All the product details you need

1. Less is more
   Aesthetically pleasing, it is prefereable to have fewer panels rather than risk overcrowding your windows. Too many panels will end up blocking your light and view.
2. You must follow the window
   Select a layout that will complement the flow of your windows. Consider where the mullions are placed.

• Which layout options are available based on the overall width of your window
• How many panels per window - refer to rule 1
• Which layout will best suit the flow of your windows - refer to rule 2

A tilt rod is used to open and close your shutter blades. A split tilt rod allows flexibility to open or close sections of your shutter blades separately, giving you greater light control and privacy.

Each tilt rod can hold up to a maximum of 12 blades. You can close the lower portion of your blades for privacy, whilst leaving the top section open for light.  There are a few different ways to utilise this option.

With a mid rail
Both sections of your shutter above and below the midrail will operate independently

Split half above mid rail
Choose to split half of the panel above the mid rail only, this will then create 2 sections above your mid rail to control independently of each other plus your section below the rail.  When you design and order your shutters select ‘split half above mid rail’

Without a mid rail
To control the top and bottom half of your panels separately from each other, select ‘split half’ when you design and order your shutters, this will then create an equal split in centre of your shutter panels.  If your drop is greater than 1,200mm you must choose to have this split.

Our self-assembly plantation shutters can be inside mounted, outside mounted or direct mounted, with various frame types available.  Determine which will fit your window best and use our layout options to narrow your choice

Inside Mount Frame Options

L Frame; The most popular way to inside mount your plantation shutters is with an L frame, this gives you the ability to square the frame inside your recess and mount your panels. An L frame also acts as a light block, preventing light from coming through the edges of the panels.

Z Frame; This is a great solution for windows that aren’t perfectly square or don’t have an existing architrave.  The Z frame is mounted directly to the inside of the window frame and has a bull-nose lip going around the outside of the window frame or plaster, thus hiding any gaps or imperfections

Direct Mount; A direct mount is where the shutter panels are mounted directly onto the window without a supporting frame. Just like how a door is hung.  These are commonly used for sidelight windows or any other narrow openings where the width of an L frame or a Z frame would reduce the width of the blades, thus blocking too much light and crowding your window.
NB: Direct mount shutters are only available for panel layouts A, B or C

U Channel; These are perfect for internal wall cavities to create a stylish room divider. The panels simply slot into U channels at the top and bottom of the panels. U Channel shutters simply consist of panels, so there are no frames and they are not hinged so they do not open.

Mike’s Tip! When measuring for inside mount frames, make sure that you have at least 65 mm clearance inside your window recess.

Outside Mount Frame Options

L Frame: For outside mounted shutters the only option is an L frame and is a great solution for double hung windows or when there is less than a 65mm clearance inside your window recess.  This frame has a projection of 78 mm so your blades will not extend past the back of the frame, making it suitable for all outside mount applications, regardless of the width of your architraves or any window mullions.

 Mike's Tip! For outside mounted frames, make sure you have at least 25mm of flat surface to mount your shutter frame on.

When selecting an L or Z frame you will have the choice of either a 3 or 4 sided frame, depending on any obstructions you may have at the bottom of your window will determine which is the best choice for your shutter.  You can make this choice when you design and order your shutter.

3 Sided Frame; This is a great option when you have obstructions at the bottom of your window.  Usually a window winder, latches or security devices.  The frame fits around the top, left and right side of the shutters.

4 Sided Frame; This is the most common choice for shutters where there are no obstructions at the base of your window, such as a sliding latch.  The frame fits around the top, bottom, left and right sides of the shutters.

These rails provide strength and stability to the shutter. They are positioned at the top and bottom of your shutter panels.  Rails may vary in size slightly to ensure that they are proportionate to the overall width and drop of your panels.    When installing shutters on multiple windows in the one room these rails can be manufactured to the same height, providing they fit within the rail specifications chart below.  This will ensure that the top and bottom rails will be made to the same specifications which is vital for a uniform look both inside and outside your home.

Mike's Tip  When you design and order you shutters select ‘match top and bottom rail’ and in the text field note which other shutters they need to match (i.e., the room name)

Mid rails are fixed across the width of your panels, they are approx. 76mm in height and provide stability and strength to the shutters. For shutters with a drop greater than 1,600mm a mid rail must be included.

When you design and order your shutters you can choose to either have your mid rail in the centre of your panels or if you have horizontal joins in your windows that you want to line up with you can customise exactly where you want them to go.

For drops less than 1,600mm a mid rail is optional, however you can still choose to have a split the opening of your shutters in half to control light and privacy (refer split tilt options).

Mike’s Tip!  When choosing a custom mid rail location these can vary by +/- 37mm (depending on the overall drop size of the finished shutter.)  If you need your mid rail to be in an exact location, ensure you select a ‘critical’ mid rail when you design and order your shutters.