Perfect Fit Guaranteed: A Guide on How to Measure Plantation Shutters

Welcome to Coverly’s comprehensive guide on measuring plantation shutters. This guide covers a range of important topics, from identifying your specific window type to exploring different mounting options. Feeling nervous? Don’t be! Our team of shutter experts is readily available to assist you via phone, email or chat.

Our online shutter configurator is programmed in a way to help you prevent any big mistakes when ordering your plantation shutters. The configurations are conditional and prevent you from reaching check out with a faulty shutter. Plus, we carefully review every order and confirm specifications with you before we begin manufacturing. There is no need to worry when buying from Coverly!

To begin, one of the initial questions we'll pose is about the type of window you have. We'll help calculate the depth of your window and identify whether your window has molding or a sill. Identifying the style of your window early on plays a crucial role in guiding us throughout the design and measurement process.

Once you've identified your window features, we'll help you decide whether to inside or outside mount your shutter.

Next, we'll run through measuring instructions for each type of window:

• Measuring Inside Mount for a Window with no Molding and no Sill
• Measuring Inside Mount for a Window with Molding
• Measuring Inside Mount for a Window with a Sill
• Measuring  Inside Mount for a window with Molding & a Sill
• Measuring Outside Mount for a Window with no Molding and no Sill
• Measuring Outside Mount for a Window with Molding
• Measuring Outside Mount for a Window with a Sill
• Measuring Outside Mount for a window with Molding & a Sill
• Measuring for Divider Rails
• Measuring for Split Tilt

Finally, we'll explore the process for measuring for Divider Rails & Split Tilt locations.. 

If by the end of this guide you're still unsure about measuring or the style of your window, send us a photo of your window and our team will give you a call.

What Style Of Window Do I Have?

In order to begin measuring for your shutters, we need to identify the style of your window.  

First, have a look at your window. Does your window have a recess? Is there a window sill? Does your window have molding? This is important as different measuring techniques are used for different window settings.

There are two options for mounting a shutter - inside mount or outside mount - which are both discussed below.

Does My Window Have Depth?

The first thing to check is how your window is sitting. Does it sit inside the wall or against the wall? If there is space between the wall and the window, then your window has depth, or a recess. This means that it might be possible to Inside Mount your shutter.

Do I Have Window Molding?

Window molding is the frame around your window, which serves as a decorative trim around door frames and windows. It is also referred to as window trim, casing and architrave.

Does My Window Have A Sill?

A window sill plate is the ledge at the bottom of your window. It generally protrudes out of the wall and will stick out further than the recess. If you have a recess, then it is important to note whether the bottom is a sill or part of the recess. A window sill will change the way a window is measured and the way certain shutter frames are manufactured.

 

Inside vs Outside Mount

The next step is to decide whether you'll be mounting your shutters on the inside or outside of your window. While the functionality of the panels is consistent, the shutter frame influences both the functionality and design of your shutters. In most window configurations, there is typically a single frame option that best fits your window.

• Inside mount shutters sit inside the window recess and are usually fitted flush against the wall.
• Outside mount shutters are installed onto the wall, around the window. Both mounting options look great!

Some DIYers prefer inside mounting because the shutters don't extend into the room. Inside mounting also results in a slightly smaller shutter, saving you money.

Should I Inside Or Outside Mount My Shutter?

If your window depth is 3” or more, and free of unobstructed clearance (e.g. free of window cranks, locks, handles, etc), you will most likely be installing an inside mount shutter. Specific depth requirements for each shutter frame can be found in our window depth requirement guide.

Confused? Don't be! One of our designers can make a recommendation as to which frame suits best for your window. If you're still uncertain, send us a photo of your window and we'll happily assist.

How To Measure Window Depth

To measure window depth, start from the shallowest point of the window and measure to the front wall.

When measuring a recess, we need to ensure that it is clear of obstructions such as windows cranks, handles, locks, keys, alarm boxes, flyscreens, etc. In these cases, we need to measure from the furthest point of the obstruction to the edge of the recess.

Measuring Around Obstructions

• First measure from the window to the front of the obstruction.
• Next measure from the window to the front of the recess.
• Finally, subtract the smaller measurement from the larger measurement.

