Browse Shutter Guide
General
- Our Plantation Shutters
- Imported vs Local Plantation Shutters
- Why Choose Plantation Shutters?
- How Much Do Plantation Shutters Cost?
- Where Did Plantation Shutters Originate?
- Plantation Shutters vs Blinds
- Choosing the Best Shutter Material
- Plantation Shutters for Kitchens
- Are PVC Shutters Safe?
- How to Photograph Your Windows
Performance
Care
Frames
- Complete Guide to Shutter Frame Types
- Inside Z-Frame
- Inside L-Frame
- Outside L-Frame
- What Is an Inside Mount?
- What Is an Outside Mount?
Customisation
- Choosing the Right Shutter Colour
- A Guide to Shutter Panels
- Choosing the Right Panel Configuration
- Should Shutters Match Your Window Trim?
Mounting
- Inside vs Outside Mount Plantation Shutters
- What Type of Window Do I Have?
- What Is a Window Recess?
- Should I Inside or Outside Mount My Shutters?
- A Guide to Architraves
- What Is a Window Sill?
Tricky Windows
Getting Started
- Quick Measuring for a Shutter Quote
- How to Measure a Window Recess for Shutters
- Complete Guide to Measuring for Plantation Shutters
Midrails
Custom Panels
Inside Mount
- How to Measure Your Window Recess
- Measuring for an Inside Mount
- Measuring an Inside Mount Window with a Sill
- Managing Window Obstructions
Outside Mount
- Measuring for an Outside Mount
- Outside Mount Measuring with a Decorative Architrave
- Outside Mount Measuring for a Square-Set Window
Corner & Bay Windows
Our Service
- Our Plantation Shutters
- Why My DIY Blinds?
- What Does Our Shutter Warranty Cover?
- Our Plantation Shutter Product Guarantee
Quotes
Ordering & Product Setup
- Getting Started with Your Shutter Order
- How Shutter Product Recommendations Work
- Uploading a Photo of Your Window
Delivery
- Where We Deliver Plantation Shutters
- How Your Plantation Shutters Are Delivered
- What to Expect on Delivery Day
Measure Guarantee
Self Review
Out-of-Square Windows
Very few windows are perfectly square. Small variations are common, particularly in older homes, and plantation shutters can often disguise those irregularities extremely well when measured and framed correctly.
In this article
I think my windows are uneven. Can I still install shutters?
Yes. Measure the width at the top, middle and bottom, then measure the height at the left, centre and right. Record every measurement rather than assuming the opening is square.
You can also compare the two diagonal measurements as an additional check, but the three-width and three-height measurements are still required when planning the shutter.
If there’s a difference of up to 10mm between your measurements, get in touch with us so we can discuss the best shutter option for your window. If the difference is more than 15mm, we’ll generally recommend an outside mount L-frame — more on this below.
If the measurements vary noticeably, contact us before ordering so the frame and mounting method can be considered. A Z-frame can be particularly effective at hiding small bows because its front lip overlaps the edge of the recess.
Where the opening is significantly uneven or unsuitable for an inside fit, an outside L-frame can create a visibly square shutter in front of the irregular opening.
The key is not to force a perfectly rectangular shutter into a recess without allowing for the smallest dimensions and the amount the opening varies.
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