Measuring For Shutters in Seattle

Plantation shutters in Seattle are typically sold by the square foot, so if you need a measurement for a price quote, just measure your window width and height, to the closest ⅛ of an inch.

For Seattle residents who are DIYers, we’ll show you the easiest way to measure your windows for indoor shutters.

How to Measure Rectangular and Square Windows for Shutters

Normal square windows seem like the easiest type of window to measure – and that’s because they are, relative to other uniquely shaped windows. But there’s still an entire process to go through to get measurements. Here’s what to do.

The Tools That You Need:

• Tape measure

• Paper and pencil

First, measure the width (the left-to-right distance). Measure across in three separate spots: close to the exact center, close to the top, and close to the bottom of the window. Record each one, to the nearest ⅛ of an inch. Then, measure the length (vertical) – get three measurements, one in the middle, and one close to the left and right edges of the window as shown in the diagram below.

Why do you need to measure three times each? Simply because no window is a perfect rectangle. And because of the different types of shutter mounts different windows need, you may either need to record the absolute smallest measurement (inside mount), or the largest measurement (for an outside mount). Getting measurements in three spots makes sure your bases are covered.

Measuring Unique Shape Windows for Shutters

Windows that aren’t rectangular are the windows that can present a challenge to measure. Just as there’s no such thing as a perfectly square window, there’s no perfect semicircle or arch window – which means it’s not as simple as getting a width and height. For the best results, get measurements taken by a professional (which Sunburst is happy to provide absolutely free). If you’d still like to do so yourself, these are the steps to measure most types of non-rectangular windows for shutters.

How to Measure Rounded and Arch Windows

Measure the width of the window at the flat side. Only measuring around the window opening, mark down to the nearest ⅛ of an inch the width of the arch. To find the height, find the halfway point of the window by dividing the width measurement in two, then measure to the end of the rounded part of the window from the point you found. Again, record to the closest ⅛ of an inch.

How to Measure Elongated Arch Windows for Shutters

Elongated arch windows look like a cross between a square window and a circular window, with a flat, wide bottom and straight “legs,” but with rounded corners at the top and a higher arch. So think of it like that: a rectangle and an arch combined. Measure the width as you would any other arched window, then take a measurement of the length of the legs (the straight vertical parts before the window curves into an arch). After that, measure the window’s max height from the middle of the width, subtracting the height of the legs. Again, write down every measurement to the nearest ⅛ of an inch.

Measuring Circular & Octagonal Windows

Full circle and octagon windows are some of the trickiest to measure accurately, since there can be so many small imperfections that can change the dimensions of the shutters your window might need. We strongly recommend leaving these windows to a professional.

For tricky windows and for any others you don’t feel comfortable measuring, or to save yourself a lot of stress, call Sunburst Shutters Washington. We’d love to take your window measurements at no cost to you during your free window treatment consultation. Just call 360-464-2277 or fill out the contact form below to schedule yours.