4. Shutters are mortised for hinges Mortised hinges are important to achieve a tight fit within your window opening. Without a mortised panel, a gap appears on hanging side that allows light to break between shutter panel and window jamb. It should not be necessary to mortise window jamb.

5. Shutters are rabbeted stiles between panels Rabbeted stiles between shutter panels reduces light breaks between panels. A significant gap is created in between panels that are simply butted up against one another.

6. View a shutter sample The shutter company should be able to supply you with a finished sample shutter. This way you can view quality of construction and finish first-hand. It is beneficial for you also to hold shutter in window to visualize how shutters will attach and look in your house.

7. Shutters should have quality finish A quality paint or stain finish is essential to overall satisfaction with your shutter purchase. A paint finish should be smooth, thick, and complete. You should be unable to feel wood grain and it should show through paint. A stain finish should be even with a proper top protective coat.

8. Custom built for each individual window There are no standard windows. A proper custom shutter unit needs to be built for each individual window opening to 1/16 inch. Any more will result in possible unnecessary gaps in shutter unit. Do not assume that because two or more windows look same, that they are same. Many times proper measuring will show that each window is unique.

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Shutters should be mounted to building with at least a ½" spacer between back of panels and building to allow for adequate ventilation. If not using hardware, use rust-proof screws sunk flush to wood. Paint screw heads following installation.

An opaque painted finish prevents light rays from penetrating finish and breaking down wood fibers. However, shutters may also be stained. When staining shutters, use finishing products designed specifically for outdoor or marine use – and be prepared to do more maintenance on shutters to keep them looking good.

Installing shutters can be as simple as affixing panels directly to house. It is also possible to install operable shutters, which can be closed over windows for protection against storms, and a number of hardware options are available. Look for heavy, solid hardware with a finish resistant to decay, such as zinc-plated hardware with a wrought iron black finish. Shutter caps can be another useful piece of hardware to keep water off top of your shutters, protecting against moisture damage.

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