Ever driven past a house and admired its perfectly framed windows? More often than not, that eye-catching appeal comes down to well-fitted exterior shutters. But the key word is "fitted". Ill-fitting shutters can detract from your home's curb appeal, make it look unbalanced, or even worse, they might not function correctly. Accurate measurements are the essential first step to achieving that polished, professional look and ensuring your shutters operate smoothly for years to come.
Measuring for outside shutters might seem straightforward, but there are crucial details that can make or break your installation. From accounting for window trim to choosing the right mounting style, neglecting these details can lead to ordering the wrong size, requiring costly returns and delays. Investing a little time upfront to learn the correct measuring techniques will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run, guaranteeing a beautiful and functional addition to your home's exterior.
What are the most common measuring mistakes, and how can I avoid them?
How do I measure the window opening for the correct shutter size?
To determine the correct size for outside shutters, measure the height and width of the window opening, including the window casing (the trim around the window). The goal is for the pair of shutters to appear as if they would cover the entire window when closed. Therefore, each shutter should be approximately half the total window width in order to achieve this look.
When measuring the height, extend from the top of the window casing to the bottom of the window casing. This will give you the desired shutter height. For the width, measure the entire width of the window, including the casing. Divide this measurement in half to determine the required width of each individual shutter. Remember, you're aiming for the shutters to appear as though they would fully cover the window if closed. Keep in mind that these measurements represent the *ideal* or suggested shutter size for a balanced look. Personal preferences and architectural styles can influence the final decision. Some homeowners prefer shutters slightly shorter or narrower for aesthetic reasons. Before ordering, double-check your measurements and consider the specific mounting hardware you'll be using, as this can sometimes affect the final placement of the shutters.What's the best way to account for trim when measuring for shutters?
The best way to account for trim when measuring for outside shutters is to measure the flat surface area *around* the trim where the shutter will be mounted. Do not include the trim itself in your measurements; instead, measure the area from the outer edge of the trim on one side to the outer edge of the trim on the other side, both for the width and the height. This provides the overall shutter size needed to properly cover the window opening with the trim factored in.
When measuring, it's critical to determine how you want the shutters to appear relative to the trim. Ideally, the shutter width, when closed, should visually relate to the trim width. You want a balanced appearance. If you have wide trim, consider slightly wider shutters. If your trim is narrow or non-existent, you'll measure the window opening directly, and your shutters will be sized to match. Remember to double-check for obstructions like light fixtures, hose bibs, or anything else that might interfere with the shutter's operation. It's also important to consider the type of mount you'll be using. A direct mount onto the siding might require slightly different measurements than a cleat mount or a hinged mount that sits slightly off the surface. Always consult the shutter manufacturer's instructions for their specific measurement guidelines, as they may have recommendations based on their product design and mounting hardware. Finally, measure each window individually, as slight variations in trim can occur even on the same house. Don't assume all windows are the same size!Should I measure with the windows open or closed for exterior shutters?
Measure with the windows closed. Exterior shutters are designed to fit the window opening itself, and whether the window is open or closed shouldn't affect the size of the opening you need to measure.
The key to accurate shutter sizing is measuring the width and height of the window opening precisely. The goal is for the shutters, when closed, to appear as though they could realistically cover the entire window. Measuring with the windows closed provides a consistent and reliable reference point – the actual dimensions of the window frame that the shutters will be mounted on or adjacent to. Opening the window introduces unnecessary variables and doesn't reflect how the shutters will ultimately function or appear when closed. Focus on getting precise measurements of the window opening itself. Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom, and use the smallest measurement. Measure the height on the left, right, and in the middle, and use the smallest measurement. This ensures the shutters will fit even if there are slight irregularities in the window opening. Consider any trim or molding around the window, and factor this into your calculations as well, particularly if you are going for a specific mounting style.How accurate do my shutter measurements need to be?
Your shutter measurements need to be accurate to within 1/8 of an inch. This level of precision ensures a proper fit within the window opening or mounting area, preventing issues like rubbing, gaps, or difficulty in operating the shutters.
While striving for perfect accuracy is ideal, the nature of exterior applications allows for a small margin of error. Remember, houses aren't always perfectly square or plumb. A slight variation of up to 1/8 inch is generally acceptable and can often be compensated for during installation with shims or adjustments to the mounting hardware. However, anything beyond this could lead to noticeable aesthetic issues or functional problems. Prioritize accuracy by using a quality measuring tape, taking multiple measurements, and double-checking your figures before ordering your shutters.
