How Do I Measure Exterior Shutters for a Brick House?

Decide how to fit the shutters. Check how shutters in neighborhood brick houses are installed. Does the top of the shutter start at the window opening or at the brick detail above it?

Measure the height of the window. Measure the window from the top of the actual window to the top of the brick opening. Subtract 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch from this number if using a vinyl shutter on a window with a window sill. Write down this number as one height option. Measure the window opening from top to bottom. Record this number as a second shutter height choice.

Measure the width of the window from the brick mold to the brick mold.

Divide the width by two. Record the number as the shutters width.

Subtract from the width if there is an obstruction such as a close window or chimney. Write down this number as the width if the original width is too large.

Calculate 25% of the final width. Record this number as the minimum width for a visually appealing shutter on the window.

Make shutter templates to decide which height measurement is preferred on the brick house. Draw the height and width dimensions on a piece of cardboard. Cut out the rectangular template. Tape templates next to the windows where the shutters will hang. Stand back and decide which measurements to use for the custom shutters.