Plantation Shutter Guides
Find everything you need to know about Plantation Shutters in our complete guides, which detail components, mounting options, controls, measuring instructions, and installation advice.
Installation guide
Plantation Shutter Guides
Parts of a Plantation Shutter
Before choosing your plantation shutter, take a moment to review the components below to better understand its essential features.
Louvres (or Slats)
The louvres are the horizontal blades that tilt to control light and privacy. Our shutters feature durable, wide louvres that provide a modern look and are incredibly easy to clean.
Stiles
Stiles are the solid, vertical side-pieces of the shutter panel. They are the “backbone” that holds the louvres in place and provides the main structural integrity for the panel.
Stiles
Stiles are the solid, vertical side-pieces of the shutter panel. They are the “backbone” that holds the louvres in place and provides the main structural integrity for the panel.
Top & Bottom Rails
The top and bottom rails are the horizontal bars that form the top and bottom of the shutter panel. They connect to the stiles to create the panel’s sturdy outer frame.
Tilt Rod
The tilt rod is the mechanism that connects the louvres and allows you to open and close them in unison. We use a hidden “Clearview” tilt rod for a clean, modern look with no visible rod cluttering your view.
Tilt Rod
The tilt rod is the mechanism that connects the louvres and allows you to open and close them in unison. We use a hidden “Clearview” tilt rod for a clean, modern look with no visible rod cluttering your view.
Midrail
A midrail is a stationary horizontal rail placed in taller panels (often required for any height over 1500mm). It adds structural stability and allows you to control the top and bottom louvres independently for split operation.
Shutter Frame
The frame is the outer casing that mounts to your window opening. You can choose an L-Frame to mount directly onto the wall/architrave (On Wall fit) or a Z-Frame which fits inside the recess (In Reveal fit) while providing a decorative trim.
Shutter Frame
The frame is the outer casing that mounts to your window opening. You can choose an L-Frame to mount directly onto the wall/architrave (On Wall fit) or a Z-Frame which fits inside the recess (In Reveal fit) while providing a decorative trim.
Hinges
Hinges are used to mount your shutter panels to the frame. They allow the panels to swing open smoothly for full access to your window.
Plantation Shutter Guides
Mounting Methods
Before you take any measurements, you need to decide whether you want the plantation shutter mounted on the wall or mounted inside the reveal/recess of the window. See the pictures below for illustrations.
Mounted on wall
Wall-mounted DIY plantation shutters offer a bold, custom-fit solution for home improvement. Ideal for wide windows, they provide flexible light control and stylish privacy with easy installation for homeowners.
Mounted in the window reveal
Reveal-mounted DIY plantation shutters deliver a sleek, built-in look for modern interiors. Perfect for tight spaces, they offer clean lines, energy efficiency, and simple installation for confident renovators.
Mounted in the window reveal
Reveal-mounted DIY plantation shutters deliver a sleek, built-in look for modern interiors. Perfect for tight spaces, they offer clean lines, energy efficiency, and simple installation for confident renovators.
Next Step
Now that you know what the parts of a Plantation Shutter are, let’s move on to the next step.
If you still have any questions, please give us a call or send us a message
Frequently Asked Questions
Are DIY plantation shutters hard to install?
Not at all! Our DIY plantation shutters are specifically designed for easy installation, even with no prior experience. They are custom-made to your exact measurements for a perfect fit. We provide simple, step-by-step guides to walk you through the entire process.
What are plantation shutters made of?
Our plantation shutters are made exclusively from high-density PVC (Polymer). This advanced material is incredibly durable, moisture-resistant, and won’t warp, crack, or chip like timber can. This makes our shutters perfect for any room in your house, including high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
How do I measure my windows for plantation shutters?
Accurate measuring is the most important step, and we’ve made it simple. You need to measure the width and height at three points (top, middle, bottom). Our guides show you exactly how to measure for an “In Reveal” (inside the frame) or “On Wall” (on the architrave) fit to ensure your shutters are flawless.
Do plantation shutters block out all light?
Plantation shutters offer excellent light control and room darkening, making them one of the best window treatments for blocking light. When the louvres are fully closed, they block the vast majority of light, but they are not 100% “blackout” as there may be tiny light gaps. Check our dedicated page to learn more
Can plantation shutters help reduce my energy bills?
Yes. Our PVC plantation shutters are excellent insulators. The material and the way they fit snugly in your window frame create a thermal barrier. This helps keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing your reliance on air conditioning and heating, which can help lower your energy bills.
What colours do plantation shutters come in?
We offer our plantation shutters in a range of stylish colours. While classic White is always popular, we are the only company in Australia offering stunning Black and Light Grey finishes direct to the public. These exclusive colours provide a bold, modern look that you can’t find anywhere else.
What is a midrail and will I need one?
A midrail is a stationary horizontal rail built into the shutter panel. It is required for stability on any shutter with a height over 1500mm. It also adds a great feature: you can control the top and bottom louvres independently for the perfect balance of light and privacy while hiding the mullion for the perfect aesthetics.
What are the shipping times for plantation shutters?
We offer two options to suit your needs. Our Imported Plantation Shutters (our most popular, cost-effective option) have an 8-10 week delivery time. We also offer Australian-Made Shutters which are 15% more and can be delivered in just 2-4 weeks.
What is the maximum width for a single shutter panel?
To ensure long-term stability and prevent any risk of sagging, the maximum width we manufacture for a single shutter panel is 900mm. Our smart online form will automatically show you the valid panel combinations (e.g., 2 panels, 4 panels) for your window’s width based on this rule.
How do I clean PVC plantation shutters?
Our PVC plantation shutters are incredibly easy to clean. Unlike fabric blinds or curtains, they don’t hold dust or allergens. Simply wipe them down with a damp cloth or a duster. For tougher spots in a kitchen, a mild, non-abrasive cleaner is all you need.