Getting started

Explaining the components

Stiles (sides of your panel)

• You will receive two stiles for each shutter. These are the sides of your shutter panel. Check them to see which is your left stile, and which is your right, then label with masking tape accordingly.
• If you chose a left-hinged panel layout, then look for the pre-drilled hinge holes - this will guide you as to which side is which.

Top, bottom and midrails

• Your plantation shutter panel will have both a top and bottom rail, and depending on your specifications, a mid rail as well (for drops over 1,600mm)
• Check them to see which is which, then label with tape accordingly.

Blades (regular and tensioning)

• You will receive a number of blades for your plantation shutter.
• For each tilt rod you have on your shutter, you will have to set one blade aside as the 'tensioning' blade. This tensioning blade will not require a blade pin, rather it will have the tensioning screw inserted.
• You will need to insert the blade pins provided into both ends of each regular blade.
• You will not have to insert the tensioning screw/s into the tensioning blade/s until assembly stage.

When you receive your Plantation Shutters, depending upon the layout and install type you selected, you will receive some or all of these components:

Hinges & hinge screws

• These hinges come separately and you will need to attach them to your shutter panels.
• Their job is to secure the panel to the frame or directly to your widow recess for a Direct Mount installation.
• Use these screws to attach the hinges to the stiles.
• Watch the assembly video for guidance.

Dowel pins

• These dowel pins are used to attach the stiles to the top, mid and bottom rails.
• Their job is to secure the panel together. 
• Watch the assembly video for guidance.

Light Block Strip

• 3 sided frames don't have a bottom, so instead we supply these light block strips.
• They are installed into your window recess behind where the panels close and they block the light from seeping underneath the shutter and into your room. 
• Watch the installation video for guidance.

Large screws for the top, bottom and mid rails

• These large screws are used to attach the top, bottom and midrails (if applicable) to the stiles (sides of the shutter panel).
• Simply line up the rails with the tiles and insert the screws into the pre-drilled holes.
• Watch the assembly video for guidance.

Tensioning screws & washers

• These screws are used in conjunction with the plastic washers to form the tensioning screws.
• These are inserted into the holes provided for the tensioning blades on your shutter panel. 
• Watch the assembly video for guidance.

Blade pins

• These blade pins are inserted into both ends of the blades, enabling you to insert them into the holes provided.
• Watch the assembly video for guidance.

Tilt rod & screws

• The tilt rod attaches to the ends of the shutter blades. 
• Use the screws provided to attach the tilt rod in place. 
• Watch the assembly video for guidance. 

Panel Hinge Pins

• Panel Hinge Pins are how you attach the plantation shutter panels to the frame or window recess (direct mount installation).
• Simply line up your panels with the corresponding hinges fitted on the frame or window recess, and drop the pin in.
• Watch the installation video for guidance.

Striker Plates

• These striker plates are attached to the bottom of the frame or light block strip, where the panel closes.
• Make sure they are aligned with the magnet on the panel for a secure closed position.
• Use the screws provided.
• Watch the installation video for guidance.

T-Post brackets

• These brackets are positioned on either side of your T-Posts to hold them securely in place.
• Simply screw them into the base of the window frame.
• Use the screws provided.

Screw caps

• Supplied to cover your rail screws once you have finished installing your shutter.

Assembling the panel

Step 1 - Laying out your panel

• Each of your shutters will have a sticker on the box stating the room name. Starting with the first one, remove the packaging carefully. 
• Work on one shutter at a time, and lay it out on a clean, flat surface. Lay the stiles (sides) and top and bottom rails and midrails (if applicable) of your panel out in the correct position.
• The stiles will be marked L (left) and R (right), and the top, mid and bottom rails will also be marked as T, M and B. Label these with masking tape accordingly, so you don't lose track of which is which. 

Step 2 - Prepare your blades

• Identify how many tension blades are needed for your shutter panel (there will be a hole on the inside of the stile between the rail positions to indicate where these tensions blades will sit. Refer to video if you are unsure.
• If you have one tension blade, set one blade aside for later; if you have two tension blades, set two aside, etc. 
• For the rest of your blades, insert a blade pin into the round hole on each end of every blade. Set aside once done.  

Step 3 - Attaching the top, mid and bottom rails to the stile

• Insert dowel into the appropriate holes on the LH stile. 
• Then attach the top, mid (if you have one) and bottom rail to the stile. A small mallet might help you get them in place.
• Only complete this process on the left side for now (you will need to insert the blades first before attaching the other stile to the rails). 
• Watch the installation video for guidance. 

