A How-to Guide to Measuring Windows for Plantation Shutters

Posted by micky martin on February 7th, 2017

Planning on fixing new window treatments? Why not save some time on getting a professional to measure your window size?

Plantation shutters on windows are always custom-designed, for the fact that they fit to all shapes—regular, round or even diamond-shaped windows. Normally, the process begins with contacting a shutter company and getting a quote. Measure your windows and take them along to determine the available options for you.

Here is a guide to measuring your windows. Some shutter companies have set measuring techniques and you might want to check with them if they have any.

For measuring you would need:

  • A measuring tape
  • A basic know-how to read the measuring tape
  • A pen
  • A notepad

OK! It’s all about precision with numbers…

Step 1

For square windows:

Measure your square windows diagonally from one corner to the other. Both the measurements should be the same typically. Note down the diagonal measurements: from left to right and from right to left.

For rectangular windows:

When measuring rectangular windows, measure in three different places across the window. For measuring the width, measure from jamb to jamb; for height, measure from the sill to the header. Take the smallest measurement for both height and width. This will make sure that the window shutters are aligned perfectly when fitted. Note the measurements down on your notepad.

Step 2

Record the window opening depth by measuring from the inside to the outside stop. The depth of the pocket may differ from one window brand to another. Make a note of the window opening depth on your notepad.

Step 3

Normally, the shutter companies would need all measurements in millimeters. So here’s how you can convert your numbers:
124.6 cm = 1246mm
135 cm = 1350 mm
Inches x 25.4 = mm

Step 4
Take these measurements to a shutter company in the neighborhood and they would let you know about the options available for you.

Conclusion

These numbers should be sufficient for a shutter company to show you different options of window treatments for you.

Before getting the plantation shutters designed, talk about your specifications! They need not be the standard design that every house in the neighborhood has.

You could choose a double-hung shutter if you’d like to leave one of them open while the other one is closed. You could also take your pick from a bi-fold shutter that opens to one side or one that opens from the center to both sides.

These measurement techniques can also help you to build exterior shutters yourself. You will need more detailed measurement techniques then.

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micky martin

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micky martin
Joined: October 18th, 2015
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