Plantation Shutters: Shutter Anatomy

Let’s start by talking about the different pieces of a shutter. This picture diagrams the major parts:

• Stiles: The stiles make up the vertical pieces of the frame. They run the height of the shutters and I make them 1 ½” wide and 1 ¼” thick.
• Rails: The rails are the horizontal part of the frame. They span the distance between the stiles. I make them ¾” thick and the height varies depending on window and louver size.
• Louvers: Often called slats. These are the moveable pieces which block light or open up to allow a better view. Often these are called the slats. Plantation shutters usually have wider louvers that are 3 or more inches. Less than 3 inches is often called traditional or colonial shutters.
• Tilt Rod: This is the narrow piece which coordinates the placement of the louvers. When a user adjusts the louvers, it is done through the tilt rod. I make these ½” wide and ½” thick. The length will run from the center of top louver to the center of the bottom louver.
• Hinges: The hinges allow the shutters to be swung open, allowing more light in or possibly allow access to the window.
• Catches: The catches keep the shutters from rotating open freely. This is usually done with a magnet or a springy metal device.
• Hang strip: (See below) Depending on your windows, a hanging strip may be necessary. These provide a solid, structurally sound surface to mount the hinges to.