Step 4 - Inserting the tension blade/s into the stile

• Insert a tensioning screw through the outside of the tensioning screw hole on your LH stile. Pop the tension washer on the inside of the screw. Using a blade you set aside for tensioning, position it on the inside of the stile and carefully screw into position using your drill. The screw should insert into the centre round hole of the blade, with the washer as protection. Don't do this up too tight yet. Do this on the LH side only for now. 
• Note: Ensure the notch on the blade is facing the stile where your hinges will be attached, and the notch is also facing down toward the bottom of the shutter. 
• Watch the installation video for guidance. 

Step 5 - Attach the rest of the blades into the LH stile

• Insert each of the other 'regular' blades into the LH stile.  Ensure the notch on the blade is facing the stile where your hinges will be attached, and the notch is also facing down toward the bottom of the shutter. The blades should overlap each other at the top, and underlap at the bottom. 
• Watch the installation video for guidance. 

Step 6 - Attach the RH stile to your panel

• Bring the RH stile towards the edge of your panel and slowly start aligning the top, mid and bottom rails. Carefully tap them into place using the mallet. 
• Next, identify the tension blade on the RH stile and insert the tension screw and washer as previous. Gently screw into place. 
• Start aligning the blades and pop them into place on both sides. Once this is done, you can gently tap the RH stile into place more securely.
• Secure both stiles to the top, mid and bottom rails with the long rail screws, then pop the screw caps in place to cover the screw holes.
• Gently tighten the tension screw again.  
• Watch the installation video for guidance. 

Step 7 - Attach the hinges

• Using the white-head screws, attach the hinges in the place indicated. For now, just use two screws in the oval shaped holes. 
• Watch the installation video for guidance. 

Step 8 - Attach the Tilt Rod

• Your panel should now be fully assembled. Lift onto it's vertical edge so you can easily attach the tilt rod.
• Sit the tilt rod in place on the edge of the blades, and gently insert the tilt rod screws into place. 
• You can start this process with your drill, then finish off by hand with your screwdriver. 
• Once you're done, check the tension of your blades by moving them back and forth. Adjust as necessary. 
• Watch the installation video for guidance. 

Assembling the frame

• The process for assembling your frame is the same for an inside mount L and Z Frame, as well as an outside mount L Frame.
• Each part of the frame will be marked T (top), L (Left), R (right) and B (bottom- if you have a 4 sided frame). 
• Working on a flat surface, lay the frame out in the correct position, and mark each piece with tape accordingly so you don't lose your way. 
• Attach the corners using the Hoffman Keys provided, and gently push the sides of the frame together. Be very careful to protect your mitre corners!  
• If you have a T-Post, it will sit inside the frame. Pop a piece of blue painters tape on your frame and mark to the centre of where your T-Post should sit. Remember to always measure from the LH side of the frame. 
• Work with your Panel Layout Chart to ensure your T-Post hinges are facing the correct way and make sure the T-Post is not inserted upside down.
• Using the right screws, secure the T-Post to the frame using the oval shaped holes only (at this stage).  
• Watch the installation video for guidance. 

Inside  mount  L-Frame  &  Z-frame  Shutters

Step 1 - Getting started

• Take your time.
• Preparation is key.
• Stay level - use your spirit level. If you start level and true then the shutters are going to be installed perfectly, panels will open and close.
• Follow the steps in order.
• If you have more than one panel in your layout, you will receive a panel with a D-mould. The D-mould stip covers the gap between the first and second panel when they are in the closed position. The D-mould will always be on the right-hand panel, unless you specified otherwise.
• Shutters 'dress up' - make sure you attach your plantation shutter panels the right way up.
• It's a good idea to have someone to assist you - one to hold the panel and one to then insert the screws

Step 2 - Packing your frame

• You have already assembled your frame and lifted it into position.
• Place the frame inside your recess and jiggle it about to see what sort of gaps you have.
• Then using your packers, insert them in around the frame. Make sure you use your spirit level to ensure everything is and remains square.
• Once your frame is packed and square, get some more packers and place them around each of the corners for extra security.
• This is to ensure the corners stay tight and the mitres won't open when you commence screwing the frame into the window recess.
• Once everything is square and straight, you can secure any T-Posts with additional screws in the round hole.

