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It can be a little confusing when some shutter websites start to get all technical. At Do It Yourself Shutters, we like to keep things simple. This section tells your all you need to know about the different parts that go to make a plantation shutter.

Shutter panelsShutter Panels
This refers to the main part of your installation. Operating like a hinged door, the shutter panel can be designed with a choice of moveable louvres or alternatively a solid design. You can have a single shutter panel or multiple panels hinged together, depending upon the design you go for.

Shutter frameShutter Frames
We offer a free-of-charge shutter frame with all orders and recommend this method as being the easiest way to install your plantation shutters and give you the best finished look. The frame is a discreet outer lying piece of wood, into which the shutter panels are attached.
 

4.pngFront Facing Tilt Rod
The vertical piece of wood which attaches the louvres together if you opt for a plantation shutter design. 




Clearview tilt rodClearview Tilt Rod 
The design is more contemporary than the traditional options above. There is a thin metal rod connected to the back of the slats on each panel. It is offset to one side so that your view is unobstructed when the slats are titled open. 


Hidden splitHidden split
Shutters taller than 1300mm without a mid-rail require a split in the Clearview tilt rod. You can request a split in a specific location, and if no location is requested then your order will automatically receive a split in the centre of the Clearview rod. Having this split ensures seamless slat closure for your shutters.

Shutter Mouse HoleMouse hole
If you choose to have your shutters with a front facing tilt rod, the rod will close, in the upwards direction into a little notch on the panel, the shape of a mouse hole - hence the name.

 

Top rail / Bottom RailBottom rail
The horizontal solid pieces of structure at the top and bottom of the panel. The size of these is dictated by the structural requirements of the design you choose.



Divide RailDivide rail
A design detail that can be incorporated for both structural reasons (if required) or as a design preference. It can be located in a wide range of positions and the website will show you what can and cannot be ordered. It works well to give added flexibility to adjust the louvres at different angles above and below the divider rail.

Shutter StilesShutter stiles
These are the vertical upright sections of the shutter panel itself.





Shutter Louvres (or shutter slats or blades)Shutter louvres
Plantation shutters refers to the design where you have horizontal pieces which rotate within the shutter panels. There's different sizes to choose from. 64mm (2 1/2" louvres), 76mm (3 1/2" louvres) and 114mm (4 1/2" louvres) are the most popular sizes we offer.
 

Shutter Design - Full Heightfull height shutters
As the name suggest, full height panels cover the whole window. It's the same panel structure from bottom to top that will be hinged to open. You can incorporate different design features like a divide rail to give flexibility over how you move the louvers on the upper or lower sections.
tier on tier shutters

Shutter Design - Tier on Tier
Typically, this design will cover the entire window but with the panels divided between the top and bottom sections. This means you can open the top panels and leave the bottom panels closed. Tier on tier shutters are a good solution if you want to retain privacy but get the maximum amount of light into the room.

Shutter Design - Cafe StyleCafe style shutters
This design of plantation shutters refers to panels which are measured and installed to just cover the bottom section of the window. Cafe style shutters can work well if you are looking to incorporate another window treatment like blinds or curtains on the top.

Shutter Terminology - Plantation Shutters
This refers to the type of plantation shutters with moveable louvres - most probably the type you are browsing for.

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