How to Install Box Bay Shutters

Please note, our Essential Faux Wood range is not recommended for bay windows.

What you have received:

• Rectangular boxes containing the shutter panels.
• Long boxes containing the frames and corner posts.
• A small hardware box per shutter with all necessary hardware for installing your shutters (this will be sent inside the Frame boxes)

Before you start you will need:

• Small hammer or rubber mallet
• Phillips Screwdriver (star)
• Electric Drill
• Spirit level
• Appropriate fixings for your window type (rawl plug etc.)
• Decorators caulk
• Packing material (cardboard, shims, or wedges)

Find an explanation on the contents of the shutters hardware box here.

 

Step 1: Assembling your shutter frame

1. Ensure the cover strips are removed from the frames and place the frame sides front face down on the floor. Each frame side is marked on the mitered end with a letter to indicate which frame side it is: T for Top / B for Bottom / L for Left / R for Right

This can all be done on top of the flattened cardboard box to protect the paint finish.

2. On the back of the frame, a bowtie shaped hole forms in each corner. Insert the Plastic Hoffman Keys into the holes to connect the frame sides. Tap gently with a rubber mallet or cover frame with a cloth to avoid damage to the wood.

Tip: It can be helpful on installation to put an extra screw through the corners of the frames to keep the frames in square stronger.
 
Premium Faux Wood Shutters: With the Faux Wood Large L Frame, the deep buildout will be provided separately. This needs to be joined to the back of the frame at this point.

Essential Faux Wood Shutters: Please note this frame does not have cover strips. It will have pre-drilled holes and cover stickers to cover the screws. 

 

Step 2: Fix your shutter frame into position

1. Working from Left to Right, lift your assembled frames to the window and position them to where you took the measurements
2. Fit the corner posts into the corners as you work your way around the bay.

These do not need to be drilled into the windows, they are there to join the frame sides to each other.

3. To start, fix the frames using minimal screws. This allows some movement of the frame positions as you hang the panels.

This wiggle room helps you adjust the position and achieve the perfect installation.
Initially, we recommend 1 screw in the top and bottom frame sides for each frame.
 
If your window is not level, use a spirit level and pack the underneath of the frame where required with a shim, wedge, or small piece of card. This can be done so that the packing implement is hidden, and gaps filled in with decorator’s caulk at the end of installation.
 
Tip: If fixing to masonry, drill the hole and use the appropriate wall plug fixing for the installation. If fixing into UPVC, once you feel the screw start to bite… stop drilling.
 

Step 3: Hanging your panels

1.  To attach panels, line up the pre-attached hinge parts on the frame and panels, and drop in the hinge pin to connect. Repeat until all panels are attached.

Important: Slats will always close upwards.

2. If necessary, you can adjust the hinges on the frames until you are happy with how the shutter operates. When happy with the hinge placement, add the final hinge screw to lock panels in position.
3. Secure frames into place using all the screws provided.
4. Fit the cover strips or cover stickers back into the frame to cover the screws.

Step 4: Finishing off tips

1. Any slight gap between the shutter frame and wall can be filled with decorator’s caulk.
2. You may find that your slats lose tension over time. Not to worry, because this can be adjusted via the slat tension screws. These are located on the sides of the panels. A quarter turn of the screws on each side is enough to tighten the mechanism.
3. Use a duster or gentle cleaning products to clean your shutters. Keep your shutters dry and well ventilated by regularly opening and wiping with a soft cloth should any condensation occur.

For more installation tips, please visit our shutter installation FAQs.