Interior shutters serve three main purposes--to block out sunlight, provide
privacy and add a great decorative touch to any room. They come in a vast
variety of styles and colors, so your options are nearly endless. This guide
will show you the basics of interior shutter installation.
Installing Shutters Inside the Window Jamb
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Determine if you can install shutters on the inside of the
window frame. Shutters look best if they're installed this way, because the
finished product is flush with the frame. However, if the window isn't square or
the window jamb isn't deep enough, you'll have to install shutters on the
outside of the frame.
- Measure from the top corner to the bottom corner on both sides of the
window. If the measurements are the same, your window is square. The jamb
needs to be at least one and a half to two inches deep for the shutters to fit
on the inside. If either of these is not the case, you will have to install the
shutters on the outside of the jamb.
- When purchasing your shutters, ask if they can be custom fit for your
windows. This saves you from have to cut them to size later.
- When it's time to install, have someone hold each one up to the
window so you can mark the spots where the drill holes for the hinges will
be.
- Place a thin shim between the shutter and the bottom part of the sill
so that when it's screwed into place, it won't scrape the window jamb.
- Take the shutter down and drill the pilot holes for the screws.
- Have someone hold the shutter up again while you screw it into place.
Make sure the shutter is straight and plumb with the window frame, and that it
opens and closes smoothly.
- Repeat the process with all of your shutters.
Installing Shutters Outside the Window Jamb
- Measure the height and width of the window in three places, measuring
from the outside of the frame to the outside of the frame on the other side.
- Use the largest measurement of each (height and width) when you
purchase your shutters.
- Once you have your measurements, either purchase custom-made shutters
or shutters that can be cut to size.
- If you need to trim your shutters, use a saw or a planer. Before you
make any cuts, check the shutters' packaging. It may indicate that you should
add an inch to your measurements to accommodate hang strips. This could change
your cuts or even make them unnecessary.
- The hang strips screw directly into the wall outside the window
frame. The shutters are then attached to the hang strips. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions carefully as it may vary by brand.
- Finish by making sure the shutters open and close
smoothly.