Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, adding exterior shutters is an excellent way to add beauty and resale value to your property.
But before you pick them out, you’ll want to make sure you know how to measure for shutters so that you get the right sizes. With different types of shutters to choose from, you’ll also need to be sure you’re following the right measurement procedures.
By using our foolproof DIY guide, you’ll be able to measure for shutters in no time. Just follow these simple steps!
1. Pick Your Shutter Type
When considering the type of exterior shutters you’d like to add to your home, there are two primary shutter types to choose from:
- Operable shutters can fully open/close over your windows
- Stationary shutters will remain open and serve as property decor
If you still can’t decide on which type of shutters to choose from, check out this style guide for the most common shutters. Once you’ve decided on which shutter type to use, you’re already ready to move on to measuring.
2. How to Measure for Shutters
For precision, you’ll want to use a steel measuring tape to measure the width and height of your windows. When measuring, follow the instructions for your selected shutter type.
Operable Shutters
Measuring Width
Begin your measurement from the inside of the window trim (the wooden panels surrounding the windows). To ensure the shutters can open and close easily, you’ll need to measure the frames of the window carefully, taking a measurement at the top, middle, and bottom of the frame. Because windows are often uneven, it’s best to go with the smallest width you found when measuring these areas to ensure that they fit when you install them.
Measuring Height
Here, you’ll also want to take three separate measurements to find the ideal shutter size. This time you’ll measure the left, center, and right parts of the window, again using the smallest size for your measurement of your shutters.
Stationary Shutters
Measuring Width
Like measuring for operable shutter width, you’ll want to start your measurement from the inside of the window trim when measuring the width of your windows.
The width of stationary shutters varies on personal choice. If you want it to appear that the shutters could close over the windows entirely, you’ll want to select shutters that are about 1/2 of the length of the window. Otherwise, you can select something shorter in width – many people go with about 1/4th of the width of the windows in these cases.
Measuring Height
According to architects, the more common length of a stationary shutter goes from the top of the top trim to the base of the bottom trim. For more information, you can also check out these architectural recommendations on the best sizes of shutters based on your dimensions.
3. Select Your Shutters
Now that you know what size of shutters you need for your property, you’re done measuring! it’s time to start shopping for your ideal choice.
As you can see, learning how to measure for shutters is pretty easy. And if you decide that you need help along the way, we are happy to provide advice and can even personally install your shutters. Contact us to let us know how we can assist you best.
Recent Comments