Adding a set of quality plantation shutters is a sure-fire way of sprucing up your home. Of course, such a result would depend on one crucial step — sizing the windows where you intend to have the shutters installed.
In this article, we aim to provide an overview of what every homeowner needs to know about sizing their plantation shutters. Only then can you expect a perfect fit and seamless installation when adding plantation shutters to your home.
Where do you start sizing plantation shutters for your home?
First, you must understand that the method for measuring your windows correctly depends on whether you want blinds and shutters installed outside or inside of your window frame. The sizing method would differ depending on your preference.
Likewise, you would want to take into account the amount of space available at the back of the window as you will need to make room for the louver. This is important if you want to make sure that the plantation shutters work correctly after installation. The same thing goes for the molding, trim, and the entirety of the shutter itself.
Internally mounted plantation shutters
If you want to install your DIY plantation shutters internally (within the drywall), then you will have to take into account, the trim and height of your window. It also matters whether or not the trim of your window narrows down as you mount the shutter unto the window. If so, then you will need to measure the narrowest portion of the window to identify the best section from which to install the shutters.
When it comes to installing plantation shutters inside the drywall, it’s crucial that you get the size of the opening. Don’t chip away anything; you’d want to adapt your choice of plantation shutters to the size of your windows and not the other way around. Shutter manufacturers can make plantation shutters a bit tinier than the actual size of your window.
When placing an order for plantation shutters, keep in mind the lowest height and thinnest width of your window.
The necessary measurements include
- The diagonal length of your window
- Vertical height from both sides of the frame
- Horizontal width at the bottom and top of the window frame
Externally mounted plantation shutters
Likewise, there are a few things that you would want to consider when installing plantation shutters from the exterior of a window frame. For one thing, you need to decide the amount of space that you want the shutters to take up. This means that you are not limited to the actual size of your window.
Likewise, you will need to decide whether to mount the shutter directly unto the drywall or just above the trim. In any case, you can follow the same diagonal, vertical, and horizontal measurements as the internal mounting process except for referencing the outdoor area as your start and endpoint.
If you want to install your plantation from beyond the window trim, then you will need the make sure that you leave enough space to overlap the trim. Note that if you make a mistake, shutter manufacturers won’t be able to trim the shutters for mounting.
What about oddly-shaped windows?
Perhaps the most challenging type of plantation shutters to size for are the ones designed for irregularly shaped windows. The process can be complicated, although you might find the information you need directly from your shutter manufacturer.
If in doubt, you can opt to hire professional contractors to measure and install your plantation shutters for you. No matter what type of windows you have and the preferred method of installation, such contractors possess the experience and skills to do the job right the first time.
Conclusion
Whether you decide to do the job yourself or delegate the matter to contractors, plantation shutters are sure to be an excellent addition to your home. These window treatments lend elegance and add value to your dwelling while accentuating the look and feel of living spaces. It is no wonder then that homes with plantation shutters are valued more compared to similar homes that lack such a feature.