What are Shutter Frames?
Shutter frames are structural components used in the installation of window shutters, designed to ensure that the shutters are perfectly aligned and securely mounted. These frames are typically in the shape of a square or rectangle and come with pre-installed hinges that make it easy to attach and align the shutter panels.
In this guide, we’ll be sharing exactly why these shutter frames are so important, and what types of shutter frames are best for each type of window from inside mounts for deep recesses to deco frames for a seamless external mount. Shutter frames aren’t just there to look good, however – more on that later. Keep reading to find out exactly what makes these frames so important!
Why are Shutter Frames so Important?
They support the weight of the panels
And this is particularly important in plantation shutters which, at Just Shutters, are our specialty. In fact, plantation shutters can’t be hung without a frame at all, because the frame is required both to support the weight of the panels and ensure they are perfectly aligned.
Not all windows are created equally
Whilst you wouldn’t necessarily know just by looking, most windows aren’t perfectly sized with 90° corners and edges identical down to the millimetre. And because your shutter panels have been created to that degree of accuracy, they won’t hang properly without a frame, and may even need to be sanded down in order to fit.
That’s where shutter frames come in. They make up for any imperfections in the window frames themselves and have been built to align perfectly with the shutter frames.
They give the shutters a sleek finish
The perfect shape of the shutter frames goes a long way to creating a sleek finish, but the beauty really comes from the finish on the outside edge of the frame which is seamlessly caulked to the wall. The frames ensure there’s no gapping or imperfections in the way the shutters are hung, which also means their blackout effect is stronger, with light blocks extending behind the shutter panels to reduce the amount of light escaping through.
What Types of Shutter Frames Are There?
L-Frame Shutters
For windows with an existing trim, L-frames are an ideal choice, making them the most common shutter frames. They can be used for inside mounts, where the frame is installed within the window recess, and the flat side of the “L” lies against the inside edge of the recess. But L-frames can also be used for outside mounts, where the frame is attached to the wall surrounding the window, outside of the recess.
Z-Frame Shutters
Z-frames are used for inside mounts only, and like L-frames, are named after their shape. The design of the frame allows one part of the “Z” to fit into the window recess, while another part extends over the wall or window trim, and the third part lies flat against the wall or casing, forming a decorative border around the shutters. This creates a seamless look which hides any irregularities or gapping.
Deco Frame Shutters
Like Z-frames, deco frames are effective in hiding irregularities in the recess of your window. Named after their decorative style, deco frames are used for outside mounts only and are ideal for windows that don’t have an existing trim. As well as transforming the look of your window and shutters, deco frames can extend the depth of particularly shallow recesses so you aren’t restricted to the smallest slat size. These frames are also ideal when there is no recess at all, as they allow the shutters to be attached directly to the surrounding wall.
Three-sided Frame Shutters
Whilst most shutter frames are four-sided for optimum stability, three-sided frames are an option in situations that call for them. For example, café-style shutters cover only part of the window, which means a three-sided frame is ideal, with frames running along both sides and the bottom of the shutters. Similarly, a four-sided shutter frame on patio doors would be a trip-hazard, so three-sided frames are generally used instead, with frames along the top and sides. Three-sided frames can also be used in windows with expensive marble or granite sills – to affix the frames, the window sill is drilled into, and many with these expensive sills would prefer to avoid this.
Can Shutters be Fitted to Any Window?
Yes! Thanks to shutter frames, shutters can be fitted to any window, regardless of shape or size. Windows without recesses can enjoy shutters fitted with deco frames, patio doors can have a three-sided frame to remove any tripping hazard, and even bay windows can be fitted with made-to-measure shutter frames to ensure a sleek finish.
At Just Shutters, we specialise in custom shaped plantation shutters for shaped windows, whether they’re arched, triangular, or porthole-round. We can even create custom-made shutters for the notoriously difficult conservatory roofs.
What Materials are Shutter Frames Made From?
Plantation shutters are made from various types of wood, and shutter frames are made to match the shutters themselves for a stylish, consistent finish. At Just Shutters, our most popular shutter and frame material is CraftWood, which offers longevity and sustainability as they are crafted from premium-quality, sustainable EWC (Engineered Wood Composite) sourced from responsibly-managed forests in Queensland, Australia.
For shutters in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms, a material like our PermaWood is ideal due to its water-resistant and mould-resistant properties. Made from a material called ABS, which is submersible in water, they just require a simple wipe with a damp cloth now and then and will never peel or fade.
We have a range of other wood-based shutter materials for you to choose from, and we’re always happy to advise you to help you get the look and features that you want.
Premium Plantation Shutters at Just Shutters
At Just Shutters, we have the widest range of shutter styles in the UK – including some exclusive ranges! You can trust us to create the perfect solution for any window.
To get started, browse our range of high-quality plantation shutters, or get in touch with us for more information. We’re always happy to hear from you, whether it’s to answer your questions about our shutters or to start you on your shutter journey!
