction in the way. Make sure the reduction you make is appropriate for your window.

Start with the basics

Full height shutter with a midrail

Café style

Tier-in-tier

measure

measure

measure

You will receive a call from our Customer Service Team to confirm the following information:

Full height shutters with a midrail

This style of shutter is available with a midrail. This will allow you to open the louvres above and below the midrail independently of each other.

If your window has a height of 180cm or more, your full height shutter must have a midrail.

Although the midrail can be positioned anywhere on the shutter, we recommend it mirrors the features of your window. Take a measurement from the bottom of the window to the middle of the point you decide upon for your midrail.

Please bear in mind that our shutter slat sizes are fixed. So the position of your midrail may be slightly higher or slightly lower than the point you measured to. This difference will only ever be half a slat width.

Now you have all the measurements you need to place your order.

Once you have done this, a member of our shutters technical team will contact you by phone to ensure your measurements are accurate and you have made all of the necessary allowances.

We’re sure you’ve taken great care when measuring but we just want to double check all the fine details.

We’re sure you’ll find measuring for your shutters very straightforward but if you need any additional advice, please contact our customer services team on 0845 604 9611.

Café style shutters

Take your drop measurement from the bottom of the recess to exactly where you want your shutter to finish. This can be at any point on the window but we would recommend it reflects the features of your window.

Tier-on-tier shutters

Measure from the bottom of the recess to the top of the point that you want your bottom panel to finish.

You now have the measurements that you need to order a full height shutter without a midrail. We may need a few more measurements depending upon the type of shutters you are order.

Chamfer L46

46.5mm

38.1mm

Chamfer L76

76.2mm

38.1mm

Beaded L

46.5mm

38.1mm

Frame templates suitable for inside recess fits

60.3mm

38.1mm

Deep L

60.3mm

38.1mm

Deep Bullnose Z

56mm

38.1mm

Serrate Z

60.3mm

38.1mm

Deep Crown Z

46.5mm

38.1mm

Tiara Z