How to buy shutters

How To Buy Shutters

Currently, shutters are made in a number of different

materials, with wooden shutters still being the

benchmark for quality window coverings. Quality

wood shutters are designed to last for the lifetime

of your home. Deciding on the material for your

shutters is the first step in making things work.

Selecting your shutter style

There are two basic styles of shutters available.

The traditional style uses a narrow shutter panel

with 1-1/4" louvers. Traditional shutter louvers

are normally wedge shaped, being thicker in the

front and narrower in the rear. Plantation type

shutters are generally 1-18" thick with larger

louvers.

Selecting the shutter finish

Shutters can be stained, painted, or both. Almost

all companies offer a number of paints with stain

colors, while some don't. Paint colors will

generally include a variety of whites and lights.

The stains will help enhance wood grains in a

number of tints and tones, starting from light

natural tones to an almost black pitch. Keep in

mind, both synthetic and wood composite shutters

can't be stained.

Determine the price

Because of their material options, shutters will

come in a wide range of prices, with many suppliers

calculating the price on the square foot. Prices

are calculated based on the exact window size,

shutter, style, finish, and number of panels

involved.

Deciding on the unit

Shutter units can use a number of different panel

configurations within a window. The number of

panels across the shutter is determined by the

shutter style, traditional or plantation, and

the width of the window. The traditional style

panels are normally narrower than the plantation

style and would use more panels across the window.

Each specific company offers guidelines for the

number of panels to be used with a window. If

the window is tall enough, you may want to

consider a double tier, or two tier shutter

unit that uses one set of shutters at the top

and one set at the bottom.

Each set of shutters will then open independently

on the other. You can also use a divider rail,

which is is a horizontal bar that creates a top

and bottom louver section within a single style

of panel.

Measure and order

Carefully follow the measuring instructions,

then determine the window type and installation

provided by the company you have selected. The

directions should be detailed, yet very easy for

you to follow.

The company should also offer phone assistance

should you have any questions.

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