Instructions for PolyCore Plantation Shutters

Installation varies slightly based on the type of mount and frame you choose. The instructions below cover all available mounts and frames. In order to make certain that your plantation shutters look the best, please be certain to read all instructions carefully and completely before installation.

Installation Instructions for Other Products

How To Do Plantation Shutters

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Inside Mounts

Interior Wood Plantation Shutters - Installation - Inside Mount No Frame PolyCore

Outside Mounts

Interior Wood Plantation Shutters - Installation - Outside Mount L Frame PolyCore

Shutter Panel Identification

Shutter panels will be marked at the top with a number that corresponds to the line item on your order. Below is an example of how they are marked:

Original Order (example):

Line Item 1
Line Item 2
Line Item 3
Line Item 4
Line Item 5
Line Item 6

Panels and Frames Marked With:

### - 1
### - 2
### - 3
### - 4
### - 5
### - 6

(### represents a number used only by the factory)

PolyCore plantation shutters are installed similarly to all other plantation shutters. However, there are a few items to note:

PolyCore can be mounted using screws just like other shutters or it can be mounted using finishing nails. The instructions below are for screw installation, but finish nail installation is similar. In order to provide this additional mounting flexibility, mounting holes are NOT predrilled in the frames. PolyCore comes with all hinge hardware and screws, and magnet hardware and screws to keep the shutter panels closed. However, it does not come with mounting screws or button hole plugs. This allows you to use whatever mounting screws or finish nails are most appropriate for your application. Typically, 2-1/2 inch drywall screws or 2-1/2 inch finish nails are all that is needed.

If you ordered an overhead track application, all track hardware, rollers, and brackets are included.

Finish Nail Mounting (not applicable to Direct Mount): Most professional installers mount PolyCore frames using finishing nails. This provides a few advantages since it requires no drilling and is very fast. If you decide to mount your frames using finishing nails, ensure your nails are long enough to go through the frame, drywall, and into the wood structure behind the drywall. Depending upon the frame thickness, a 2-1/2 inch trim nail is usually sufficient. Place your nails through the frame in the same manner as you would screws as illustrated above.
- Although a hammer will work just fine, most professional installers actually use pneumatic finish nailers for speed.
- Ensure that you drive the head of the nail completely into the frame (in other words, countersink the nails). You can then fill the small hole in the typical manner with a little spackle, caulk, or similar

Tip: Many professional installers install the Z Frame by nailing directly through the face of the frame verses the side. To do this, place your nail in one of the grooves to be less conspicuous and then fill. However, you will need to ensure your frame is square in the window before nailing through the face since this method is more difficult to adjust squareness after nailing.

Screw Mounting: If you want to mount your plantation shutters with screws, you simply first need to drill the screw holes in the frames. Screw holes should be positioned at the same heights as the shutter hinges. Use a drill small enough that allows the screw threads to bite the shutter frames. This is not applicable to Direct Mounting since Direct Mounts do not have frames, but instead are hinged directly to existing trim.

Interior Wood Plantation Shutters - Initial Installation Picture

Step 1 – Attach Frame To Window:

Inside Mount – Direct Mount

· Skip to Step 2

Inside Mount – Z Frame

· Using a 1/8” bit, drill mounting holes into the frame. One mounting hole next to each hinge location is suggested. Countersink the holes if desired.

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

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

· Adjust the frame for squareness. 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 – Hanging Strips

· Using a 1/8” bit, drill mounting holes into the frame. One mounting hole next to each hinge location is suggested. Countersink the holes if desired.

· Position the hanging strips in the window. Ensure they are positioned so that the shutter will be flush with the wall. This will allow the shutters to open fully and fold flat against the wall.

· Install the hanging strips inside the window. Install only one screw at each corner of the window for now – the rest will be added later.

Outside Mount – L Frame

· Using a 1/8” bit, drill mounting holes into the frame. One mounting hole next to each hinge location is suggested. Countersink the holes if desired.

· Position the frame 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 onto the wall. Install only one screw at each corner of the window for now – the rest will be added later.

Outside Mount – Hanging Strips

Hanging strips are installed on each side of the window (see illustration).

· Using a 1/8” bit, drill mounting holes into the frame. One mounting hole next to each hinge location is suggested. Countersink the holes if desired.

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

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

· Install the hanging strips onto the wall. 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. Install the plantation shutters 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.

· Your Plantation Shutters are now installed!

Need help with measuring or installation? Then please contact us.

Shutter Classic, Inc * (866) 369-8395

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