How To Measure

Measuring for Shutters

At Millwork Traders, we make it easy to order custom window shutters in any size you need for your home. We love offering this flexibility to our customers, but we understand that the ordering process can be tricky if you’re not sure how to measure for window shutters. To help, we’ve broken down the specifications for each type of shutter, so you know exactly what to look for when measuring for shutters.

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 the actual shutter pocket less ½ inch.

The shutter height is equal to the closed shutter pocket height.
Shutter Width (Round to the nearest ⅛ inch)
= Closed Shutter Pocket Measurement ÷ 2

Shutter Height (Round to the nearest ⅛ inch)
= Closed Shutter Pocket Height

Arched Windows (High and low heights 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 Millwork Traders 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 the nearest ⅛ inch)
= Closed Shutter Pocket Measurement less ½″ clearance ÷ 2

Shutter Height (Round down to the nearest ⅛ inch)
= Closed Shutter Pocket Measurement less ½″ clearance

Arched Windows (High and low heights measurements required)

BAHAMA SHUTTER MOUNT

Shutter Width (Round down to the nearest ⅛ inch)
= Closed Shutter Pocket Measurement less ½″

Shutter Height (Round down to the nearest ⅛ inch)
= Closed Shutter Pocket less ½″

• 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 the actual window opening pocket width plus 3″; shutter height is equal to the opening pocket height less ½″ inch)

Shutter Width (Round to the nearest ⅛ inch)
= Window Opening Pocket Measurement ÷ 2

Shutter Height (Round to the nearest ⅛ inch)
= Window Opening Pocket Height less ½″ for clearance

Arched Windows (High and low heights measurements required)

When you use these guidelines, measuring for shutters can be a simple process. Once you have your specifications figured out, start shopping our custom window selection. We offer Bahama- and plantation-style window shutters, along with other high-quality fixed and movable louvered options. Browse our selection now!