What makes bypass shutters different from tracked shutters?

Bypass shutters slide past each other on parallel tracks and remain rigid — they don’t fold or concertina like tracked shutters. This makes them ideal for clean, minimal layouts or tight spaces.

Can bypass shutters work with any patio door?

In most cases, yes. We’ll assess the door width, handle placement, and track clearance to confirm whether a bypass system is suitable for your space.

Do I need to clean the track often?

Not frequently — just occasionally vacuum to remove dust or debris. The panels slide smoothly without the need for oils or lubricants.

What’s the best slat size for bypass shutters?

Most customers choose 76mm or 89mm slats to reduce the number of louvres per panel and maintain a clean, simple appearance.

Bypass Shutters for Patio Doors | Smooth Sliding Plantation Style

🏠 Introduction – What Are Bypass Shutters?

Bypass shutters are a sleek and practical way to dress wide doorways, especially patio doors and large glazed openings.
Rather than folding or swinging out, bypass shutters are mounted on parallel tracks, allowing each panel to slide smoothly past the next — just like a sliding wardrobe door.

They’re particularly useful where there’s limited room to fold panels back, or where consistent, uninterrupted shutter lines are preferred.
The result is a clean, contemporary look with excellent light control, privacy, and ease of use.

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🛠️ How Bypass Shutters Work

Unlike traditional hinged shutters or folding systems, bypass shutters operate on a glide track system.
Each panel is fixed in its vertical frame and slides side to side on a dedicated rail, passing neatly in front of or behind adjacent panels.

Here’s how they function:
• ✅ Panels stay rigid and upright — no folding or swinging
• ✅ Tracks allow each shutter panel to slide smoothly left or right
• ✅ Panels can be configured to slide from one side or meet in the middle
• ✅ No obstruction into the room or toward furniture and fittings

Because the panels don’t fold or hinge outwards, bypass shutters are ideal in areas where space is limited or where a sleek, uninterrupted shutter face is preferred.

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🪟 Best Uses for Bypass Shutters

Bypass shutters are a practical solution for wider openings where there’s limited room to swing or fold panels, or where a minimal, streamlined design is preferred.

Because the panels glide sideways rather than folding, bypass shutters are ideal for:

✅ Patio Doors
• Perfect for standard sliding patio doors or wide fixed glazing
• Panels glide along the wall without taking up extra depth in the room
• Excellent for maintaining airflow and light control while still allowing access

✅ Large, Fixed Glass Areas
• Ideal for rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass, particularly in modern extensions or sunrooms
• Offers full coverage without the complexity of multiple folding panels
• Can be used to soften the feel of larger glass expanses while maintaining clean lines

✅ Openings With Obstructions
• Useful where furniture, radiators, or internal sills might block inward-opening panels
• Bypass operation keeps everything flat and unobtrusive

✅ Clean, Symmetrical Designs
• Preferred by some homeowners for the visual simplicity of uninterrupted vertical lines
• Suitable for both traditional and contemporary interiors

📏 Slat Size and Design Considerations

When planning bypass shutters, slat size plays an important role in both visual appeal and day-to-day usability.

✅ Recommended Slat Sizes

• 76mm and 89mm are the most commonly used sizes for bypass shutters
• Fewer slats per panel = a cleaner, more open look
• Larger slats also improve visibility and light control
• 63mm slats can be used where visual alignment with nearby windows or height constraints apply

⚠️ Important Note on Slat Operation

Because bypass panels slide closely past one another, the slats must always be fully closed before operating the shutters.
Even a slight opening can cause one slat to catch on another, potentially leading to wear or damage over time.

🧱 Mid-Rails and Structural Planning

Bypass shutters are often fitted across taller doors and glazed openings, which makes mid-rails not just optional — but usually necessary.
• A mid-rail provides added structural support, especially on taller panels
• It helps maintain frame rigidity as the panels slide repeatedly
• Wherever possible, we plan the mid-rail to align with glazing breaks or door handles for a cleaner visual finish

This careful design ensures that your shutters are both durable and proportionally balanced — and will continue to perform well with regular use.

🛠️ Build Quality & Strength – Why It Matters More for Bypass Shutters

Bypass shutters may look minimal and elegant — but behind the clean lines lies a lot of structural consideration.

Because bypass shutters are often made with fewer, wider panels, each one needs to maintain its shape and alignment over time, despite frequent use. That makes build quality critical — and it’s why we only supply shutters with the structural integrity needed for daily performance.

