How to Measure For Wood Exterior Shutters
Measuring for wood exterior shutters requires a little time and a few tools, including a steel tape measure, ladder, pencil and paper. Expect to spend about 5-10 minutes per window to obtain proper measurements.
Functional Exterior Shutters
Wood exterior shutters, in conjunction with quality outdoor hardware, can be installed to swing open and closed. Measurements of each window for functional exterior shutters need to be made with great precision to ensure a smooth installation. Multiple openings that appear to be the same size can often be very different.
Stationary Outdoor Shutters
Wood shutters installed in a permanent position can afford to be approximate in relation to the window size. This type of stationary installation can be accomplished with screws, bolts or brackets. Decorative panels may still look functional with the addition of dummy shutter hardware.
Measure Windows for Exterior Shutters
Time needed: 10 minutes
Steps to measure for exterior shutters:
- Inspect the Windows
Observe and make note of any obstructions on either side of the window which may prevent proper installation of exterior shutters (downspouts, building corners, roof lines, flagpole mounts, etc.). Pay particular attention to the space between neighboring windows to establish adequate proportions and adjacent shutters will not collide. Also, assess the area in front of the window to verify there are no obstructions that will impede the panels from rotating (trees, shrubs, fence posts, etc.). Take this opportunity to check the window frame for wood rot that can be replaced in advance of installation.
- Measure Exterior Shutter Depth
It is preferable for functional outdoor shutters to fit entirely within the window opening. Measure from the back of the side jamb to the front of the window casing. Premium wood shutters require a void of 1.5 inches and Pine shutters need 1 inch.
Windows without adequate depth to accommodate functional shutters that nest inside the opening will need to install in front of the casing with “new construction shutter hinges”. - Measure Window Width
Measure from the inside left of the window opening to the inside right. Survey three places and record the narrowest dimension, then deduct ¼ – ½ inch for adequate margin when closing. Divide this calculation by two (2) for the individual exterior shutter width. Windows measuring less than 45 inches wide may use a single shutter that opens to one side.
For shallow window openings, measure from the outside left of the window casing, or trim, to the outside right. Divide this measurement by two for the individual shutter width. - Measure Window Height
Measure from the inside top of the window opening to the inside bottom. Check in three places and record the narrowest amount, then deduct ¼ – ½ inch to maintain clearance when closing. This is the panel height.
If the window is shallow, measure from the outside top of the window casing to the top of the sill, or bottom of the casing if there is not sill. - Establish Divider Rail Location
A divider rail is a horizontal bar, much like the top rail, that creates top and bottom louver areas within the exterior shutter. A divider rail is optional on all louvered shutters and paneled shutters under 70 inches, and is required on combination shutters and all other panels in excess of 70 inches. A divider rail can be centered by default or positioned at a custom location.
If a custom location is desired, provide the measurement from the bottom of the shutter to the identified center of the divider rail.
For two divider rails, note the location of each from the bottom of the shutter to the center of each.
If there is an existing horizontal division (created by a transom, mullion, or window sash) in the window, it is often preferable to align the shutter divider rail at the same height.
The actual placement of the divider rail on louvered shutters will be close to the location requested. The number of louvers, shutter height and rail sizes determine the final placement.
A third center batten is required on board and batten shutters over 55 inches in height. The addition of a optional fourth batten or a z-pattern batten may be selected.
Large functional exterior shutters may require more support than two hinges can provide. A divider rail or center batten is essential to affix a third strap hinge.
Wood Shutters
Premium wood shutters and economy pine shutters can both be installed to be functional or stationary. Louvered shutters have the same appearance front and back, except the louvers up on one side and down on the other. Board & batten and raised panel shutters have little detail on the back and are intended to be viewed from the front most of the time.
More about Stationary Exterior Shutters
Decorative shutters installed for only aesthetic purposes are not restricted by exact fit requirement. The goal for decorative shutters is to make them symmetrical to the size of the window.
The preferred appearance for stationary shutters is to simulate those that are functional, aligning with the window opening. Follow the instructions above on how to measure for exterior shutters to complete this outcome.
Some windows are wider than what could logically contain two shutter panels. Follow the steps below to guide you through how to measure wide windows for exterior shutters.
Exterior Shutters for Extremely Wide Windows
Shutter Width of Wide Windows
Windows wider than 90 inches will need to use shutters that are narrower than optimal. It is advisable to select a shutter width one-third or one-fourth of the window. This simulates the use of three or four shutters to cover the opening.
Never install house shutters that are wider than the window.
Outdoor Shutter Hardware
Operable exterior shutter hinges are necessary to give wood shutters the ability to swing open and closed. Is is best to evaluate the best hinge for the installation at the same time window measurements are taken. Survey the available mounting surface and establish the necessary offset.
Shutter dogs restrain outdoor window shutters in an open position to either side of the opening. Tiebacks work in a variety of ways to lock and release the panels, with many in ornate designs to give the house added interest. Shutter dogs can also be used in conjunction with stationary shutters to add visual interest.
Bahama Shutters
Tropical Bahama shutters are designed to cover an entire window opening with a single panel up to 85 inches. Record measurements of the entire window width and height as specified above. Exceptionally wide windows can be covered in multiple Bahama shutter panels.
How to Measure for Arch Top Shutters
Some shutter styles can be made with a curved top designed to match the contour of a round top window. Arch top exterior shutters require a drop ratio and springline measurement.
Shutter Measuring Tips:
- Use a steel tape measure. Don’t attempt to measure with a yard stick or ruler.
- Employ an assistant to help with larger windows.
- Don’t assume similar windows are the exact same size. Check all windows to assure accuracy.
- A sturdy ladder is essential for safety when measuring tall or elevated windows.
