The easy way to install plantation shutters
Welcome to our simple guide to installing your new, custom plantation shutters. Your custom kit is super easy to use, so have fun as you click, slide and lock parts together.
What you’ll need to install
1-2 people
30-40 minutes
Tools
- your step ladder
- a cordless drill with a Phillips head drill bit
- a 3 mm drill bit
- a gap seal applicator gun (recess fit only)
- a spirit level (optional, for a really precise fit)
- *For large shutters it is best to have a second person help hold the shutter frame in position.
Before you get going
If you're drilling into wood, follow the steps below
If you're drilling into plaster, you have two options:
Use a stud finder to locate where your wall studs are, then follow the steps below.
Use Ramset 10 mm Grip Hollow Wall Anchors, which will help secure your shutter to the plaster
If you're drilling into concrete, stone, brick or tile, use a Masonry drill and appropriate plugs, anchors or screws.
Verify Measurements
Before installing your shutters, double-check the final measurements of the supplied products to ensure they match your order and fit the intended space. If there is any doubt, notify us within 7 days.
Confirm Installation Items
Ensure you have all the necessary components and tools as specified in the installation guide
Follow the Instructions Carefully
Adhere to the provided installation steps, particularly those indicating where two people are required for safe handling.
Inspect the Area
Perform a visual inspection of the installation area to identify and mitigate any risks to surrounding surfaces, objects, or structures.
Your custom kit
Because we know how easy it is to lose small parts, you may get a few extras in your kit.
A - Your shutter panels
B - Gold Screws (57 mm)
C - White stickers (to hide screws)
D- Hinge packers (just in case)
E- Your shutter frame (in sections)
F - Hoffmann keys (attached to sections of your frame)
G - Hinge pins
H - Gap seal (also known as caulk, and for recess fit only)
I - T posts (3 or more panels only)
J-Long black screws (for T posts)
K - For direct mount or 3 sided frame: Light blocks
L-Hinge screws
M - Magnet catchers
N - Small screws with white heads
O - T post brackets (3 or more panels only)
OK it's time to start installing, let's take it step by step
Get organised
A
Unpack your kit, and gently lay it all out on a clean, hard surface or the cardboard packaging it came in. Be careful not to scratch the parts when moving them.
B
We label sections of your frame and your panels, which will help you to match up the right panels and hinges later. Lay out the shutter panels the right way up and in order from left to right.
Click your shutter frame together and screw holes
A
Click each section of your shutter frame together using the Hoffmann keys in your custom kit, and feel free to use your body weight.
The keys come attached to sections of your shutter frame. If they've fallen out that's OK, just slide them back in.
If you're finding it difficult, it's usually because the Hoffmann keys have come out on one side.
B
If you have T posts, screw them onto your shutter frame using your cordless drill and the long black screws in your custom kit. There are pre drilled holes on your shutter frame, to show where you'll attach the T posts. The top of your T post will be labelled t, and the bottom b.
C
Turn over your shutter frame and lay it back down. Using your cordless drill with the 3 mm drill bit, drill holes through the back of the shutter frame, in line with each hinge. Also drill four, evenly spaced holes through the back of the shutter frame at both the top and the bottom. The back of the shutter frame will attach to your window frame.
Mount your shutter frame
A
Lift your frame into place, on the outside of your window frame. It can help to have two people for larger frames, so you don't bump the corners of your shutter frame.
Drill each screw at the top of your shutter frame part way in, using your cordless drill with the Phillips head drill bit and the screws in your custom kit.
B
Wiggle the frame until you get it looking level across the top. You can rest a spirit level on top of the frame while you do this.
Tighten the top screws.
C
Drill in your side screws next, and then your bottom screws. You can check your shutter frame is even across the top by using a spirit level.
Attach your shutter panels and check your shutter frame
A
Remove any black bands from your hinge pins before you start. Pick up your left panel and hold into position. The brackets should line up on the left side of your shutter frame and your panel. Take a hinge pin and drop it through the bracket, from the top. Repeat for each panel.
B
Check that your panels open and close easily. As they can be heavy, it's normal if you need to lift the edge of the panel and nudge it on.
C
Check for a thin, even gap between each side of your shutter frame and your shutter panels.
Shutter panels won't stay closed? Check out the 'I need some extra help' section at the bottom.
Get Insta ready
Grab the stickers in your custom kit and stick them onto each visible screw.
I need extra help
OK, let's check if your shutter frame or panels are completely vertical. If it's on a slight angle or twisted, that's enough to stop the shutter panels from staying closed.
A
Check your shutter frame Place your spirit level on the front face of the shutter frame, to check if the frame is perfectly vertical. It might only be a small amount off, but you want it to be square. Check on both sides of the frame
B
Make your shutter frame vertical If the shutter frame isn't vertical, undrill the screws part way at either the top or the bottom (whichever is sitting deeper), using a cordless drill with a Phillips head drill bit. Undrill the side screws part way too, and gently bring the top or the bottom of the frame slightly forward. You can hold up a spirit level and check when it's vertical on each side. Check to see if your panels stay closed.
C
Tighten your screws Tighten the screws back in using your cordless drill, keeping the frame vertical. You can also caulk where there's a gap.
If this still doesn't fix it, give us a call and we can help.
The good news is they're easy to loosen or tighten.
First find the tension screws on your shutter panels. They're on the side opposite your hinges and have a round plastic sticker over them.
Turn the screws to tighten or loosen your louvers. You have one screw for each section of louvers (as connected by the tilt bar at the back).