Plantation Shutters
measuring guide
Measuring Plantation Shutters has never been this easy
Hello! Measuring for your new plantation shutters is faster and easier than you think. Let's walk you through the simple steps now!
Tools you’ll need
- A steel tape measure
- Step ladder
- A pencil and paper to record measurements
Alright, let’s get down to business and start measuring. We’ll take it one step at a time.
Choose your mounting method
Inside the frame
Outside the frame
Plantation Shutters
Inside the frame
Our shutters fit discreetly inside your window frame for a seamless, sleek look that's fabulous in any room, especially kitchens and bathrooms. This style is perfect for deep recesses with minimal obstructions. You can choose an L frame for a discreet look, a Z frame to correct out-of-square windows, or go for a full or 3-sided frame depending on your sill. Customize your look completely by positioning the midrail, selecting your panel and hinge combination, and matching your hinge colour to the shutter or your room's fittings.
Inside the frame
DIY Plantation Shutter recess measurement
First, confirm you have 65mm of clear recess depth, measuring from any obstructions. Next, note your frame type—we recommend the small L frame, while the Z frame is great for out-of-square windows. Finally, choose between a full frame or a 3-sided frame, which is ideal for window sills or obstructions at the bottom.
Inside the frame
DIY Plantation Shutter
width measurement
Measure the inside width of your window recess at the top, middle, and bottom. Record the smallest of these three measurements as your final width. Don't make any deductions—we'll handle the adjustments for a perfect fit. If your measurements vary by more than 10mm, please contact us.
Inside the frame
DIY Plantation Shutters
Height measurement
Measure the inside height of your window recess on the left, middle, and right. Record the smallest of these three measurements as your final drop. Please contact us if your measurements vary by more than 10mm. For heights over 1500mm, a midrail will be required.
Inside the frame
DIY Plantation Shutters
Midrail measurement
For heights over 1500mm, measure from the bottom of the recess to your desired midrail center and write it down. We recommend aligning it with a window mullion, or if you don't have one, placing it somewhere other than eye level.
Inside the frame
DIY Plantation Shutters
Midrail measurement
Drops over 2100mm require two midrails. Measure from the bottom recess edge to the center of your first desired midrail position, then repeat for the second. Align them with window mullions, or simply avoid eye level.
Inside the frame
DIY Plantation Shutters
T-post measurement
Decide how many panels and which hinge combination you want. Fewer panels mean more light. For setups with three or more panels, measure from the left edge of your recess to the center of the mullion your T‑Post will cover. Repeat for each T‑Post, always starting from the left. Aligning T‑Posts with window mullions looks fantastic. If you don’t provide measurements, we’ll space them evenly by default. To maximise light, we recommend using as few T‑Posts as possible.
1 panel: Left
1 panel: Right
2 panels: Left, Right
3 panels: Left, T-Post, Left, T-Post, Right
3 panels: Left, T-Post, Right, T-Post, Right
3 panels: Right, T-Post, Right, T-Post, Right
3 panels: Left-Right, T-Post, Right
3 panels: Left, T-Post, Left-Right
3 panels: Left, T-Post, Left, T-Post, Left
4 panels: Left, T-post, Left-Right, T-post, Right
4 panels: Left-Right, T-Post, Left-Right
6 panels: Left-Right, T-Post, Left-Right, T-Post, Left-Right
Inside the frame
DIY Plantation Shutters
Hinge Combination
- 1 panel: for window widths less than 900 mm
- 2 panels: for window widths between 600 mm to 1850 mm
- 3 panels: for window widths between 900 mm to 2750 mm
- 4 panels: for window widths between 1200 mm to 3600 mm
- 6 panels: for window widths between 1800 mm to 3600 mm
Plantation Shutters
Outside the frame
This shutter style attaches seamlessly to the part of the window frame facing you, projecting into the room by up to 65mm. It looks fabulous in any room—especially kitchens and bathrooms—and is the best fit for a shallow recess, bypassing chunky obstructions, or hiding an out-of-square window. You can choose the medium L frame and a full frame for a symmetrical look. From there, customise your midrail position to match your window, pick your panel and hinge combination, and select a hinge colour that matches the shutter or other features in your home.
Outside the frame
DIY Plantation Shutter
architrave measurement
First, select your shutter frame type. Important: If your window architrave is wider than 70mm, you must use a medium L frame. A small L frame will not work, as the louvres will hit the architrave when they open.
Outside the frame
DIY Plantation Shutter
width measurement
Measure the external width of your window frame at the top, middle, and bottom. Record the largest of these three measurements as your final shutter width. (e.g., If your measurements are 1810mm, 1812mm, and 1814mm, you must use 1814mm).
