Things to Consider When Buying 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.