Made to measure shutters, from survey to fitting

What we record on the survey

A tape measure reading is only the start. Older houses in particular rarely have a truly square window, so we take widths and heights at several points and check the diagonals. We note the depth of the reveal, where handles and stays project into the room, whether a radiator or deep sill sits below, and which way the panels can fold without hitting furniture or a door.

• Width and height at more than one point, plus diagonals
• Reveal depth and the space needed for handles to turn
• Obstacles: radiators, sills, sockets, alarm sensors
• Hinge side, panel count and where the louvres split
• Whether the frame sits inside the recess or on the wall around it

How panels and louvres are planned

Once the opening is recorded we plan the layout. Wide windows are split into several panels so each one is a comfortable size to open. Mid rails are placed to line up with the transoms of the window, so the shutter reads as part of the glazing rather than something laid over it. Louvre size is chosen for the look you want and the view: wider louvres give a more open outlook when tilted, narrower ones suit smaller cottage windows.

Style comes into it too. Full height shutters cover the whole window in one panel height. Tier on tier splits top and bottom so each opens on its own. Café style covers only the lower part. Tracked shutters slide or fold across patio doors and large openings.

Choosing the material

Hardwood suits dry living rooms and bedrooms and can be painted or stained. Waterproof ABS is the choice for bathrooms, kitchens by a sink and exposed coastal homes, because it does not swell with steam or salt air. We show both side by side on the visit and explain which rooms each suits, so you are not choosing from a brochure photo.

Making and fitting

Shutters usually take 6 to 10 weeks to make after the order is confirmed. If a room needs privacy sooner, temporary blinds can go up in the meantime. On fitting day our fitters set the frame level, hang the panels, adjust the hinges so each one closes cleanly and show you how to tilt and clean the louvres.

Our installation carries a 5-year fitting warranty, and selected shutter ranges carry a manufacturer's lifetime guarantee, which we confirm on the written quote.

When made to measure is worth it

For a standard rectangular window in a new build, the gap between a well fitted ready made product and a bespoke one can be small. The value shows on bays, sloping ceilings, arched tops, deep period reveals and wide patio doors, where a standard size simply will not sit right. It also shows over time: a shutter built for the opening closes without rubbing, keeps its louvres aligned and does not need packing that works loose.