U.S. Shutter Company

Shutter Installation Guides and FAQ

In order to provide you with the best service available to compliment our high quality products, we compiled a few installation guides and a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section to help you maximize the beauty and quality of the end result. It would be impossible to cover every detail here, but we hope to satisfy your most pressing questions in an informative, straight-forward, and easy-to-access manner. If you can't find an answer in this page, feel free to contact us and we will answer as best we can. We do urge you, however, to be sure to read this section first if you have a question so we can minimize the bombardement of questions and concentrate on providing a more personal and effective service.

Mounting Shutters with Z-Molding (#ZM1)

One simple method of mounting your new shutters is by using Z-Molding to create a frame around the window and attaching the shutters to the molding.

Depending on whether the window has a sill or not the measurements of the shutters needed may differ slightly. Follow the instructions below to find the actual width and height of the shutters needed.

3 Sided windows (with sill)	4 Sided windows (without sill)

Measure the width of the window in 3 places (red arrows) and take the smallest value. To find the actual width of the shutters (including space for the hinges) you will need to either Subtract 1 1/4" up to 2" if you plan to hang one or two shutters. Subtract 1 1/2" up to 2" if you plan to hang 4 shutters across the window. Measure the height of the window in 3 places (blue arrows) and take the smallest value. Subtract 3/4" up to 1" to get the height of the shutters you will need.	Measure the width of the window in 3 places (red arrows) and take the smallest value. To find the actual width of the shutters (including space for the hinges) you will need to either Subtract 1 1/4" up to 2" if you plan to hang one or two shutters. Subtract 1 1/2" up to 2" if you plan to hang 4 shutters across the window. Measure the height of the window in 3 places (blue arrows) and take the smallest value. Subtract 1 1/4" up to 1 3/4" to get the height of the shutters you will need.

Mounting Shutters with an Outside Mount Molding (#OM1,#OM2,#OM3)

Perhaps the simplest method of mounting your new shutters is by using an Outside Mount Molding to create a frame around the window and attaching the shutters to the molding.

Brick molding can also be used in the same way as #OM1 molding is used above. It is available at most lumberyards and home improvement centers and usually runs about $1.00(US) per foot.

3 Sided windows (with sill)	4 Sided windows (without sill)

Measure the width of the window in 3 places (red arrows) and take the largest value. Depending on the size of the stop you desire either For a flush mount, use this value. For a light stop (as shown in the diagrams above) add 1/2" to the total window measurement (1/4" on each side). Measure the height of the window in 3 places (blue arrows) and take the largest value. Depending on the size of the stop you desire either For a flush mount, subtract 1/4" from the height. This gives a clearance for the top and bottom. For a light stop simply use the height.	Measure the width of the window in 3 places (red arrows) and take the largest value. Depending on the size of the stop you desire either For a flush mount, use this value. For a light stop (as shown in the diagrams above) add 1/2" to the total window measurement (1/4" on each side). Measure the height of the window in 3 places (blue arrows) and take the largest value. Depending on the size of the stop you desire either For a flush mount, use this value. For a light stop add 1/2" to the total window measurement (1/4" on top and bottom).

Mounting Shutters with an Inside Mount Molding (#IM1)

Using an Inside Mount Molding to create a frame around the window and attaching the shutters to the molding simplifies the job a bit but can be difficult. We recommend that this method be used only if you have considerable carpentry experience or know an experienced carpenter who can do it for you.

Match your custom window casing to compliment the design of your home. This method, in effect, is the customized constrution of a z-molding and should only be used in cases where a z-mold is impractable.

Measure the width of the window in three different places (top, middle, bottom) and take the largest value.
Subtract 1 3/4" to find the width of the shutters you require.
Measure the height of the window in three different places (left side, middle, right side) and take the largest value.
Subttract 1 inch. This will give you your required shutter height.
If using your existing jams, the hinges are 1/16" thick. One panel across do not subtract more than 1/8th. If using two shutters across the best way is to subtrack 1/4 to 1/2" and use a center light stop attatched to one of the shutters. The two light stops are found in molding section.

Mounting Shutters Directly (No molding)

This is probably the least expensive method of mounting your new shutters but it is very difficult. We recommend that this method be used only if you have considerable carpentry experience or know an experienced carpenter who can do it for you.

Match your custom window casing to compliment the design of your home.

Measure the width of the window in three different places (top, middle, bottom) and take the largest value.
Measure the height of the window in three different places (left side, middle, right side) and take the largest value.
Plane and belt-sand the shutters for a custom fit. Warning : this step can be difficult, time-consuming.

Freguently Asked Question (FAQ)

Q.What are plantation style shutters?
A.Since early colonial times, shutters have been a plausible answer to "shut" out inclement weather when glass was not readily available - while still affording a panaramic view in an elegant and civilized manner. Since glass is readily available in these modern times, plantation shutters are now commonly used to beautify one's home, provide a pleasant and controllable shade element (reducing cooling costs) and provide that touch of sophistication and elegance that will significantly add to the value of your home.

Q.Can your plantation style shutters be used indoors and outdoors?
A.Absolutely. Our shutters are constructed from white poplar. For exterior mounted shutters, we would suggest a fixed louver or paneled model.

Q.Are they stained and/or painted?
A. No. We deliver our shutters with several treatment options depending on your needs. If you plan to stain your new shutters, we suggest that you choose the "Select Grain" option when ordering. This assures that only the prime wood grain is selected when building your shutters maximizing the appeal with the final product. If you plan to paint your new shutters, we highly suggest one of the primed option.

Q.How long before my shutters arrive?
A. We normally adhere to a two to three week delivery. However, rain, sleet, snow, and holidays can affect our delivery! Rest assured, we are processing your order as fast as is feasible within the demands of the high quality you would expect. We are geared towards quality and timliness!

Q. How much will my order cost?
A.To estimate the cost of your desired shutters, check out our virtual bean counter : Cost Estimator!