There are many options available to customize your shutters so that it fits the dimensions of the home and the customer’s expectations.
An Astragal (or D-Mould) is a piece of molding that is added to the stile of a specified panel. It is 1/2” in depth and overlaps the top/front of the adjoining panel.
A T-Post is a stand-alone post that is added to a larger frame to provide additional support. The wider portion of the post is 2 3/16” and is installed on the window side of the opening. The panels will sit on a ⅝” lip with a 1” post separating the panels on the room side.
To understand which option is best for your customer’s shutters, we have to understand the benefits of both the Astragal and a T-Post
Astragal
Astragal is beneficial because of the near blackout* light-blocking feature between the two panels and also provides a smoother transition. There are limitations due to the largest panel size maxing out at 41 ¼” wide. If the opening is larger than 82 ½ in total, you will want to suggest a T-Post to the customer.
T-Post
The T-Post is intended for openings that are at least 83 “ wide minimum. The T-Post will support both the frame and any additional panels needed to cover the opening. It is also used to cover mullion, the aluminum strip that divides the glasses panels of the window. The con of going with the T-Post is that it gives what is known as the light halo effect. This is more of a light bleed* that is created when the sunlight creeps in, especially for west-facing windows during sunset.
*Please note that all shutter installations will have some level of light bleed. If the customer wishes to have a complete blackout window covering, we recommend pairing a blackout shade with the shutter.
Now, we decide which is the best for your customers by answering a few questions.
Is a T-Post needed to support the configuration of the panels, or the size of the opening? If the answer is yes, then you’ve got your solution.
If the answer is no, the next question is, which of these two looks the best to the customer?
And now, you have the best option. Happy selling!
