Rails

Easy reading

The top/bottom rails are the respective top/bottom edge sections of the window shutter. These are rectangular rails running horizontally, the size of which is automatically calculated according to the overall panel size and louvre size chosen.

The horizontal middle rail is the dividing rail used for strength, gaining privacy and ensuring the design of the shutter panels matches the window.

Technical stuff

Like the stiles, a quality panel is based on thickness, material and how the stile and rails are jointed together as this forms the basic structure.  The rails used on our panels are engineered to stop warping and provide a high strength product that will last.

Engineered

The rails are manufactured like plywood, using grade A kiln dried material, the wood is glued in opposing layers.   This makes the rails stronger.  It breaks the capillaries where the moisture travels making the window shutter more warp resistant.  Wrapped around the engineered centre is an outer thick veneer providing a smooth and good looking finish suitable for both spraying or staining.

Top and bottom rails

In most instances the rails will be deeper than 80mm, this measurement will vary depending on the height of the window ordered and louvres chosen.
The rails are 21mm thick on the hardwood panels, 15.9mm thick on the Standard and Standard plus panels and are slightly set back from the side stiles.

Horizontal middle rail

The standard width is 76mm
The position of the horizontal rail can vary by half a louvre as follows:

•  For 47mm louver can be off by +/-19mm.
•  For 63mm louver can be off by +/-25mm.
•  For 89mm louver can be off by +/-38mm.
•  For 114mm louvre can be off by +/-51mm.

Limitations

Any window height over 1800mm requires a horizontal middle rail for strength to be guaranteed. 

You can order panels without rails to match your window layout but this will void the guarantee.

Sams tips

When rails are lined up with window or door handles, you may be able to use smaller battens or frames to keep the costs of each window shutter down.