No Drill Shutters vs Traditional Shutters: Which is Best?

If you’re thinking of investing in window shutters and want to go down the DIY installation route there are a few options available.

No drill shutters and stick fit shutters are two new innovations to the shutter market. Both offer a quick, time-saving shutter installation solution.

Traditional shutters are still a popular choice for DIY window shutters. All our traditional shutter ranges are made to measure to ensure a perfect fit and prevent drafts and other issues. 

We understand the thought of self-installing shutters can be daunting.

However, with California Shutters there’s no reason to be worried. We’ve created handy easy to follow measuring and installation guides to help any shutter installation run smoothly.

So, with this in mind we’ll explain everything about no drill shutters and weigh up all the pros and cons…

If you’re wanting a quicker solution to shutter installation than traditional shutters, no drill shutters are the perfect choice.

One of the main differences between no drill shutters and traditional shutters is that (as the name suggests) no drill is required and a lot less other tools are needed as well.

Our no drill shutters are available in our UK-made faux wood that is 100% waterproof and an ideal solution for bathrooms, kitchens and wet rooms. However, these shutters still come with the classic shutter aesthetic of hardwood shutters and therefore don’t look out of place in any other room in the home.

There are two main types of no drill shutters, perfect fit shutters and stick fit shutters.

Let’s move on to explaining what these are weigh up their pros and cons.

Perfect fit shutters are a frameless shutter that fits directly onto your PVC windows, clipping into their brackets in minutes. They don’t sit within a frame like regular shutters, and work specifically with uPVC windows.

These shutter blinds are a great option for 'tilt and turn' or inwards opening windows, which often aren't suitable for classic hinged shutters.

The great thing about perfect fit shutter blinds is that all you’ll need to install them is a standard-sized debit or credit card.

Take your debit or credit card and hold it in the corner of the glass. Make sure the brackets line up with the edge of the card. There will be two brackets provided for both the top and the bottom.

Then all you need to do is slide the bracket between the glass and the black seal. Repeat these steps for the top and bottom of your window.

Once the brackets have been slid between the glass and black seal, line up the notches on the top of the panel with the top brackets. Then push the panel against the window until it slots into the bottom brackets. 

If you have side brackets, check that these have been clipped into position.

Follow our easy guide to fitting perfect fit shutters and you’ll have your new window dressing in place in a matter of minutes!

Another no drill shutter solution for quick DIY installation is our new stick fit shutters range.

Like perfect fit shutters, stick fit shutters don’t require the same tools as traditional shutters for installation.

Stick fit shutters are named as such because of the way they are fitted to your windows. There are no brackets, and the frame sticks directly to the window pane.

Installing stick fit shutters is a very simple process.

Two adhesive panels are provided and these are to be applied to the top and bottom of the window pane and then the shutters are clipped onto these panels.

The difference between stick fit and perfect fit shutters is that stick fit shutter blinds are designed to stick directly to the glass, rather than into the rubber beading of the windows like perfect fit shutters. 

• Easy and quick installation - Whether you choose perfect fit or stick fit shutters, your shutters can be installed in minutes

• Remove with ease - if you want to remove your shutters they are also just as easy to take out and will leave no damage behind

• Best choice for tricky tilt and turn windows

• Perfect for glass doors - Perfect fit and stick fit shutters can be fitted easily to french door shutters.

• Ideal for renters - Because no drill is required and limited tools are needed, no drill shutters damage the walls or window frames.

• Maximum sizing is limited - For larger windows this means they might not be the right solution.

• Limited customisations - If customisation is important to you then no drill shutters are also limited because they’re only available in white

• Only available in full height shutters range

Traditional shutters have been around for a while. They’ve been a popular solution to window dressings in homes throughout the country for many years.

These shutters come in a range of styles to suit any interior design needs. From full height shutters that cover the full length of the window to café style shutters that sit along the bottom half of the window leaving the top section free.

They also come in both our hardwood and faux wood ranges.

Installing traditional shutters is a longer process than no drill shutters. You’ll need the right tools and to make sure you have enough time to get them fitted properly.

To self install traditional shutters follow our installation guide for shutters. Keep in mind that you’ll need the following tools to fit your new window covering.

• Small hammer or rubber mallet

•  Phillips screwdriver

• Electric drill

• Spirit level

• Decorators caulk

• Wedges or shims

Traditional shutters can be installed in 5 easy to follow steps.

Our guide will help you assemble and position the frames, hang the panels, secure the frame and hinges and help you with the remaining finishing touches.

• Extensive customisation options - Including colours for the panels and hinges, the style you want and even the louvre size.

• Larger maximum sizing 

• Fitted around or within window recess - Gives a more substantial, architectural look, often considered more high-end, framing the window beautifully and making a striking design statement.

• Longer installation times - Installation requires more tools and more steps to be completed

• Fixed in place - Meaning they might interfere with inward-opening windows and doors. For those types of windows, you might want to choose no drill shutters

The choice of no drill shutters vs traditional shutters depends on your requirements.

For greater customisation and finishing options, larger windows and doors and more curb appeal traditional shutters are the right choice.

However, if you have any tricky windows or doors, don’t want to invest in DIY installation tools and want easy installation then no drill shutters are the way to go.