Step 1 – Attach Frame To Window:

Inside Mount – Direct Mount

·         Skip to Step 2

Inside Mount – 3 or 4-sided frames

·         Position the frame pieces in the window.  The frame should fit loosely in the window.

·         Attach the frame pieces in the window with the included screws.  Install only one screw at each corner of the window for now – the rest will be added later.  Run each screw into the predrilled hole just until the screw head contacts the frame.  DO NOT over tighten the screw. 

·         Adjust the frame to be square and tight at the corners.  Use a shutter panel or framing square as a reference.  Adjust the frame by backing the screws out of the wall as needed, moving the frame, then retightening the screws.

Inside Mount – 2-sided frames

·         Position the frame in the window.  Ensure they are positioned so that the face of the shutter will be flush with the wall or trim around the window.  This will allow the shutters to open fully and fold flat against the wall.

·         Install the frame inside the window using the included screws.   Install only one screw at each corner of the window for now – the rest will be added later. 

Outside Mount – 3 or 4-sided frames

·         Position the frame pieces over the window.  Use a shutter panel or framing square to ensure frame squareness, adjusting the frame as necessary.  You may want to use a level to make sure the frame is level.  Ensure that the frame is centered on your window. 

·         Install the frame on the wall using the included screws.  Install only one screw at each corner of the window for now – the rest will be added later. 

Outside Mount – 2-sided frames

Two-sided frames are installed on each side of the window (see illustration).

·         Determine the proper width between the frame pieces.  To do this, lay your plantation shutters panel(s) flat on the floor.  Measure the width of the panel(s), including the hinges.  Add 1/8^th of an inch for clearance where any panel(s) close. 

·         Position the frame pieces over the window.  Position each of them at the same height, centered on the window.  Use a level to ensure the frame pieces are straight up and down. 

·         Install the frame pieces on the wall using the included screws.  Install only one screw at each corner of the window for now – the rest will be added later. 

 

Step 2 – Plantation Shutters Panel Installation

Position the plantation shutters panels on your frame or wall.  Ensure that clearance gaps are even at the top and bottom of the panel.  If your shutters came with frames, your hinges are premounted to both the shutter panels and the frames.  Thus, simply insert the hinge pins to attach the shutter panels.  If you are doing a direct mount, install the shutter panels using the included hinge screws.

 

Step 3 – Shutter Panel Adjustment.

Your shutter panels should hang somewhat evenly after Step 2, but there will always be the need for adjustments.  Plantation shutters look best when the gaps around all panels are somewhat even, and the panels line up with each other.

·         For larger adjustments, adjust the frame (Z Frame, L Frame, or Hanging Strips) by backing out the appropriate screws, moving the frame as needed, and retightening the screws.

·         For smaller adjustments or for Direct Mounts, adjust gaps as needed using the following methods:

1.       Move the shutter panels up or down by unscrewing the hinges from the frame, moving the panels, and reinstalling the screws.

2.       “Stretch” the hinges by opening the shutter panels, inserting a piece of wire or similar spacer between the hinge flaps, then shutting the panels until the hinge is stretched slightly.  Remove the spacer.  Stretch the hinges a little at a time, and stretch hinges evenly if you have multiple panels.  You can also stretch the top hinges while leaving the bottom hinges untouched, and vise versa.  This essentially “twists” the shutter panels within the frame or window. 

 

Step 4 – Install All Remaining Hardware

·         Install all remaining screws in the frame.

·         Install the magnetic catches.

·         Install the button hole plugs over top of the screw holes (if included).

·         Your Plantation Shutters are now installed!

 

Step 5 – Adjust Louver Tension (only if needed)

·         Should the louver tension of your plantation shutters ever need to be adjusted, you can do so by adjusting the louver tension adjustment screws.

·         Insert a Philips screwdriver into the access holes in the sides of the shutter panels.  One access hole will be on each side.

·         Turn the screws 1/10 turn at a time until the desired tension is reached.  Do not over tighten.  Adjust the screws on each side of the shutter panel to keep equal tension between them.

·         Proper tension is achieved when the louvers tilt freely and easily but do not move when the tilt bar is released.