FAQ
What is a sill plate?
A sill plate is used on Deco frames or Z frames when the shutter frame needs to fit down flat onto a window sill.
The decorative part of the frame is removed providing a flat surface.
Sill plates make fitting frames easier and allow the use of Tposts.
What are LDF shutters?
LDF stands for Light Density Fibreboard and is a man-made shutter, also known as Craftwood or MDF.
Named on our website as Standard MDF (Antigua).
Are shutters energy efficient?
Shutters can assist in keeping heat in, helping to save energy and money, and can be more efficient than curtains or blinds as wood is an insulating material.
Once closed, the shutters form a solid barrier, heat is less likely to be lost from your home creating energy savings from your shutters.
During warmer months the louvres can be opened/tilted which also help reduce heat by keeping out direct sunlight, or ensuring it is angled away, to help maintain a steady temperature in your home.
Why do you supply s:craft shutters?
We choose to supply S:CRAFT shutters because in our opinion they are currently the best shutters on the market for quality, choice of frames and options.
Off set folding
The offset folding option allows you to customise the width of each shutter to suit your window layout without using Tposts.
This can affect how the shutters fold back to the sides and in some cases might prevent the shutters folding right back to the side of the recess.
If you require offset folding, please request it via the notes box on the order form.
Shutters only, no frame?
It is possible to order shutters without a frame.
There is a ‘no frame’ option on the order.
Remember the louvres protrude from the back of the shutter panel, so make sure they will not hit anything.
Concertina shutters?
Shutters that concertina are referred to as bi-folding shutters.
You can find more information on Folding within the info hub, search ‘folding’.
Generally, concertina shutters come in pairs, so can also be referred to as LL (left/left) or RR (right/right) on the website.
Sound proof shutters?
Our shutters are not designed as a soundproof solution, but they will naturally help reduce the noise in your room.
The best solution would be to use the Blackout Shutters as they will come with a honeycomb internal blind that will also provide some extra noise reduction.
What is the Shadow Gap?
The shadow gap is the secret to fitting shutters!
12mm clearance is deducted from your width and height measurements to ensure the frame fits within the recess, this provides a 6mm clearance gap or ‘shadow gap’ around the shutter frame.
The shadow acts like an infill and creates a neat finish between the wall frame:
This is important as normally recesses are not square or straight.
It is neater to leave a natural shadow than it is to fill the gap, generally filler will shrink and will not match the frame colour or wall colour, hence the natural shadow looks and provides a professional finish.
Can you fit shutters to patio doors?
Yes, you can easily fit shutters onto patio doors or French doors, simply treat them as you would a window.
You may need to:
- Remove the skirting board from the inside of the reveal.
- Cut out the frame around the skirting board.
- Use battens to create a sub frame if you have a large handles.
- Order 3 sided frames if there is not bottom threshold
- Use bi-folding shutters if the door is wide
Tiles halfway up my recess?
If you have tiles that go halfway up your window recess, there are a few options you can choose from.
- Measure the smallest width between the tiles and fit the shutters with two shadow gaps, a smaller gap between the tiles and a larger gap above the tiles.
- Customise your shutter frame by ordering a frame with a cut-out so the frame fits around the tiles. This will add to the cost of the shutter, but the shutters will look more fitted. Cutouts are only available with wooden shutters.
Are shutters suitable for the bathroom?
Yes, the Standard ABS shutters are a waterproof shutter ideal for the bathroom, kitchen or wet rooms.
They look very similar to the wooden plantation shutters and have an extremely high-quality matt finish.
The ABS shutters have wider 50mm side stiles rather than the usual 40mm, they have stainless steel hinges and ball catches rather than magnets.
Do shutters block out much light?
Shutters block out enough light to be used in bedrooms.
If you work nights and sleep during the day, we offer a blackout shutter option combining a blackout blind within the shutter frame.
This has a bespoke frame that the blind fits in, the blind is controlled by cords in the normal way, to access the cord controls just open the shutter, realise the cords and the blind will slide down a channel blocking out most of the light.
How much depth do u need to fit shutters?
Yes it is…. when you have a standard recessed window.
We have designed the easyfit shutter kit for standard recessed windows, ie windows set back from the wall with a window sill, so if you have one these then you’re in luck!
