Inside Mount Shutters: What to Know Before You Order
18th June 2020
3 min read
US - Trustpilot
Plantation shutters can be installed as either an inside mount or outside mount. Inside mount fits within the recessed depth of your window opening, while outside mount attaches to the wall or trim surrounding it.
If your window has enough recess depth, inside mount is a popular choice, giving you a clean, built-in look that sits flush to the wall. Here's what to consider before you order.
1. Check Your Recess Depth
Measuring from the edge of your wall or trim back toward the glass, the recess depth you need will vary depending on the slat size you choose. Our measuring guides lay out the exact depth requirements for each slat size, and we offer frames in a range of depths to help push the shutters further from the glass if there are any obstructions in the opening.
As a general rule, you'll want at least 1 inch of flat surface area inside the recess to properly secure an inside mount frame.
2. Choose Your Frame: L-Frame or Z-Frame
Frame | What to Know |
|---|---|
L-Frame | A square frame with a minimal profile that fits completely within the recess. Can be mounted back toward the glass, flush with the wall, or pulled out past the wall edge for extra depth. |
Z-Frame | Has a decorative lip that overlaps the wall, creating the look of molding around the window. Great for hiding gaps or imperfections if your window measurements have a lot of variance. |
3. Consider Tilt-In Windows
If your window tilts in for cleaning, an inside mount frame can block this function. Print the scale templates from our measuring guide and place them inside your window opening to check whether the window will clear the frame.
Some customers prefer the look of an inside mount enough to forgo the tilt-in function entirely. If you'd rather keep it, an outside mount is the safer choice.
4. How to Measure for Inside Mount
Inside mount is the easiest option to measure for — you're simply providing the exact dimensions of the window opening.
Measure at three spots for both width and height, since most windows aren't perfectly level
Order using the smallest of your measurements to ensure a good fit
When checking out, opt into our design review - our shutter experts will review your order before it goes into production
5. Tips for Installing Inside Mount Shutters
Providing your smallest measurement helps ensure your shutters won't be a tight fit. A few additional tips:
If you ordered a Z-Frame (Face Mount), the overlapping lip will automatically cover any gaps caused by variance in the window opening
If you ordered an L-Frame, running a bead of caulk around the outside edge once installed gives a more seamless finish
Keep frame sides level as you install — start with one screw in each side without fully tightening, check for levelness, then tighten fully once the frame is secure
Use shims if there's significant variance or gaps to help keep the frame level
Still Have Questions?
Inside mount is a simple option to measure and install. If you're unsure whether your window will accommodate one, or how to work around any obstructions in the opening, contact us — email us a picture or give us a call and we'll help you figure out the best fit.