Anatomy of Mortise & Tenon Shutters. How to Measure.
Shutter Components
The better you understand the various shutter components, the better you can recognize how truly special shutters from we sell are and appreciate their superior quality.
Mortise & Tenon Construction
The shutters we carry offer mortise & tenon construction. This time-honored joinery method ensures greater stability and long-lasting durability.
Measuring for AESTHETIC MOUNTED Shutters
To determine shutter width, measure the closed shutter pocket width and divide by two. This number will determine the width of each shutter for that window. For Bahama styles, shutter width is equal to actual shutter pocket width less 1/2 inch.
The shutter height is equal to the closed shutter pocket height.
Shutter Width (Round to nearest 1/8 inch.) = Closed Shutter Pocket Measurement ÷2
- NOTE: It is NOT true that such widths are required. Architectual design factors, adjoining windows, down spouts, bay windows all come into play. What is most important is a sense of consistency on each side of the home and a sense of visual weight as viewed from the street. Due to a narrow window and a wide window you might decide that 20" wide panels best suit the need. An idea is to place a 20" wide piece of cardboad or paper beside a window and view it from the street.
- Notice the picture at the bottom of this page for how to request a bid. Note that the double wide windows have panels that are not 1/2 of the total width because if they did they would look too massive.
Think of it this way: a pair of 36" double wide windows add up to 72". Using 36" panel would be wrong as would be an 18" panel. Consider using 24"+/- panel for balance and visual weight.
Shutter Height (Round to nearest 1/8 inch.) = Closed Shutter Pocket Height
Arched Windows (High and low height measurements required.)
Measuring for FUNCTIONAL Shutters
• Shutters closing INSIDE a brick or trim pocket.
The following are suggested formulas based on the proper use of Southern Shutter hardware and standard installation methods. Identify the closed shutter pocket. Measure across the closed shutter pocket at the top and bottom of the opening and use the smallest measurement. For Bahama style shutters, see instructions below.
TRADITIONAL SHUTTER MOUNT
Shutter Width (Round down to nearest 1/8 inch.) = Closed Shutter Pocket Measurement less 1/2" clearance ÷2
Shutter Height (Round down to nearest 1/8 inch.) = Closed Shutter Pocket Height less 1/2" clearance
Arched Windows (High and low height measurements required.)
BAHAMA SHUTTER MOUNT
Shutter Width (Round down to nearest 1/8 inch.) = Closed Shutter Pocket Measurement less 1/2 inch
Shutter Height (Round to nearest 1/8 inch.) = Closed Shutter Pocket Height less 1/2 inch
• Shutters closing OUTSIDE a brick or trim pocket.
To determine shutter width, measure the window opening pocket width and divide by two. This number will determine the width of each shutter for that window. (For Bahama styles, shutter width is equal to actual window opening pocket width plus 3"; shutter height is equal to opening pocket height less 1/2".)
Shutter Width (Round to nearest 1/8 inch.) = Window Opening Pocket Measurement ÷2
Shutter Height (Round to nearest 1/8 inch.) = Window Opening Pocket Height less 1/2" for clearance
Arched Windows (High and low height measurements required.)
Want a bid for our Exterior Shutters?
If you'd like a bid for exterior wood shutters & have a digital camera,
why not email us for pricing?
- Take a picture of your home "from the street".
- Take a picture of each window to get shutters.
- If you already have shutters, take a picture of one of those too.
- Measure the appoximate height of each window "recess" to include all window trim.
- Measure the approximate width to include all window trim.
It's that simple.
You can email an initial inquiry to mgt@thewoodworksinc.com
Be sure to include your city, state, zip.
Include in your Subject Line EXT WOOD SHUTTER INQUIRY.
If you have questions, call us at 913-362-2432