✅ Engineered Stiles for Panel Stability

• All of our shutters are constructed with engineered stiles, made from laminated layers of timber
• This process strengthens the panel frame and resists twisting or warping over time
• Particularly important when the shutter panel is wider than average — as often seen in bypass configurations

✅ Mortise and Tenon Joints for Durability

• Each panel is built using traditional mortise and tenon joinery
• This technique creates a solid connection between stile and rail, ensuring long-term durability without relying on weak dowels or adhesives
• Essential for large panels that must remain square and rigid as they slide across the track repeatedly

✅ Long-Term Reliability

• Our shutter construction is what allows us to confidently offer a 10-year guarantee
• We know that with proper materials and joinery, your shutters will maintain their shape, seal, and visual appeal for years to come

When it comes to bypass shutters, strength isn’t optional — it’s essential. Wide panels that stay flat and operate smoothly start with the right internal structure.

See the Quality Behind Our 10-Year Guarantee »

🧼 Cleaning and Maintenance of Bypass Shutters

Bypass shutters are easy to keep clean and well maintained. Their wider slats make them quick to dust, and because they stay in place while operating, there’s less handling overall than with folding shutters.

Here’s how to look after them:

✅ Day-to-Day Dusting
• Use a feather duster, microfibre cloth, or vacuum with a soft brush attachment
• Larger slats (76mm or 89mm) make it easy to clean between louvres

✅ Track Maintenance
• Occasionally vacuum the top and bottom track to prevent dust buildup
• Avoid applying lubricants — these tracks are designed to glide dry

✅ Material-Specific Cleaning
• Waterproof shutters (e.g., Herm or Wisley) can be wiped with a damp cloth and mild detergent
• Splash-resistant shutters (e.g., Alderney) should be wiped with a lightly damp cloth — never soaked
• Always dry thoroughly to maintain the finish

Read Our Full Guide on How to Clean Shutters »

What makes bypass shutters different from tracked shutters?
Bypass shutters slide past each other on parallel tracks and remain rigid — they don’t fold or concertina like tracked shutters. This makes them ideal for clean, minimal layouts or tight spaces.
Can bypass shutters work with any patio door?
In most cases, yes. We’ll assess the door width, handle placement, and track clearance to confirm whether a bypass system is suitable for your space.
Do I need to clean the track often?
Not frequently — just occasionally vacuum to remove dust or debris. The panels slide smoothly without the need for oils or lubricants.
What’s the best slat size for bypass shutters?
Most customers choose 76mm or 89mm slats to reduce the number of louvres per panel and maintain a clean, simple appearance.

Still Have Questions? Contact Us »

🆓 Free Temporary Blinds While You Wait

When you order plantation shutters from us, we offer complimentary temporary blinds to cover your windows during the manufacturing period — so you’re never left without privacy or control over light.

These temporary blinds are:

• Free With A Shutter Purchase
• Easy to fit
• Neutral in colour and discreet in appearance
• Ideal for maintaining privacy and comfort while your shutters are being made

📍 Just one more way we aim to make your experience smooth and stress-free.

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🤝 Our Service Commitment

At Surrey Blinds and Shutters, we combine quality craftsmanship with trusted service, ensuring every customer receives a smooth, professional experience from start to finish.

✅ Our Own In-House Fitting Team

All of our shutters are installed by our own experienced fitters — we never subcontract. You’ll deal with the same trusted team throughout your journey.

✅ Post-Installation Checklist

Once your shutters are fitted, we carry out a detailed checklist to make sure everything is perfect and you’re completely happy before we leave.

✅ 10-Year Shutter Guarantee

We stand by the quality of our products. That’s why all our shutters come with a full 10-year guarantee for your peace of mind.

✅ UK-Made Shutters in as Little as 5 Weeks

Need shutters sooner? Our UK-made range can be manufactured and installed in as little as five weeks – ideal if you’re working to a deadline.

✅ Established in 2009

We’ve been proudly trading since 2009, bringing years of hands-on experience to every consultation, installation, and customer we work with.

✅ Free Temporary Blinds While You Wait

Waiting for shutters to be made? We offer complimentary temporary blinds so you’re never without privacy or light control during the lead time.

Whether you’re fitting out a single bay or updating your whole home, we’re here to help from start to finish – with a team that genuinely cares.