Tier on Tier Shutters

Tier-on-tier uses physically separate upper and lower panels, so either tier can fold back while the other remains closed. Full-height shutters use continuous panels. Split tilt can control the upper and lower louvre angles separately, but the complete full-height panel still opens as one piece.

Each tier has its own hinges. A common suitable-window layout has one upper and one lower panel opening from each side, giving two left-opening and two right-opening panels. Panel numbers can change for wider windows, bays or unusual glazing divisions.

The position comes from the real window rather than a standard upper-to-lower ratio. On a sash window it can align with the original meeting rail where practical. Our sash-window guidance explains the wider period-window considerations. On casement and bay windows, the glazing, handles, privacy sightline and panel clearances determine the split.

Yes, when the bay faces, angles and opening clearances support the layout. Each face is measured separately, while the horizontal tier division is kept visually consistent across the bay wherever the window geometry allows it. The bay-window shutters guide explains how those faces and clearances are planned.

Tier-on-tier shutters cost 10% more than the equivalent full-height configuration because the separate upper and lower panels need their own hinge mechanisms. The pricing guide explains the underlying material rates and what is included.

Choose full height when you want a cleaner continuous panel line and do not expect to open the upper and lower sections separately. Split tilt can still give separate louvre-angle control with fewer panels, fewer hinges and a lower price. You can compare full-height shutters before deciding which operation you will actually use.