Investing in a Plantation Shutter
Here is a list of the Top 10 Things to Know Before Buying A Plantation Shutter. These are important aspects for you to consider before making an investment in the best window coverings on the market today.
1. Louver size changes the entire look
Knowing what you want the room to feel like when you are done is very important to your plantation shutter selection process. Do you want a contemporary feel, with clean, wide-open windows, or are you looking for a traditional feel in the home, with classic double-hung shutters? There are thousands of design options and we can guide you through the options, costs, and best sales in the industry.
We like to use the widest 4 1/2" louver for transitional and contemporary homes. We combine this wide louver with hidden or "Invisible" tilt rods, so all you see is the openness of the large louver, which updates the traditional shutter look and brings it into today's updated home interior.
Here is a link to one of our manufacturers with more info on how to decide which louver size to pick, Plantation Shutter Sizes”. Also, see my blog, “The Perfect Solution for Window Coverings” for more tips on plantation shutter design.
2. Installation Matters for Several Reasons
You must have a qualified installer to ensure the shutters are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements, or they might void the warranty. Attention to detail is important when installing wood shutters, so the frames are kept perfectly true and square, to avoid pinched hinges and stress on the shutter panel that can cause warpage.
Remember, the shutter will block 100% of the UV rays coming through your window. It has to be tough, to begin with, but when an inexperienced installer does not take the time to get the frame perfectly level, the shutter will ultimately bend to the new shape, causing cracks, warpage, and damage.
You can avoid this and make the most of your warranty by choosing a dealer with factory-certified installers. The cost is negligible compared to the 25-50 years your shutter will last, fully covered by the manufacturer’s Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Windows are a major source of heat loss, but they are necessary for light, ventilation, and view. In a typical single-family home, 25% to 35% of the heat is lost through windows.
According to a study conducted by the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis, Cornell University, a shutter must be properly installed to ensure the air buffer and insulative properties.
If properly installed, a wood shutter can reduce heat loss by 75-90% and provide an insulation value (R-value) of 4.0-10.0.
Up to 50% of a home’s heating and cooling escapes through the windows. Compared to roofs or insulated walls, even standard double-pane windows allow 10 times more energy to escape. One of the best ways to reduce your utility bills and save money is to simply install plantation shutters on your windows. Here is a link to a great booklet from one of our top manufacturers called “Which Blinds Are the Most Energy Efficient?”
3. Small Upgrades Make a Big Difference in the Final Look
There are several fairly inexpensive upgrades to the shutter that can provide a big boost in the overall look and feel. These include shutter pulls, shutter locks, and hidden hinges, among others. Images of these upgrades are below, and they can be added to the shutter. They come in a brushed nickel finish that looks great against all of the whites and off-whites. They really pop when putting on a stained wood shutter. The locks protect the shutter from the kids and prying hands, while the pulls can even protect it from the unknowing adult who might not know how to properly open the shutter door.
4. Materials Matter in Plantation Shutter Construction
Wood is the most traditional material used in plantation shutter construction, but there are several areas where wood is not the best choice for your shutter. Since it is susceptible to moisture and humidity, we don’t recommend wood shutters (or faux wood) in the bathroom, attic, or garage. There are several options for these areas, including ABS polymer louver shutters, like the very popular “Woodlore Plus” shutter from NORMAN. And finally, the most durable shutter in the world, the “Premium Polyresin 3” shutter from Eclipse.
I like to design with functionality, durability, and classic looks in mind. That is why I really like to put the Eclipse "Polyresin 3" shutter in the garage and attic (infograph link). It is waterproof and heat-resistant. The shutter can be easily removed and cleaned with warm soapy water to get rid of the bugs that ultimately get on any garage and attic window coverings. They look brand new every time they are cleaned and warrantied for 25 years.
MAIN TYPES OF MATERIALS IN SHUTTERS
- Polyresin 3® – A colorfast compound with UV stabilizers designed with strength and durability, yet retaining a special warmth and feel. Shutters will not warp, shrink, chip, peel, or fade, and never need painting.