Outside the frame
DIY Plantation Shutters
Height measurement
Measure the full external height of your window frame from top to bottom. This is your shutter drop. If you have a window sill, measure only from the top of the frame down to the flat top surface of the sill.
Outside the frame
DIY Plantation Shutters
Midrail measurement
For drops over 1500mm, measure from the bottom frame or sill to the center of your desired midrail. Align it with window mullions, or simply place it away from eye level.
Outside the frame
DIY Plantation Shutters
Midrail measurement
Drops over 2100mm require two midrails. Measure from the bottom recess edge to the center of your first desired midrail position, then repeat for the second. Align them with window mullions, or simply avoid eye level.
Inside the frame
DIY Plantation Shutters
T-post measurement
Choose your panel and hinge combination using the guide below—remember, fewer panels mean more light. If your setup includes T-posts (for 3+ panels), measure from the left frame edge to the center of each mullion you want to cover. We handle all frame allowances. Aligning T-posts with mullions looks best, but if you don't provide measurements, they will be spaced evenly by default.
1 panel: Left
1 panel: Right
2 panels: Left, Right
3 panels: Left, T-Post, Left, T-Post, Right
3 panels: Left, T-Post, Right, T-Post, Right
3 panels: Right, T-Post, Right, T-Post, Right
3 panels: Left-Right, T-Post, Right
3 panels: Left, T-Post, Left-Right
3 panels: Left, T-Post, Left, T-Post, Left
4 panels: Left, T-post, Left-Right, T-post, Right
4 panels: Left-Right, T-Post, Left-Right
6 panels: Left-Right, T-Post, Left-Right, T-Post, Left-Right
Outside the frame
DIY Plantation Shutters
Hinge Combination
Next Step
Now that you know how to take the measurements of your window, let's move on to the installation process.
Installation guide
If you still have any questions, please give us a call or send us a message
Frequently Asked Questions
Are DIY plantation shutters hard to install?
Not at all! Our DIY plantation shutters are specifically designed for easy installation, even with no prior experience. They are custom-made to your exact measurements for a perfect fit. We provide simple, step-by-step guides to walk you through the entire process.
What are plantation shutters made of?
Our plantation shutters are made exclusively from high-density PVC (Polymer). This advanced material is incredibly durable, moisture-resistant, and won't warp, crack, or chip like timber can. This makes our shutters perfect for any room in your house, including high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
How do I measure my windows for plantation shutters?
Accurate measuring is the most important step, and we've made it simple. You need to measure the width and height at three points (top, middle, bottom). Our guides show you exactly how to measure for an "In Reveal" (inside the frame) or "On Wall" (on the architrave) fit to ensure your shutters are flawless.
Do plantation shutters block out all light?
Plantation shutters offer excellent light control and room darkening, making them one of the best window treatments for blocking light. When the louvres are fully closed, they block the vast majority of light, but they are not 100% "blackout" as there may be tiny light gaps. Check our dedicated page to learn more
Can plantation shutters help reduce my energy bills?
Yes. Our PVC plantation shutters are excellent insulators. The material and the way they fit snugly in your window frame create a thermal barrier. This helps keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing your reliance on air conditioning and heating, which can help lower your energy bills.
What colours do plantation shutters come in?
We offer our plantation shutters in a range of stylish colours. While classic White is always popular, we are the only company in Australia offering stunning Black and Light Grey finishes direct to the public. These exclusive colours provide a bold, modern look that you can't find anywhere else.
What is a midrail and will I need one?
A midrail is a stationary horizontal rail built into the shutter panel. It is required for stability on any shutter with a height over 1500mm. It also adds a great feature: you can control the top and bottom louvres independently for the perfect balance of light and privacy while hiding the mullion for the perfect aesthetics.
What are the shipping times for plantation shutters?
We offer two options to suit your needs. Our Imported Plantation Shutters (our most popular, cost-effective option) have an 8-10 week delivery time. We also offer Australian-Made Shutters which are 15% more and can be delivered in just 2-4 weeks.
What is the maximum width for a single shutter panel?
To ensure long-term stability and prevent any risk of sagging, the maximum width we manufacture for a single shutter panel is 900mm. Our smart online form will automatically show you the valid panel combinations (e.g., 2 panels, 4 panels) for your window's width based on this rule.
How do I clean PVC plantation shutters?
Our PVC plantation shutters are incredibly easy to clean. Unlike fabric blinds or curtains, they don't hold dust or allergens. Simply wipe them down with a damp cloth or a duster. For tougher spots in a kitchen, a mild, non-abrasive cleaner is all you need.