Begin at the Beginning
How shutter things fit together — and a quick way to find the right hardware for your house.
We have learned that considering shutters and hardware as an integrated package early in the planning process is the key to saving time and money. Your shutters can be any appropriate style and hung in a number of different ways — it’s the right hardware that makes them fully functional.
We design and make our hardware to install as simply as possible. Savings on installation often more than make up the price difference for higher-quality hardware. There are a number of dimensions and a bunch of terms involved, and it’s easy to feel confused at first. This page gives you the overview; the selector below points you to the right hardware; and we’re always happy to talk it through on the phone.
The three elements of shutter hardware
Functional shutters were necessary appointments on early homes: security, protection from storms and sun, and privacy. Whatever the period or style, they needed hardware to stay open, swing closed and lock.
Hinges and pintles
Hinges attach to the shutters; pintles attach to the structure and provide the pins on which the hinges — and shutters — swing from open to closed.
Hold-opens
Attach to the structure and keep the shutters in the open position. Shutter tiebacks or “dogs” are most common; hooks of various sorts were also used.
Locks
If you can’t lock the shutters closed, they are not functional. The most-forgotten element — and the most visible on open shutters.
Hardware selector
Four quick questions and we’ll point you to the hardware that usually fits. It’s a starting point — your measurements finish the job.
Will your shutters open and close?
What kind of project is it?
What will the hardware mount to?
Where is the house?
What matters most?
Find your way around
The navigation is laid out left to right, top to bottom, in what we feel are the logical steps to understanding shutters and hardware.
Installation situations
How windows sit relative to the structure and how shutters can hang in each situation — plus the offset calculator.
Standards & finishes
What measurements we need and why, our standard dimensions, and the weatherproof finishes we offer.
Hardware 101
A searchable glossary: blacksmith terms, iron and steel, and the words specific to shutter installation.
Choose hardware
Hinges & pintles, hold-opens, locks, stainless and barn hardware with patterns, sizes and reference pricing.
Ordering
How to order, what we need from you, and why we strongly urge you to call before placing an order.
Articles & guides
In-depth guides on measuring, finishes, restoration, forging and barn hardware.
A word about the drawings
The drawings on this site are our blacksmith’s own and are heavily influenced by the pen-and-ink works of Eric Sloane — an inspiring collector, artist, writer and teacher whose life’s work revolved around the sky, weather and early American tools and buildings. The sketch at the top of each page shows you’re on the shutter side of the shop; the barn sketch marks our barn hardware.
