Installing an outside mount shutter can be somewhat intimidating. We hope to alleviate some of that intimidation by explaining the three different methods you can outside mount a plantation shutter (and how to measure for them).
Note: If you have Craftsman trim, see our page about how to mount shutters on craftsman trim.
Mounting on Drywall
The Shutter frame is mounted on the wall surrounding the opening. The wall must be flat and wide enough to accommodate the frame.
This is most common when a window does not have trim/molding, and has very little/no depth. In this case, an inside mount shutter would not be possible due to the lack of depth.Â
Measuring for Drywall Mount:
Measure standard window edge to window edge. In this case you would take the largest of the measurements on both height and width.
No window sill:
Window sill:
Mounting on Molding/Trim
The shutter frame can be mounted on the trim if the trim is flat enough so that the frame can sit on it.
This is most common when there is minimal space around the window. If the frame will not fit beyond the molding, it is best to find a place to mount it directly on the molding.
Measuring for Mounting on Molding:
You will measure from the outside edge of the flat portion of the molding/trim to the other outside edge of the flat portion of the molding/trim.
We will always review and verify any shutters that need to be mounted on molding with you. You may always send in photos of your windows to get recommendations as well.
No window sill:
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Window sill:
Mounting Beyond Molding
The shutter frame can also be mounted on the outside of the trim with a frame spacer. This means the frame is built out an additional inch to clear the molding. If the trim is especially large, we can also do an extended frame that extends two inches. Alternatively, the trim can be removed, and the shutter mounted in its place.
This is most common when there is sufficient space beyond the molding and little/no depth inside the window (or no flat surface to mount an inside mount L-Frame).
Measuring for Mounting on Molding:
You will measure from the outside edge of the molding/trim to the other outside edge of the molding/trim.
No window sill:
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Window sill:
3 Sided Frame
When a window requires an outside mount and has a protruding sill, we will often recommend/require a 3-sided frame. This means there is no bottom frame and the two sides of the frame come down and sit on the window sill.Â
It is difficult to mount beyond a protruding sill. In this case, a 3-sided frame makes the most sense. If this is necessary, we will contact you to inform you.
3 Sided Outside Mount Frame
Inside Mount L-Frame Alternative
If a window has molding, sufficient depth, and a flat surface to mount, we recommend an inside mount L-Frame. See the photos below for examples.
How an inside mount L-Frame sits inside a window
Inside mount L-Frame with molding
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