As a general rule, you'll need 2”-3” of clearance from your obstruction to the edge of the recess to inside mount your shutter. The exact requirements will depend on the louver size and frame. 

Measuring For An Inside Mount

Measuring for an Inside Mount will vary slightly depending on the style of your window. Once you know if your window has molding or a sill, you can follow the below instructions for measuring.

The process for measuring for an inside mount will be the same for an L-Frame or Z-frame. We recommend having a friend or family member with you to check measurements.

Windows are rarely perfectly square and there will be some variation in your measurements. Do not take any deductions, we will figure this out for you during the manufacturing process.

You will need:

• Metal measuring tape
• Paper
• Pen

Measuring Inside Mount For A Window With No Molding & No Sill

• Measure the width of your window - left to right - in three different places;
• Measure the height - bottom to top - of your window in three different places;
• Compare your measurements and select the smallest of the three.

 

Measuring Inside Mount For Window With Molding

*The only frame option for a inside mount shutter in a window with molding is the Inside Mount L-Frame* 

• Measure the width of your window - left to right - in three different places;
• Measure the height - bottom to top - of your window in three different places;
• Compare your measurements and select the smallest of the three.

 

Measuring Inside Mount For Window With Sill 

• Measure the width of your window - left to right - in three different places;
• Measure the height - bottom to top - of your window in three different places. Start from the top of your sill and end on the inside of your recess.
• Compare your measurements and select the smallest of the three.

 

Measuring Inside Mount For A Window With A Sill + Molding 

• Measure the width of your window, inside the recess - left to right - in three different places;
• Measure the height - bottom to top - of your window in three different places. Start from the top of your sill and end on the top of the recess.
• Compare your measurements and select the smallest of the three.

 

Measuring For Outside Mount

An outside mount shutter requires at least 1 ½" of flat space around the window. Once you know if your window has molding or a sill, you can follow the exact instructions below for measuring your window. 

 

Measuring Outside Mount For A Window With No Molding & No Sill

Measure from the edges of the inside of the window (as if you're measuring for an inside mount). Exact instructions are found below:

• Measure the width of the inside of your window - left to right - in three different places;
• Compare your measurements and select the largest of the three.
• Measure the height of the inside of your window - bottom to top - in three different places;
• Compare your measurements and select the largest of the three.

 

Measuring Outside Mount With Molding & No Sill

Your measurements should start and finish at the edge of the molding.

• Measure the width of your window from the edge of the molding - left to right -in three different places;
• Compare your measurements and select the largest of the three.
• Measure the height of your window for the edge of your molding - bottom to top in three different places;
• Compare your measurements and select the largest of the three.

 

 

Measuring Outside Mount For A Window With A Sill & No Molding

When measuring outside mount for a window with a sill, your height measurement should start at the top of the window sill. 

• Measure the width of your window - left to right - in three different places;
• Compare your measurements and select the largest of the three.
• Measure the height of your window - bottom to top - in three different places;
• Compare your measurements and select the largest of the three.

 

Measuring Outside Mount For A Window With A Sill & Molding

When measuring outside mount for a window with a sill and molding, your height measurement should begin at the top of the window sill and end at the edge of the molding.

• Measure the width of your window - left to right - in three different places;
• Compare your measurements and select the largest of the three.
• Measure the height of your window -bottom to top - in three different places;
• Compare your measurements and select the largest of the three.

 

 

Measuring For Divider Rails 

For those measuring a window with multiple window panes, we recommend designing your shutters with a Divider Rail to match the design of your window. You can choose to design your shutters with a divider rail and if your shutter is over 96” tall you are required to have 2 divider rails.

Measuring The Position Of Your Divider Rail

• For an inside mount, measure from the bottom of the recess (or top of the sill if there is one)
• For an outside mount, measure from the edge of the molding 

• (or top of the sill if there is one)

If measuring for a second divider rail, follow the instruction above to the point of the second divider rail.

Divider rail locations may be altered by 2”+/- to ensure that we can fit all louvers evenly in your shutter. 

Measuring For Split Tilt

When measuring a split tilt location, you will follow the same instructions given for “Measuring for Divider Rails”.