Installing plantation shutters is not quite as simple as you may think and is definitely a task best left to the professional installers. However, if you consider yourself to be a bit of a DIY guru, it is certainly more than possible to successfully fit them yourself.

Although there are many methods to fitting shutters, there are a few standard things to keep in mind. The first thing to do is to make sure that you fully understand all the design requirements and fitting options that are presented to you. Most importantly you will also need the correct measurements to ensure the perfect fit of the plantation shutters.

Before you make start, be sure that you have a couple of basic tools on hand such as a measuring tape, screwdriver and a drill, which will all come in handy during the installation process. You will then need to decide how your shutters are going to be fitted, for example, whether you are going to fit them inside the reveal, which is the most common way, or on the edge or outside of the reveal. All three of these options are fine to do, however the best way to come to a decision is to take into count the general layout of your room, in order to see which way will look best.

The next step is fitting your frames. These are usually square in shape, so beware if you live in an older house as more traditional frames are not always perfectly square. Plantation shutters themselves are normally made square unless they are specially designed to fit the shape of a window that has a slight tilt or is subsided.

Finally, when it comes to the necessary screws and hinges, you can either contrast them with your plantation shutter design to create a more modern effect, if done properly. If you are hesitant, go for the easier option and match them instead. If you live in a particularly wet climate, it is best to opt for marine grade steel hinges which are stronger and more durable than some of the others available.