Step 1: Assemble the Frame

  • Carefully unpack the shutter frame components. Avoid using sharp blades like stanley knives directly on the frame as this can damage or scratch the surface.
  • Lay all four frame sections on a flat, clean surface. Each piece is labelled to indicate its correct position: Top, Bottom, Left or Right.
  • Arrange the pieces accordingly to form a complete rectangular frame.
  • Connect the frame sections using the swallow tail joints - these are pre-cut interlocking corners on each frame piece.
  • Gently press the joints together by hand until they click securly into place.

OPTIONAL: Use 32mm screws to reinforce the frame at the corners. These can be requested upon collection.

Steps 2-3: Install T Posts & Apply Packers (If Applicable)

Some shutter installations include one or more T-posts, which act as vertical dividers within the frame to support multiple panels.

Positioning

  • If your window has a vertical divider (known as a mullion), the T-post should align with it. Check the alignment carefully before securing.

Orientation Check

  • To ensure the T-post is the correct way up, hold it alongside either the left or right vertical frame piece. The hinges on the T-post should line up exactly with the hinges on the side frame (if they don't, the T-post is likely upside down - rotate it and recheck).

Attaching the T-posts

  • Line up the pre-drilled hole in the frame with the corresponding pre-drilled hole in the T-post. Secure the T-post in place using the provided screws. Ensure the T-post is straight and firmly fixed before continuing.

Step 4: Insert the Frame into the Window Opening

  • Lift the fully assembled frame and place it carefully into the window reveal (the recessed area surrounding your window).
  • Ensure the frame is centred, upright and fits flush against the reveal surface.

Check for Movement (wiggle room)

  • Before tightening any screws, check if the frame moves or shifts when lightly pushed. If the frame feels loose, gently push it upwards to ensure it fits snugly against the top of the reveal. This helps to ensure correct alignment of the shutter panels.

Secure the Frame

  • Using the 65mm screws provided, screw the frame into place. Start with the left and right vertical frame sections - insert one screw at the top and one at the bottom of each side.

NOTE: If the frame has not been pre-drilled you can drill straight into your window reveal OR you can use a 4mm drill bit to drill pilot holes in the light block of the section of the frame, aligned with the hinge positions.

You don't need to insert screws into every hole at this stage! Two screws per side are sufficient to hold the frame in position for a test fit in the next step.

Step 5: Test Fit and Install Side Panels

Test fit your left and right panels. Panels are numbered with 1 starting left (or you may have it labelled A) - Always install from left to right.

  • Open panel boxes carefully, taking care not to drop or apply pressure to the corners, as they can dent.
  • Locate the hinge pins - these are found in the screw box or inside the frame bundle for custom orders.
  • Lift the panel by the midrail (if present) or by the side stiles - do not lift by the slats as this may break the tilt rod mechanism or dislodge internal pins due to the shutters weight.
  • Position the panel so that the panel hinges align with the hinges on the frame.
  • Insert the hinge pins to secure each panel in place.

If your hinges are slightly unaligned, carefully loosen the hinge screws so it can move up and down. Place the hinge pin in before re-tightening the hinge screw.

NOTE: You will need to have put at least one hinge pin in prior to adjusting the hinge screws - otherwise it will cause the panel to be in the incorrect position.

Step 6: Adjust Panels for Alignment

Check for squareness

  • Use a spirit level to check the frame both Horizontally and Vertically. This will confirm whether the frame is level in all directions.
  • If the bubble in the level is not centered loosen the screws slightly on the higher or tighter side to allow the frame to shift.
  • Tighten screws on the lower or looser side to pull the frame into correct alignment.
  • This is the point where you can install the top and bottom screws and adjust as needed.

No level? No problem

  • Use the shutter panel as a guide - if they do not open, close or sit correctly, the frame likely needs adjusting.
  • Follow the same screw adjustment process, loosen tight areas, tighten looser ones and recheck panel alignment.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

With the frame fully installed, squared and the shutter panels correctly positioned, it's time to complete the final steps!

  • Use the 'sticky dots' (adhesive screw covers) provided in your installation kit.
  • These are designed to neatly conceal all visible screw heads, particularly on the inner face of the frame.
  • Press each dot firmly over the exposed screw to ensure it adheres properly and blends into the frame.

Secure Hinges with Painted Screws

  • Locate the white-painted hinge screws included in the hardware pack.
  • Insert one screw into the centre hole of each hinge (where it attaches to the frame) and tighten to lock the hinges in place.

NOTE: The purpsoe of this final step is to prevent the hinges from shifting or loosening over time.

Important to note that the shutter blades should close upwards!