How to Position & Measure Shutter Midrails

A midrail is the horizontal rail across a shutter panel. If you want it to align with a window rail or other feature, take its position from a consistent reference point. Use that result for this step.

In this article

• Measuring for Midrails
• Measuring the Position of Your Midrail

Plan the Midrail

A midrail is the fixed horizontal member separating upper and lower louvre groups. Where the shutter design permits, you can specify as many as two midrail positions.

If the window already has a horizontal pane division or transom, positioning the midrail on that line will usually give the neatest appearance.

Record the Midrail Height

Record each midrail position from the lower shutter reference point up to the centreline of the required midrail.

• Inside mount: measure upward from the inside bottom of the recess.
• Outside mount: measure upward from the same lower reference point used for the outside-mount shutter height.
• Second midrail: keep the same bottom reference and measure directly to the centreline of the second midrail.

For the order, during manufacture, a requested midrail position may shift by approximately ±15mm so the louvres can be divided evenly. If the location must be exact, mark the midrail as “Critical”; the top and bottom rails may then be adjusted and may finish at different sizes.

Also consider normal eye level when choosing the midrail location. Depending on the viewing position and person’s height, setting it slightly above the window mullion can improve the sightline.