Tracked Shutters

What are tracked shutters?

Tracked shutters run on a track at the top (and usually the bottom) of an opening. The panels either fold together like a bi-fold door or slide past each other. We'd usually suggest them for large areas of glass, where hinged shutters wouldn't be practical.

Things to consider

• Stack space: when the panels are folded or slid back, they need somewhere to sit. We'll plan where they go when we measure.
• Floor track: a track along the bottom helps the panels run smoothly.
• Alternatives: if you'd prefer something lighter, have a look at our bi-fold door blinds.

Where tracked shutters work best

Tracked shutters are designed for wide openings: patio doors, bi-fold doors, sliding doors and large windows that run close to the floor. They also make a good room divider, for example between a kitchen and dining area, or to screen off a home office in an open-plan space. Whether the panels fold or slide depends on the room. Folding panels stack to one or both sides, leaving more of the glass clear, while sliding panels pass in front of each other and suit openings with little wall space either side.

Things to check before choosing tracked shutters

• Door clearance: the shutters sit in front of your doors, so we'll check the doors can still open and that the panels can be moved fully clear when you want to walk through.
• Handles: door handles that stick out need room behind the shutters. We'll measure how far yours project so the panels run past without catching.
• Floor and threshold: a bottom track needs a reasonably level floor, so we'll look at your flooring and any door threshold when we measure.
• Light: with the louvres (the tilting slats) open you still get plenty of daylight, and with the panels pulled back the glass is clear apart from the stacked panels.

Choosing louvre size, colour and material

Louvres come in 63mm, 76mm and 89mm. On large tracked panels we'd often suggest 76mm or 89mm, which give a more open view through the glass and suit the scale of a wide opening. Shutters are made in hardwood, MDF and water-resistant faux wood (PVC); faux wood is worth considering next to a kitchen, or on garden doors that are opened in all weathers. White and soft neutrals keep a large run of panels looking light, and we'll show you the tilt rod options, hidden or at the front. Our shutters buying guide explains the choices in more detail.

Looking after tracked shutters

Every so often, vacuum or wipe out the bottom track so dust and grit don't build up, and dust the louvres with a soft cloth. Move the panels gently rather than pushing them hard to the end. Tracked shutters are typically fitted in around two weeks from order. See our care and maintenance guide for more.

Measuring and fitting

We measure and fit tracked shutters ourselves, so you can leave the details to us. Book a free home appointment to talk it through.