Z Frame

• When packing a Z-Frame you will need to insert your packers in behind the lip of the Z-Frame. The lip will hide the packers from view. Watch the video to see exactly how to insert the packers.

Step 3 - Pre-drill holes and secure frame to window recess

• Where the packers are positioned, use your 5mm drill bit to pre-drill the holes through the frame only -  don't drill through into the window recess.
• You don't need to use a lot of them - just space them evenly through each of the frame sides, top and bottom.
• Then get your screws and using your drill, screw them into the frame and through so that they just 'bite' into the sides of the window recess.
• Repeat this process around the frame until the frame is secure.

Step 4 - Hang the panels

• When we present the panels we can see the shutter panel has one half of the hinge and the frame has the other.
• Using the hinge pins included, simply present the panel to the frame, line up the hinges and drop the pin down so it connects the panel to the frame.
• The hinge on the frame is only attached by the 2 oval shaped holes.
• This means you have the flexibility to move your panel up or down as required to achieve the right fit.
• If you loosen the screws, this will allow for approx 3mm - 4 mm of movement.
• Once you have adjusted your panel height, make sure you then re-tighten the screws through the oval holes.
• Then lock your hinge into position by inserting a 3rd screw into the round hole in the middle of the hinge. An important step to ensure your panels won't drop.

Step 5 - Insert light block strip (3-sided frames only)

• 3 sided frames don't have a bottom, instead we use a light block strip.
• Insert this into your window recess behind where the panels close. 
• The panels will sit up against this light block strip, and you will attach striker plates to it so your panels close properly. 

Step 6 - Attach the Striker Plates

Striker Plates - 4 sided frame

• These striker plates are attached to the bottom of the frame in line with where the panel meets the frame in the closed position.
• Make sure they are aligned with the magnet on the panel for a secure closed position. Use the screws provided.

Striker Plates - 3 sided frame

• A 3 sided frame has no bottom.
• These striker plates need to be attached to the light block strip in line with where the panel meets the window frame in the closed position.
• Make sure they are aligned with the magnet on the panel for a secure closed position.

Everything should open and close nicely. If not make any minor adjustments as necessary.

Your Plantation Shutter is installed!

Step 7 - Caulk the gaps around your shutter

• As shutter frames are not a tolerance fit, it is inevitable that you will end up with some gaps between the window frame and the frame of the plantation shutter.
• These gaps can easily and quickly be filled using 'No More Gaps'.
• This process will eliminate light from coming in between the 2 frames and your shutters will 'pop'.
• Caulking with No More Gaps is the finishing touch required to give you a professional end result.

Outside mount L-Frame Shutters

Step 1 - Getting started

This installation requires 8G x 75mm screws.

• Take your time.
• Preparation is key.
• Stay level - Use your spirit level. If you start level and true then the shutters are going to be installed perfectly, panels will open and close.
• Follow the steps in order.
• If you have more than one panel in your layout, you will receive a panel with a D-mould. The D-mould stip covers the gap between the first and second panel when they are in the closed position. The D-mould will always be on the right-hand panel.
• Shutters 'dress up' - make sure you attach your plantation shutter panels the right way up.
• It's a good idea to have someone to assist you - one to hold the panel and one to then insert the screws.

Step 2 - Pre-drill your frame

• Once you have assembled the frame, pre-drill your holes evenly around the L-frame.

Please note:

• Outside mount L-frame - screws are inserted underneath the cover strip. You will need to remove this strip when installing. Watch the video to see how this is easily removed and re-inserted.

Step 3 - Secure the frame to the window recess

• Hold the frame up to the architraves and attach it along the top of the architrave and add 1 screw towards the top of each side (make sure you use the correct screws).
• This means you can adjust the frame to ensure you mount it level.
• Now present and attach the panels.
• It's a good idea to have someone help you here.

Step 4 - Hang the panels

• When we present the panels we can see the shutter panel has one half of the hinge and the frame has the other.
• Using the hinge pins included, simply present the panel to the frame, line up the hinges and drop the pin down so it connects the panel to the frame.
• The hinge on the frame is only attached by the 2 oval shaped holes.
• This means you have the flexibility to move your panel up or down as required to achieve the right fit.
• If you loosen the screws, this will allow for approx 3mm - 4 mm of movement.
• Once you have adjusted your panel height, make sure you then re-tighten the screws through the oval holes.
• Then lock your hinge into position by inserting a 3rd screw into the round hole in the middle of the hinge. An important step to ensure your panels won't drop.
• Then attach your panels - note to ensure alignment.