Your best bet is to watch the simple How-To videos on the DIY shutter page as these will explain the whole process showing you how to design, measure then install your shutters yourself.
Remember, if you don’t have a standard window, it is still possible to order DIY shutters and if you need some expert advice to help you get it right, start by booking up on a free 10min call.
Are shutters energy efficient?
Shutters can assist in keeping heat in, helping to save energy and money, and can be more efficient than curtains or blinds as wood is an insulating material.
Once closed, the shutters form a solid barrier, heat is less likely to be lost from your home creating energy savings from your shutters.
During warmer months the louvres can be opened/tilted which also help reduce heat by keeping out direct sunlight, or ensuring it is angled away, to help maintain a steady temperature in your home.
Cleaning shutters
Wooden shutters have a sprayed finished so I would be careful using mild detergents, normally a duster will be fine.
Plastic coated shutters like MDF and ABS can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or cleaning wipes.
If you keep your windows open regularly, the louvres will need more cleaning due to the wind/dirt/damp air coming through the window.
Do shutters keep in the heat?
Yes, shutters will help keep the heat in during the winter and keep the heat out during the summer.
Louvre blades are about 10mm thick so they provide good insulation.
Is DIY really that easy?
Yes it is…. when you have a standard recessed window.
We have designed the easyfit shutter kit for standard recessed windows, ie windows set back from the wall with a window sill, so if you have one these then you’re in luck!
Your best bet is to watch the simple How-To videos on the DIY shutter page as these will explain the whole process showing you how to design, measure then install your shutters yourself.
Remember, if you don’t have a standard window, it is still possible to order DIY shutters and if you need some expert advice to help you get it right, start by booking up on a free 10min call.
Can you come and measure up?
Our DIY shutter option is designed for you to do everything yourself, from the design, measuring and fitting. In return, you can benefit from the low online prices.
If you would like your shutters measured and fitted, please choose our Fit service.
Can shutters be opened on bay windows?
Generally, customers keep their shutters closed and just open and close the louvres to let the light in so you don’t need to worry about where the shutters fold back too.
Shutters are fitted in frames, there is normally one frame per angle or window section on your bay, shutters will hinge open within each frame section so they can’t all fold back to one side like curtains.
When you open the centre shutters on a bay window they would fold open in front of the side windows when folded back.
He is a video showing some shutters fitted in a round bay window.
Do I need a middle rail with a half height design?
No, you do not need a horizontal rail with half height shutters unless you have a feature on the window for the rail to line up with or you have high windows and you’re over the height limit.
Can shutters be opened on bay windows?
Generally, customers keep their shutters closed and just open and close the louvres to let the light in so you don’t need to worry about where the shutters fold back too.
Shutters are fitted in frames, there is normally one frame per angle or window section on your bay, shutters will hinge open within each frame section so they can’t all fold back to one side like curtains.
When you open the centre shutters on a bay window they would fold open in front of the side windows when folded back.
He is a video showing some shutters fitted in a round bay window.
Do you supply tracked shutters for a doorway?
Yes, you can fit track mounted shutters on a doorway.
Tracked shutters can be fitted windows, patio doors or used as room dividers.
This video shows how track mounted shutters are operated.
Can I fit shutters outside the window reveal?
You can fit shutters on the outside face of the wall.
This is normally done to allow the window to open or the shutters to fold back against the wall.
The Deco frame is designed to be fitted on the face of the wall as its wide and decorative like an architrave.
You can fit a standard L frame to the outside of the reveal as this will provide more louvre clearance, the frame chosen will depend on the design and style of the window.
If you have space and a recessed style window, our recommended way of fitting shutters is inside the recess.
Can I change my delivery address?
Yes, please contact us with your new address.
Please note, amendments cannot be made the day before or on the day of delivery.
Can you provide delivery time slot?
Unfortunately, time slots are not available.
Scraft shutters are normally delivered by their own vans between 8-6pm
How quickly can you deliver shutters?
May 2022:
Scraft standard lead times 12-14 weeks.
Between January and March Scraft lead times are extended to 14-16 weeks due to the Chinese New Year.
Custom colours, shapes, cut-outs or special options can add 1-2 weeks to the standard lead times.
UK Fauxwood shutter standard lead times are 3-5 weeks.
