Measuring wooden exterior shutters is very much the same for both operational and fixed panels. You do not need to be so accurate when measuring for fixed shutter panels as these just fit to the side of your windows and can be wider and longer than your window opening.
Decorative wooden exterior shutters
These are normally the same height as your window, the width is up to you, but must look in proportion to the window. On smaller windows they can be made to look as though if the panels were closed they would fit snugly across the window. Just measure the window and divide the opening size in half.
Larger windows would require the width to be divided into quarters.
Operational panels
Before you can measure you must know what kind of hinge you are going to be using, the dimensions and how the shutter hinge will fold. Only then can you determine how to measure the correct size panels.
The panels can be measured so they fit inside the recess but finish flush with the outside wall, inset just a little from the wall, or so they are mounted on the outside of the recess.
Remember to deduct any hinge clearance when calculating the width.
Free standing shutter panels
When ordering wooden exterior shutters for your garden or decking area the design and size can be customised to suit your requirements, and if you are bi-folding the panels remember to deduct the hinge gap.
For more advice on measuring exterior shutters please contact Paul Millar from Simply Shutters on 01842 814260 or visit his website www.simplyshutters.co.uk