When measuring, pay particular attention to consistent measuring points. For example, always measure from the inside edge of the window trim if that’s your reference point. Also, consider any obstructions such as light fixtures or protruding window hardware that could interfere with the shutter's operation. These factors might require slight adjustments to your final measurements. If unsure, it’s always wise to slightly undersize rather than oversize, as it's easier to add shims to compensate for a small gap than to try and force an oversized shutter into a space.
What's the difference between measuring for decorative versus functional shutters?
The key difference lies in the level of precision and the components you need to account for. Decorative shutters require measurements primarily for aesthetic fit, focusing on width and height to complement the window. Functional shutters, however, demand meticulous measurements considering hinge placement, clearances for operation, and potential hardware obstructions, ensuring they can close fully and operate smoothly.
Decorative shutter measurements are comparatively straightforward. You'll typically measure the window's height and width, deciding how much overlap (if any) you desire. The shutter's width is often a fraction of the window width; common aesthetics suggest each shutter panel covers approximately half the window when closed, even though they won't actually close. Precision down to the nearest inch is usually sufficient. For functional shutters, you need far greater accuracy. Begin by measuring the exact height and width of the window opening, including the trim. Determine your hinge type (surface-mounted or mortised) as this impacts the required clearances. Account for any obstructions around the window, like light fixtures or protruding sills, that might interfere with the shutter's movement. You'll need to calculate the precise shutter panel width to ensure both panels meet in the center without gaps when closed, while also permitting them to swing open fully without binding. It's often advisable to deduct a small fraction of an inch (e.g., 1/8") from both the height and width to allow for easy operation and prevent rubbing. Therefore, measure several times and consider enlisting professional assistance to guarantee perfect operation.How do I measure for arched or unusually shaped windows?
Measuring for outside shutters on arched or unusually shaped windows requires creating a precise template of the window opening to ensure a perfect fit. This involves tracing the window's shape onto a sturdy material like cardboard or template plastic, accounting for any desired overlap or reveal, and then using those measurements to specify the shutter dimensions to the manufacturer.
For arched windows, start by determining the overall height, including the arch. Find the widest point of the window and measure the width. To capture the arch accurately, create a template. Affix a large piece of cardboard or template plastic securely over the window opening. Carefully trace the entire outline of the window onto the material. If you want the shutter to have a specific overlap beyond the window frame (creating a 'reveal'), draw that overlap around the traced line, adding the desired amount of extra space. For unusually shaped windows, such as trapezoids or octagons, the process is similar but may require more careful attention to angles. Again, create a template of the window opening. Measure the longest and shortest sides, as well as the height at the center. Note the angles of each corner. If possible, take multiple measurements at different points along the sides to ensure accuracy. Send the template to the shutter manufacturer, or use the measurements and angles you've recorded to specify the shutter dimensions. Clear photographs of the window can also be helpful for the manufacturer. The more precise your measurements, the better the final fit of your exterior shutters will be.What if my window isn't perfectly square - how does that affect shutter measurements?
If your window isn't perfectly square, it's crucial to measure the smallest width and height of the window opening to ensure the shutters will fit. Using the smallest dimensions prevents the shutters from being too large and not fitting within the frame or overlapping unevenly.
When measuring an out-of-square window for exterior shutters, identify the points of greatest deviation from square. Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window, and the height on both the left and right sides. Use the smallest width and the smallest height measurements to order your shutters. This ensures they will fit within the opening. You can then caulk any gaps that exist between the shutter edge and the window trim.
It's important to also consider the mounting surface around the window. Even if the window is slightly out of square, ensure you have a consistent and flat surface to properly mount the shutters. If the mounting surface is uneven, you may need to shim behind the shutters to achieve a level and visually appealing installation. Neglecting this can cause the shutters to appear crooked or function improperly.
And that's all there is to it! Measuring for your outside shutters might seem a little daunting at first, but with these steps, you'll have the right measurements in no time. Thanks for reading, and we hope this helped you get one step closer to the perfect look for your home. Feel free to swing by again if you have any more questions or need some inspiration!