My shutter delivery has not arrived?
Please email info@opennshut.co.uk or call 01243 214888 to advise us.
I need some advice and help
The easyfit shutter kit is designed for simple recessed windows and there are clear video guides to help you design, measure and install shutters within the How-To section.
If you have watched these and you’re still unclear on how to proceed, then your next step is to book up for a free 10min call with one of our experts.
Once booked you can email us some clear photos of your windows, this will help us provide some advice.
If you have a ‘tricky window’ rather than a standard recessed window, then we suggest booking an advice call with Sam.
Help, I have a bay window
You can measure fit shutters for bay windows yourself, it will take some time to understand how and where the shutters can be fitted, and different windows are measured in different ways.
If you have a good understanding of what to do, you can find some measuring and fitting guides in the Trade section in the Info Hub.
If you would like some expert advice, you can book up on an advice call with Sam, you can email some photos of your windows to him in advance and get some ‘one to one’ advice on exactly how to measure and install shutters on your window.
This advice is an extra cost, but its worth it to ensure your shutters look and fit in the best way possible.
I don't have a normal window?
If you don’t have a standard recessed window, but you would like to order DIY shutters, your best bet is to book up on a free 10min call so we offer some advice on where to start.
Your window might be easier than you think to put shutters on, if it is we can tell you exactly how and where to measure.
If your window is not straightforward, then you would need to book up on a tricky window call with Sam for some expert advice and training.
Why do I have to pay for advice?
To keep our shutter prices low, we stripped out the ‘advice’ from the cost.
With our new easyfit shutter kit, we made it really easy for you to understand how to design, measure and fit the shutters yourself. We have 3 clear videos that talk you through the whole process.
Ideal if you have a simple recessed window, which most customers do have.
However, providing advice on every individual window style takes a lot of time, especially as every customer has a different understanding of how and what to do and tricky windows like bays, doors or shapes take even longer.
The DIY option should be easy and we have made it that way, but for it to be easy you need a simple window. For anything else, you either tackle it yourself or get an expert in to do it for you.
In order to provide the very best advice, we treat it like our trade training courses and provide a pay as you service to help customers still wanting to fit shutters on tricky windows.
I can't find the option on your order form?
We have two order forms, out DIY order form only provides a cut down version of what we can supply to keep things simple and easy for you to order.
If you have a tricky window and need to customise your shutter order you will need to order on the Trade order form.
You will then have access to all the shutter types, colours and designs like shapes or track mounted shutters. You will need to know how and what to order if you do order on the trade order form, most customers using this will have booked on an advice call with Sam so they will know exactly what to do.
Can I match to my existing shutters?
Yes, if your an existing customer and you want to match what you previously ordered, then send a request via the contact page and we can locate your old order details and advise how to order a matching set.
It will probably mean ordering via the trade order form as it has more options, but we’ll explain this we contact you.
If you know the date or order reference from your previous order then let us know.
Confused about Tpost deductions?
Why do I need to deduction 6mm from the Tpost measurements I take?
The vertical Tposts get ordered from the left side of the shutter frame. All the measurements have been taken from the wall (Tposts included), so if your deducting 6mm for the left hand shadow gap, you also need to deduct 6mm from the Tpost measurement (to allow for the shadow gap).
The Tpost size you enter into the order form will now be from the edge of the shutter frame.
How much do shutters cost?
The best way to find out how much shutters will cost is to take some rough width and height sizes and email them to your local fitter so he can provide an estimate.
Prices are based on the square meter size of your window, there can be additional costs depending on the options you choose, such as custom colours or hidden control rods. The number of shutters and layout will not affect the cost.
Deciding between the DIY and fitted option?
If you have straight forward recessed windows, then the DIY option will be easy. Watch the videos on the DIY shutter page to see whats involved with the easyfit shutter kit.
If you have tricky windows, bays, doors or shapes then we suggest contacting your local expert and get them professionally fitted.
How long does it take to fit a shutter?
DIY Fitting times can vary from an hour per window to 3-4 hours for a bay window.
What type of shutters do you supply?
We choose to supply and fit scraft shutters, a UK company based in Winchester. They focus on quality and keeping lead times to a minimum.
They offer a wide selection of shutter types, frame designs and options, making it easy to find the right design and type of shutter for your windows.