Window Shutter Terms and Definitions
Bermuda Shutters - Exterior shutter type designed to cover a single window with one panel. Shutters are hinged at the top and are proped open at the bottom. Often shutter panels us a vertical sub-stile.
Board and Batten
Cafe Type - A shutter unit that only covers
the lower portion of a window. See Cafe
Shutters.
Custom (Custom Made) - A shutter unit that
is made specifically for an individual window opening. See Custom
Made Shutters vs. Customized Shutters.
Customized - A shutter unit that is made for
an individual window by converting pre-made shutters panels
to fit the opening See Custom
Made Shutters vs. Customized Shutters.
Divider Rail - A horizontal bar that creates
top and bottom louver sections. It looks like the top or bottom
rail and allows the sections to rotate independently. See Divider
Rail.
Double Tier - A shutter unit that has one set
of shutters on the top and one on the bottom. Each set of shutters
opens independently of the other.
Exterior Shutters - Designed specifically
for outdoor use. See Exterior
Shutters.
Finish - Paint or Stain.
Fixed Louvers - Set in a single uniform position
so the louvers do not move. Most often at an angle to block
direct sunlight and allow for ventilation. Used freqquently
for exterior shutters.
Frame - Used for mounting custom shutter units
to the outside of a window opening and can have either 3 or
4 sides.
Hanging Hinge - A hinge that connects a shutter
panel to the window jamb or hanging strip.
Hang (or Hanging) Strip - A strip that extends
the length of the shutter unit hinged to the outside panel.
The strip is screwed to the wall or window jamb.
Hardware - The divice(s) that attach shutters to the window, holds the shutters in a fixed position, assist in the function, or add to the design of shutters. Hardware is most often metal.
Hinge - A two-leaf device that connects a shutter
to the mounting surface or joins two shutters together.
Interior Shutters - Designed specifically
for indoor use. See Interior
Shutters.
Interpanel Hinge - A hinge that connects two
panels.
Lock Rail - See Divider Rail.
Louver - Slats contained within a shutter panel - can be movable or fixed.
See Louvers.
Mortise - A rectangular cavity in shutter stile
for inserting a hinge - allowing a tighter fit to the side of
the window or hang strip. See Mortise.
Movable Louvers - Adjustable slats that can
be rotated into the desired position.
Panel - A single shutter. Most shutter units
consist of more than one shutter panel.
Plantation - 1-1/8" shutter panel with
louvers generally larger than
1-7/8".
Rabbet - A cut or groove along the edge of
a stile between panels that allows them to form a joint to reduce
light penetration. See Shutter
Rabbet.
Rail - Horizontal bar at the top, bottom, or across
the center (divider rail).
Raised Panel Shutters -
Shaker Shutters -
Shutter - A panel consisting of two side stiles,
a top and a bottom rail, and louvers in between.
Stile - Vertical bar found along either side
of a shutter panel.
Sub-Stile - Vertical bar found in the middle of a shutter panel - used in
Style - Plantation or Traditional.
Tilt Bar - The horizontal bar used for adjusting
the louver position.
Traditional - 3/4" shutter panel with
1-1/4" louvers.
Unit - Shutter panels and other necessary components
(hanging strips, hardware, etc.) that work together to fit a
window opening.
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