How to Measure for Exterior Wooden Shutters: A Complete Guide

Published: July 02, 2020

When in the market for new exterior wooden shutters measuring the openings where your new shutters will go is an important step that shouldn't be skipped. Below are steps you can follow to help you obtain the best measurements for the best looking shutters.

explore our shutters for the Estate Millwork Shutter Specification form in PDF format. Use this to record your measurements.
You should measure and record dimensions for all of your windows. Even if windows appear to be exactly the same size, it is best to measure. We make each shutter to the precise dimensions of your home, at no additional charge, so please make sure we know what you need.
Use the diagram below to help identify points for measurement.
All measurements should be in inches, to the nearest 1/16th (not in feet & inches).
1. It is a good idea to enter a short description for the window in the first column (eg: North, left of door). This will help you coordinate different windows.
2. Measure the Shutter Width or Pair Width. Measure the width of the window that will be covered by the shutters in their closed position. Take a measurement at the top of the window, the middle of the window, and the bottom. Record the smallest number. If the window requires shutters on either side, this is your "Pair Width". If the window is smaller and requires only a single shutter (as is sometimes the case with attic windows), this is your "Shutter Width". If these are to be operable, subtract 1/2" from your width measurement to allow the shutters to open and close. If these are fixed or decorative shutters, you should not subtract the clearance space.
3. Record the Shutter Width. This is equal to half the Pair Width if you are measuring for two shutters or is equal to the Shutter Width for one shutter as above. Remember to subtract any clearance space before dividing Pair Widths.
4. Measure the Shutter Height. Measure the height from the inner edge of the bottom sill to the top of the lintel. Measure at the left side, middle, and right side of the window, and use the smaller measurement. If the shutters are to be operable, subtract 1/4".
You can now enter the data from this form into the Estate Millwork Online Shutter Designer, or fax your Shutter Specification form to our customer service department at [an error occurred while processing this directive].

If you need any assistance, please call us at [an error occurred while processing this directive] or email us at sales@estatemillwork.com.

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Choosing the Right Wood Shutters for Your Home

Selecting exterior wood shutters involves balancing aesthetics, durability, and climate suitability. Homeowners in coastal regions often gravitate toward Spanish Cedar or Cypress for their natural resistance to moisture, decay, and insect damage. In northern climates, Western Red Cedar and White Oak provide excellent dimensional stability through freeze-thaw cycles.

Proper installation is just as important as material selection. Functional shutters should be mounted with stainless-steel or galvanized hardware to prevent corrosion staining on the wood or siding. Each shutter panel should be sized to cover exactly half the window opening when closed, creating a tight, weather-resistant seal. Estate Millwork builds every shutter to your exact window measurements, ensuring a precise fit without field modifications.

Maintenance requirements vary by species and finish. Unfinished cedar will weather to a silver-gray patina over several years, which many homeowners find attractive. If you prefer a painted finish, a high-quality exterior primer followed by two coats of acrylic latex paint will protect the wood for eight to ten years before recoating. Stained shutters should be refreshed every three to five years depending on sun exposure. Regardless of finish, periodic inspection of shutter hardware and tightening of mounting screws will keep your shutters operating smoothly for decades.

Ready to design your own custom wood shutters? Estate Millwork offers a wide range of styles and wood species, all crafted in our Pennsylvania workshop using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery.