1.1 Getting a precise and accurate measurement is the first step to a perfect shutter.

It's important to get an accurate measurement of your window to ensure the shutters your order will be fully functional and aesthetically pleasing once installed. To avoid any mistakes:

• Always measure to the nearest millimetre.

• Check your measurements twice and write them down.

• Measure all windows, even if they look identical to the others.

1.2 Determine the squareness of window and choose the frame.

Measure diagonally from corner to corner.

At BW Shutters, we produce three types of frames of mount type - two recessed frames (L and Z), which sit inside the window opening, and one face fit L frame, which attaches outside. In general:

• L frame recessed (in) shutters offer a clean, discreet look and are ideal for quite square windows. If there are frames already outside of window opening, this mount type and frame would be recommended.

• Z frame recessed (in) shutters are ideal for the windows not so square, and can provide a luxury appearance.

• L frame face fit (out) shutters project into the room and ideal for getting around chunky obstructions (if window deep is less than safety depth). 

• If the difference between the two diagonal points is more than 6mm, we recommend using either an L frame (out) face fit or a Z frame recessed (in) fit.

• Otherwise, you can use a recessed (in) L frame.

1.3 Measuring recessed (in) L and Z Frame fit

• Width  – take three measurements at the top, middle and bottom of the window opening.

• Drop  – take three measurements at the left, center, and right of the window opening

• Note down the smallest width and height measurement - these will be the measurements you use when ordering.

1.4 Measuring L frame Face Fit (out).

• Width  – take three measurements from the edge of the architrave to the edge of the architrave at the top, middle and bottom on the window frame.

• Drop  – take three measurements from the top of the architrave to the bottom of the architrave at the left, center, and right of the window opening

• Note down the largest width and height measurements - these will be the measurements you use when ordering.

2.1 How To Measure Your Mid Rail Position

Mid rails provide additional strength and stability to your shutters and allow you to move the top and bottom blades independently. Typically, mid-rails are either positioned in the exact centre of the panel or placed at a natural break. 

• For recessed fit L or Z Frame, measure from the bottom of the inside of your window frame to the center point of the desired location of the mid rail.

• For face fit L Frame measure from the bottom of the architrave to the center point of the desired location of the mid rail.

Note that your warranty will not be valid if shutter panels exceeding 1,800 mm (for basswood) and 1,600 mm (for PVC) are installed without a mid-rail. Additional charges may also apply if more than one mid-rail is required with 1,800 mm.

2.2 How to measure your T-posts position

T-posts may be installed either vertically or horizontally to give your shutter extra support. T-posts are also useful for splitting up the weight of your shutter panels and can be used as a co-ordinating vertical divider to cover large spaces too.

The maximum individual Panel Width is 950mm for basswood and 750mm for PVC. For larger windows T posts can be used with any frame type where the size of the window requires three, four or six panels etc.

When ordering your shutters, you can choose Standard Panel widths – all panels are made equal sizes or ‘Custom’.

Below are measuring instructions if you choose custom sizes.

2.2.1 Recessed (In) fit – L Frame & Z Frame

T-Post 1  = Inside edge of window frame to centre of first T-Post

T-Post 2  = Inside edge of window frame to centre of second T-Post

2.2.2 Face (Out) fit – L Frame

T-Post 1  = Outside edge of architrave to centre of first T-Post

T-Post 2  = Outside edge of architrave to centre of second T-Post

3. Number of sides of the frame

Shutters with frames have 3 or 4 sides, which will be noted in order sheet. All of frames can be made in three or four side, but four-sided frames are the most common.

LRBT stands for Left, Right, Bottom and Top frames.

4. Notes of security depth

4.1 Min security depth required when the shutters are inside mounted.

        

                              

4.2 Min security depth required when the shutters are outside mounted.