Bahama Style Mahogany Shutter

Below are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when measuring for your appropriate shutters. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions at all!

All of our shutters are made to the precise dimensions of your home, ensuring an ideal fit and the perfect look. Follow these steps to make the process as easy and accurate as possible.

Step One: Gather Your Tools
You’ll need paper and a pencil to record your measurements, as well as a tape measure. It can also help to have an extra set of hands, so consider waiting to take measurements until a friend or family member is available to join you.

Step Two: Identify Each Window
Even if you think all of your windows are exactly the same size, you need to take measurements of each one. Divide your paper into two columns and put a descriptor for each window in the left side column, such as “North, left of door.” This will make sure you don’t confuse any measurements.

Step Three: Measure Each Window Width
Measure the width of each window in inches to the nearest 1/4 inch. Think of this as the space the shutters would cover if they were closed, even if you only intend for your shutters to be decorative. Take a measurement at the top, middle and bottom of the window. Record the smallest number. If the window will have shutters on either side, this number is your “Pair Width.” If you have a smaller winder that will only require one shutter, this number is your “Shutter Width.” See the diagrams below for details.

Step Four: Consider Your Shutter Purpose
If you want your shutters to be operable — meaning, if you want them to open and close — subtract 1/2 inch from your width measurement to allow for clearance. This is your final Pair Width or Shutter Width. If you intend for your shutters to be fixed and only decorative, you don’t need to subtract for clearance.

Step Five: Record the Final Shutter Width
Divide your final Pair Width in half to determine the width of each individual shutter. Record this final Shutter Width in the right side column of your paper to correspond to each window. Of course, if you are measuring for any windows that only need one shutter, you won’t need to divide.

Step Six: Measure Each Window Height
Measure the height of each window from the inner edge of the bottom sill to the top of the lintel. Take a measurement at the left side, middle and right side of the window. Record the smallest measurement. Again, if you intend for your shutters to open and close, subtract 1/4 inch from your final measurement.

And that’s it — you’re done!

When measuring for decorative shutters, there is one important question that needs to be answered. Are you looking for decorative shutters that add color and personality to your home, or are you looking for ones that also look like they could close over the window (even though decorative shutters will not)? This question is important, as it determines whether or not you can use a single size for all windows. 

    One other important thing to keep in mind is architectural uniformity. Different areas have different standards of curb appeal, as architecture is a regional science. In some areas, 12 inch wide shutters are the common choice, regardless of window size. In others, shutters that fit the glass of the window, but not the trim, are the norm. The most common style, however, is to measure the height of the window trim and install shutters that match. The best advice that can be given is to take a trip around your area, making note of the common styles of shutters on homes that are similar to yours. On the rare occasion that there are no homes in your neighborhood with decorative exterior shutters, the rule of thumb is to base the shutter size off of the entire height and length of the window's trim.

Installing Monument Shutter Co.'s exterior shutters won't take long, even if you're a DIY novice. Actually, most of our customers have referred to installing the shutters as an easy, fulfilling weekend project - even if they choose to paint themselves!

Safety Instructions:

• Make sure to use the recommended tools.
• Wear safety goggles.
• Follow the fixture, power tools, and paint manufacturers’ instructions and user manuals.
• Use common sense and follow good construction practices.

Tools & Material Checklist:

• Monument Shutter Co. Shutters
• Electric drill
• 1/8” drill bit
• Proper screws for installation surface
• Level
• Pencil, marker, or chalk

Fixed/Decorative Hardware Instructions:

• Determine the position for the shutter by matching up the top and bottom of the shutter with the window and mark its position.
• Mark the shutter where you will fasten it to your installation surface.
• Using a 1/8” bit drill pilot holes where you marked the shutter.
• Using a level set the shutter in place and fasten using the correct screws for your installation surface. Be sure not to over-tighten the screws.

NOTE: This is a custom product, made to order for you and is non-cancelable and cannot be returned. 

Monument Shutter Co.'s exterior shutters include a Limited Lifetime Manufacturer limited warranty against manufacturer defect in construction of the shutter. Our warranty does not cover any cost incurred during shipping, delivery or in the finishing or hanging of the shutters. Defective merchandise will be repaired or replaced.

This warranty applies to all product lines. We warrant the shutter to be free of defects that render the shutter unusable or unfit for ordinary applications. We also warrant that the shutter will be free of manufacturing defects for the life of the shutter. Rot and fading are normal and expected during the lifetime of our products and are excluded from our warranty. All unfinished wood board and batten are not warranted against excessive warping or rot since the inner joints can not be covered with stain or primer once they are assembled. It is the purchaser’s responsibility to maintain the shutters in such a way as to prevent rotting and fading.

Instructions accompany every single shutter order. Failure to comply with instructions will void warranty. Shutters MUST be removed from crate or packaging immediately upon arrival and stored in a safe place. Shutters left in packaging will result in damage.

Shutters must NOT be stored in areas where they will be subject to high humidity, extreme heat, or extreme conditions. Any claim must be made within 7 days of receiving shipment.

At our sole discretion, Monument Shutters will repair or replace product if found to contain manufacturing or material defects with prior written consent. There will be NO refunds issued. We will NOT be held liable for any damage or defects resulting from modification or repairs done by the customer. Final warranty inspection will be done at our facility. If claim is found to be invalid; a replacement or repair will be paid for by the customer if desired. Monument Shutters will NOT pay for any painting or re-installation of our shutters due to repairs or replacement. If there is a failure of the paint or primer we apply, the manufacturer’s warranty of the paint or primer is the only valid warranty after the initial first year; claims must then be made through their warranty department.

This warranty is valid only if product is properly and completely primed and painted using oil-based paints or sealed top, bottom and all sides and surfaces with two additional finish coats.

• In the event of shipping damage, replacement shutters will be moved to the front of the production line and re-shipped as soon as possible. Under no circumstances will credit be given for damaged orders.
• Warranty requires the use of the shutter hardware shipped from Monument Shutter Co. at the time of purchase.
• Shutters up to 48" require a minimum of two (2) hinges per panel.
• Shutters from 49" to 96" require a minimum of three (3) hinges per panel
• Shutters over 96" require a minimum of four (4) hinges per panel.
• All products require inspection within 10 business days of delivery. Freight damage claims reported beyond ten (10) business days from delivery will not be considered.
• Shutters exceeding 90" in height and 36" in width will incur a handling charge.