- Basswood – An American hardwood that is the ideal wood for many woodcarvers. The soft, fine, even texture of basswood makes it easy to work with, while its pale, inconspicuous color doesn’t detract from the carved patterns of the finished product (which also makes it easier to paint and color). It is stable in service after drying, and though Basswood is both lightweight and soft under stress, it will remain stiff.
- Paulownia Wood – A finely grained timber from the tree known as the “Tree of Eternity”, offers rich, consistent wood characteristics and unparalleled resilience. It also captures more carbon than other trees and regenerates from the stump, being ready for harvest in 7-8 years.
We carry 5 manufacturers of shutters, and our free consultation will provide you with the best recommendations on cost, functionality, and cohesive style across all brands to ensure your investment is protected and looks great for decades.
5. Plantation Shutters Can Be Motorized
The advancements in motorized window coverings are improving your options exponentially in 2018. There are many reasons why investing in motorized window coverings makes sense, including the fact that motors are becoming more reliable, cost-effective, and efficient, so batteries last longer on a single charge.
My blog, “Top 10 Reasons to Motorize Your Window Treatments Now,” walks you through the factors of motorization in a simple, comprehensive way, so please take a look.
Shutters can also be motorized to tilt open at a certain time of the day (imagine waking up to the automated shutters in your bedroom). They can also be programmed to tilt closed during the heat of the day. This ensures the protection of your fabrics, carpets, and wood floors by blocking the UV rays every single day. The remote is very simple to program and operate, with one remote that can control all the shutters individually or all at once. You must see this system to believe it, so here’s a video about Norman’s Remote Tilt.
The PerfectTilt G4 remote is a perfect upgrade for your shutters and can even be upgraded with a solar package to eliminate the need to change the batteries. I recommend this for my clients who have high, hard-to-reach windows (like in the 2-story living room). With the solar recharge upgrade, we can automate the tilt of their shutters, giving them full functionality and a maintenance-free solution for years to come. It is a luxury upgrade made simple. I recommend adding the shutter pull upgrade described above to protect the remote Tilt mechanism and complete the total look.
6. Plantation Shutters are Easy to Clean and Great for Allergies
WebMD offers this suggestion in the article, How to Allergy-Proof Your World, "Avoid dust-collecting Venetian blinds or long drapes. Replace old window coverings with shades or shutters."
Shutters are a great way to help allergy-proof your windows, as recommended by this guide, “5 Tips to Allergy-Proof Your Windows.” Wide 4 1/2″ louvers are also a great choice since shutters with large slats are easy to vacuum and wipe down.
SHUTTER CLEANING GUIDE
Use a clean, dry feather duster, cloth, or vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove dust and debris. To ensure thorough cleaning, widen the louvers or “slats” in the open and closed positions. Do not immerse the product in water or use abrasive chemical solvents. This may cause discoloration and wood warping. Ultrasonic cleaning is recommended only for “Premium Polyresin 3” shutters and is not recommended for wood or faux wood plantation shutters. For best results, use a cotton cloth dampened with water on tough dirt and stains. Polyester cloths tend to create static that can attract more dust
7. Shutters are the only window covering that actually stays on the appraisal
Custom Shutters and Resale Value
Shutters are included in the appraisal as hard-fixture upgrades to the home.
Whether you’re in your home for the long haul or will be looking to move in the future, permanent changes should be made with an eye for what will add value to your home rather than detract. Plantation shutters add to the value of your home because they stay with the house and are a “hard fixture update.” Please see the blog entitled “Plantation Shutters Cost vs. Value: What You Need to Know Before Buying” for more details on the ways shutters can increase your home’s appraisal.
According to the article, What Adds Value to Your Home: Inside the Appraisal Process by Eric Stewart,
If you're going to put lots of money into a window treatment, my personal observation is that plantation shutters, very generic blinds, but the high quality will bring you the most money back on that investment.
8. Know How Much Quality Shutters will Cost in Your Area
The worst mistake you can make in this process is to decide to invest in wood shutters for your home, only to purchase a low-quality shutter that will not stand the test of time. Plantation Shutters from national manufacturers are tested, warrantied, and have stood the test of time for decades. Well-known manufacturers like Graber, Norman, Eclipse, and Timber all know what it takes to produce a quality shutter. Knowing how much a quality product should cost is also very important.
