How to fix plantation shutter slats

12:23PM 19 March 2020

Once you’ve installed them, plantation shutters become a real source of pride and joy within the home. However, sometimes household accidents and wear and tear can impact upon them. In the rare event that you’re required to repair a damaged slat (or louvre), here’s what you need to do.

There’s no need to worry, it’s a simple process that even the greenest of DIYers can accomplish!

How to fix plantation shutters with a tilt rod

When you’ve received your replacement slat, you’ll have a slat with holes drilled in the end to attach to the panel, as well as in the center for attaching the slat to the push rod. You’ll also receive staples to attach the slat to the rod, and pins to attach the slat to the panel.

Firstly, you’ll need to remove the damaged slat.

Using a pair of small pliers, you’ll need to carefully snip the staple on the slat (see below). Then, ease the slat from the push rod or loosen the slat from the push rod by tilting the slat up and down. Now you’ll be ready to remove the damaged louvre.

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To do this, take a wallpaper scraper and gently tap between the slats and the solid upright section of the shutter panel. The slat will be easily dislodged from the panel. 



Remove this old pin from the panel (below left). 



Now you’ll be ready to fit your new slat. First take your replacement pins. Insert the longer, fixed pin (below).



The other pin is spring-loaded.



Push the larger section into the other hole on the panel.  



Pushing the pin in, align the slat to the hole and let it find the hole.

Next, you need to attach the slat to the push rod.

Take the shorter staple and insert it through the staple on the push rod. Dab a small amount of superglue on the end and insert it into the holes on the slat. Push the staple into the holes until it can’t go any further. If desired, you can touch up the staple to blend in with your panels.



That’s it! Easy and simple to repair. Your wooden shutter blinds are now back looking as good as new.


 

How to fix plantation shutters with a Clearview tilt rod

 
To fix wooden shutter blinds that have a Clearview tilt rod, you’ll receive the same replacement items but with the inclusion of a screw to attach to the Clearview tilt rod.

Using a small screwdriver, detach the damaged slat from the rod. 



Next, take the wallpaper scraper to remove the slat as detailed above.

Your replacement slat has a notch in one corner…



…which should be placed adjacent to the hidden tilt rod.



Take your replacement pins and insert the longer, fixed pin into the centre hole at the end of the slat, and then insert into the panel.

The other pin, which is spring-loaded, needs its larger section pushed into the hole on the panel.



Pushing the pin in, align the slat to the hole and guide it in.  



Next up, you’ll need to attach the slat to the Clearview tilt rod. Simply insert the screw to attach the slat to the rod.



And that’s it! Another repair job simply done to ensure beautiful wooden shutter blinds.




In the unlikely event of your slats arriving loose in transit, or if you’ve experienced wear and tear and need a slat replacing (within warranty), then call or email our shutter experts and we’ll send you a replacement!




In the above video, Sarah Beeny tells us how it's done!