Plantation Shutters: Mounting Options

Custom plantation shutters are a popular high-end window treatment. Most manufacturers offer a number of options for how shutters are built, including how they are mounted to your windows. Increasingly, frame mounting is the superior alternative because it offers a clean and finished appearance. If you are considering having custom plantation shutters installed in your home, one of the options you’ll want to consider is how the shutters will be mounted to your windows. Most plantation shutters are custom made and can be mounted to your window a number of ways. Generally, though, there are two choices: Inside mount on hanging strips and outside mount to frames.

Shutter panels are typically not attached directly to a window with hinges but are instead attached to either hanging strips or frames. Both provide a surface for the shutter panels to mount to and both block light gaps, preventing direct sunlight from escaping around the edges of panels. However, frame mounting usually provides a more finished appearance. Frames have become the most popular option for mounting shutters.

Hanging strips

Hanging strips are narrow strips of wood, 1"x1" is a common size, attached to the right and left jamb of the window. Panels are attached to the hanging strip with a "L" shaped, wrap around hinges that suspends the shutter panel in front of the strips. When the panels are closed, the hanging strips are hardly visible.
Advantages: • Close mount: Allow shutters to be mounted as close as possible to the window • Flush mount: In windows with deep casings of more than 2," hanging strips allow shutters to be mounted flush with the trim
• Cost: Because they typically cover a smaller area than frame mounted shutters, shutters mounted on hanging strips can cost 5-10% less than frame mounted shutters
• Flexibility: Offers installers more flexibility for adjusting panels to fit windows that are not entirely square

Disadvantages:
• Appearance: The overall appearance is not as finished as frame mounted shutters
• Tilt-in windows: Hanging strips usually prevents tilt in windows from being able to tilt in

Frames

Frames consist of a shallow box that wrap around shutter panels like a picture frame. They are typically mounted flat against the trim surrounding your windows. Frames come in a number of profiles for use on different types of trim. The most common frame is about 2" deep and 1" wide. Shutter panels are mounted directly to the frame.


Advantages:
• Appearance: Because the frame mounts directly to the trim, the overall appearance is much more finished. With an accurate color match, the framed shutter should look like it was built as part of the window. Additional, there is little exposed hardware. Only the narrow edge of the hinge is visible.
• Installation: Frame are far easier for an installer to mount on windows.

Disadvantages:
• Cost: Because they usually cover a larger area, framed shutters can cost a bit more
• Protrusion: Frames protrude from windows ½" to 1" more than shutters on hanging strips.