Check out this cost estimate tool:
We have found this “Shutter Cost Calculator” from HomeWyse to be more accurate than most estimates when you Google “How much should Plantation shutters Cost?” You simply enter your zip code and the size of your windows (approximately) and then select the specifics (real wood vs. faux). After that, you hit enter & there is an estimate that is fairly accurate, including local labor costs. The cost range is accurate enough for a budget plan for your project, but nothing beats a free in-home consultation and estimate.
9. The quality of Shutter Production Varies Dramatically, So Know What You Are Getting
Shutters can be made in your hometown, in the USA, or overseas. You should know the specifics of what goes into your shutter and how it is made to make the best decision. You should ask what type of joinery the shutter doors use (dowels or mortise-and-tenon). There are also hundreds of wood-curing and treatment options that can dramatically extend your shutters’ lifespan or cause them to warp prematurely, so ask how the wood is cured. Finally, the paint and finishing process is critical to keep the shutter looking great for decades.
There are thousands of paint and finish options, but our best manufacturers use a 7-step process, including some very impressive coatings, such as NORMAN’s polypropylene coating, which offers the durability of a car or appliance finish (see list below). It is a detail you will only know if you ask. At Made in the Shade Little Rock, we pride ourselves on providing our clients with all the facts and letting them decide which options they want. We also provide prices in a range of options from “good-to-better-to-best.”
The Patented Polypropylene Coating from NORMAN protects, making Woodlore® even more durable and robust
- Better consistency and durability than regular wood shutters
- Better heat resistance than vinyl and PVC shutters
- Won’t fade or yellow with sun exposure
- Does not chip or crack over time
- Never stains; easy to clean
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
10. The Top Upgrade for Plantation Shutters
Hidden Tilt vs. Invisible Tilt
Hidden tilt rods are the top upgrade for our clients who purchase premium plantation shutters. There are 2 main ways of removing the tilt rod from the shutter door. The first system is called “Hidden Tilt.” This is the most conventional method with a steel connector on the street side of the shutter. It is very thin and hardly visible from either side of the shutter (but it is still present). A small screw then attaches to the steel rod and to each shutter slat. When you move one shutter slat, all of the slats open and close.
Below is a picture of a hidden tilt system, which eliminates the need for a room-facing tilt rod. Here is a link to an excellent blog titled “Center Tilt Rod vs. Hidden: Which Option is for You?” that explains in detail the advantages and disadvantages of each system.
Hidden tilt rods are the traditional way of removing the tilt rod and have been around for a long time. Recently, several vendors have released upgrades to the hidden tilt bar, including Graber.
Improved Hide-A-Tilt™ Construction. Engineered for maximum quality, our Hide-A-Tilt is more durable than ever, thanks to thicker, powder-coat painted steel—available in White and Steel Grey. Also, to ensure tighter louver closure, we reduced the tolerance on the screw holes.
Invisible Tilt Upgrade for Plantation Wood Shutters
Invisible Tilt is an innovative upgrade that completely hides all rods and moves the louvers with an internal gear. Several companies, like NORMAN and Eclipse Shutters, have introduced invisible tilt systems that have excellent reliability. They provide an updated, more contemporary feel than traditional plantation shutters. We can design custom wood shutters to fit any décor, from craftsman to contemporary.
You must see Invisible Tilt to appreciate the impact it has on the design and aesthetic of the shutters in your home. Here is a link to an entertaining video from NORMAN on the patented "Invisible Tilt." Additionally, please review my blog "The Perfect Solution for Window Coverings" for more ideas and information on the importance of these upgrades in the final project. We have a complete line of upgrades, manufactures, and certified installers who can make your home investment an excellent experience, from the budget to the design and finally, the rewarding completed project.
Summary
When you decide to buy plantation shutters for your home, you are making an investment that will last. However, it is important to know the options and upgrades available to you so that your project is rewarding and lasts for decades.
The shutter purchase is significant, but the improved curb appeal, better light control, and increased home value are worth it for many of our clients.
This makes Plantation Shutters the #1 upgrade for new and existing homes in the Little Rock area.
Call the Plantation Shutter experts now at (501) 672-0023 or click on the “Your Free Quote” link. We make amazing windows–Easy & Elegant