Step 5 - Ensure everything is level

• Holding the bottom of the frame, shuffle from left to right until everything squares up.
• Once the Plantation Shutter is in the perfect position, open the panel doors and finish attaching the frame all the way around onto the architraves.
• Replace the cover strips (shown left)

Step 6 - Attach the Striker Plates

• These striker plates are  attached to the bottom of the frame or light block strip in line with where the panel meets the frame in the closed position.
• Make sure they are aligned with the magnet on the panel for a secure closed position. Use the screws provided.

Your Plantation Shutter is installed!

Direct mount Shutters

Direct Mount installations are one of the easiest to complete.

• A direct mount plantation shutter doesn't have a frame and it consists of just 1 or 2 panels only.
• Take your time.
• Preparation is key.
• Stay level - Use your spirit level. If you start level and true then the shutters are going to be installed perfectly, panels will open and close.
• Follow the steps in order.
• If you have more than one panel in your layout, you will receive a panel with a D-mould. The D-mould stip covers the gap between the first and second panel when they are in the closed position. The D-mould will always be on the right-hand panel.
• Shutters 'dress up' - make sure you attach your plantation shutter panels the right way up.
• It's a good idea to have someone to assist you - one to hold the panel and one to then insert the screws.

Step 2 - Mounting the panel into the recess

• Open and present your hinge to the recess.
• You will see that there are 2 oval shaped holes and a round hole on the hinge.
• Get someone to hold the panel in position.
• Screw the oval shaped top and bottom holes of the hinges into the recess first.
• Adjust the panel to the correct position and ensure it's level.
• Test the position by opening and closing the panel to see how it looks.
• Make any adjustments required by moving the panel up and down within the oval-shaped holes on the hinge.
• Then place a screw in the centre round hole to lock the panel into position.

Step 3 - Attach the Striker plates

• Locate the magnet on the back of the shutter.
• With the panel in the closed position line up the striker plate to where the magnet will touch
• These striker plates need to be attached to the light block strip in line with where the panel meets the window frame in the closed position.
• Make sure they are aligned with the magnet on the panel for a secure closed position.

Your Plantation Shutter is installed!

U Channel Shutters

Step 1 - Getting started

A quick and easy installation. This installation requires 8G x 30mm screws and/or double sided tape.

• Preparation is key.
• Follow the steps in order.
• Shutters 'dress up' - Make sure you install your plantation shutter panels the right way up.

Step 2 - Installing the U-Channels

• You will have 2 U-channels - 1 big and 1 small.
• The big U-channel goes at the top. The small U-channel goes at the bottom.
• Screw the big U-channel into the top of the recess or you can use double-sided tape.
• Make sure the U-channel is centred in the middle of the recess.
• Line up the small U-channel on the bottom of the recess to match the top U-channel.
• Screw the small U-channel down or again you can use double-sided tape.

Step 3 - Inserting the panels

• Take your panel and lift it into the lip of the big U channel at the top of the recess.
• Present the panel over the bottom U-channel
• And simply drop the panel down into position.

Your U-channel installation is complete!

Troubleshooting

How many screws should I be using to install my shutter?

My panel doors are not closing properly

• Check that your shutter frame is square and level and that you have used the appropriate packers during the installation.
• A frame that is out of square will result in panels that are out of square.
• Adjust the squareness and level of your shutter frame to fix this issue.

My panel door is not holding on the magnets

• Sometimes you need to slightly move the striker plate to make it sit evenly across the magnet.
• During the squaring process, the magnets may have become slightly out of alignment and this adjustment will assist.
• If this fails then you could fit an additional magnet - 4 kg hold strength (available at Bunnings) to hold the panel closed.

The pin that connects the blade to the tilt rod has broken

• Purchase a plantation shutter repair kit from the Spare Parts section on our website
• Use these kits to reattach the blade back onto the panel.

Remember - You are not alone. We are here to help.

Organise your shutters

• Each of your shutters will have a sticker on the box stating the room name.
• Layout each of your shutters in front of the correct window.
• Starting with the first one, remove the packaging carefully and lay them down on a clean surface. It is handy to wear white cotton gloves whilst installing to avoid getting any marks on the shutter.