One of the window treatment upgrades that are being searched the most by homeowners currently is Plantation shutters. Nevertheless, most consumers commit expensive errors due to their haste in the choice as they are not aware of the prominent variations among the materials, louver sizes, and frame styles. This guide contains all the information you require when talking about the plantation shutters homes actually require such that you not only invest wisely but also get the results that are long-lasting.
What Are Plantation Shutters and Why Are Homeowners Choosing Them?
Plantation shutters are window treatments which are constructed to have a solid frame and horizontal adjustable louvers. Light and privacy control is through the center tilt rod which opens and closes the louvers. Plantation shutters are installed on your window frame as opposed to the blinds or curtains- they are a permanent installation that has long-term value to your house.
Homeowners select the plantation shutters because of three reasons. First, they are able to provide accurate control over natural light and do not interfere with privacy. Second, they provide serious resale value – buyers use shutters as a luxury addition like hardwood floors. Thirdly, they are very appropriate to the climate since it serves as a shield against the summer heat and winter cold.
The 3 Main Materials — Which One Is Right for Your Home?
The most crucial choice you take when purchasing plantation shutters is the material to choose. Houses are prone to humidity, changes in temperature and direct sunlight, of which not all materials cope with such factors.
- Basswood
Basswood is the best wood to be used as the plantation shutters. It is fine-grained light hardwood, which accepts paint and stain very well. Moreover, basswood does not warp as easily as most natural woods with the help of a UV-resistant finish that is applied by professionals. Basswood shutters are however higher than PVC or MDF. They are most effective in living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms where there is a relative humidity present.
- PVC
PVC plantation shutters are the most feasible to be applied by the kitchen, bathrooms, and basement windows of houses. PVC is totally waterproof and therefore it can deal with high humidity without warping or cracking or peeling. In addition, PVC is the least tricky to clean – dust and grease are removed at the touch of a damp cloth. The con is that the PVC louvers are a little less solid than wood and also do not fit very large window openings.
- MDF (Medium Density Fibre)
MDF is priced and performing between the basswood and the PVC. It is a smooth and consistently finished material that photographs well and fits into the interior of the modern houses. MDF is not, however, very resistant to moisture. Considering that is why MDF shutters should not be used in the bathrooms or even kitchen where the level of steam and moisture is always present.
Louver Size Matters More Than Most Buyers Realise
The size of the louver has a direct impact on the appearance of your shutters as well as the functionality. Homeowners have a variety of 2.5 inch, 3.5 inch and 4.5 inch louvers- each is used in a different application.
Smaller 2.5 inch louvers are appropriate in small windows of the older semi-detached houses and small bathroom windows. They offer a classic, vintage appearance that is tighter controlled. In comparison, bigger 3.5 inch and 4.5 inch louvers fit bigger windows, patio doors and floor to ceiling openings. When open they provide greater access to light in a room and provide a cleaner, more contemporary look which modern buildings would prefer.
Generally speaking, the size of your lounge matches your window. Loosely spaced louvers on a huge window appear meager. Big louvers on a tiny window appear to be overwhelming.
Frame Styles — Full Height, Café, or Tier on Tier?
Frame style used also defines the amount of your window to be covered with the shutters as well as how to operate the shutters on a daily basis.
Each of the windows has full height shutters across the panel. They fit bedrooms, living rooms, and any room that you would desire to have complete control of the light and privacy in one operation. Moreover, full height shutters provide the best appearance and the best resale rate.
The bottom half of the window only has cafe shutters. They are hugely popular with row houses and semi-detached houses wherein the main floor is located close to the street. Cafe shutters also block the street-level viewlines that invade privacy because the top of the window is uncovered allowing in the natural light.
The tier on tier shutters involve two separate panels with one on the top half and the other on the bottom. You use every panel individually. This allows the greatest flexibility of any frame style. Tier on tier shutters are however more expensive than full height ones and must be carefully measured when installed.
What Does It Cost to Buy Plantation Shutters ?
Home owners of plantation shutters buy that are usually between 200 to 400 per window in the PVC and MDF type. Larger sizes of Basswood are available in shutters with prices ranging between $500 to $800 a window in different louver sizes, frame style, and finish.
Full home installation on 10-15 windows with professional installation normally costs between $3,000 and $8,000.
Custom sizing is the most significant factor of cost. Since the majority of houses are non-standard window size, particularly older houses in East York, Etobicoke and North York, shutters almost always need to be fabricated to order. Thus, never commit to any supplier without a written quote that has precise measurements.
5 Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Ask every supplier these questions before placing your order.
First, have these shutters been made to the very size of my window? Ready-made shutters hardly ever fit windows in place and lacks around the frame eliminates the appearance and insulation value.
Second, what is the material of the louvers? Other manufacturers market wood shutters, but with a core of wood-composite with a veneer. Request only solid basswood or solid PVC – no composite.
Third, what is the warranty? Plantation shutters of the best type have a 10 years warranty. Besides, the most superior suppliers have lifetime warranty on the product as well as the installation.
Fourth, are you in charge of installing or subcontracting? The suppliers should always be suppliers who install it themselves. Poor fits, wrong tilt rod positioning and warranty voids are common on subcontracted installations.
Fifth, what is the lead time? Measured to installed custom plantation shutters normally require 2 to 4 weeks. Nevertheless, the suppliers with greater lead time (6 weeks and above) could be a hint to the problem of backlogs or offshore production.
How Plantation Shutters Affect Your Window Performance
Among the factors that most consumers do not consider is the way the plantation shutters will relate with the existing windows. Shutters have a secondary insulating layer before your glass which will enhance thermal performance in old homes with single or thin windows.
Nevertheless, under performing windows are not replaced with shutters. When you have an old set of windows that have broken seals, you can see condensation between the sheets, or a lot of drafts, then you will need to attend to those problems. Shutters on a non-performing window are fitted and the moisture gets in between the shutter and the glass causing mold and damage to the frame, in the long run.
Moreover, when you intend to replace your windows and install shutters, you should coordinate them. New window frames have an impact on the mounting points and depth that your shutter installer requires. Performing both simultaneously is cost effective and provides a better finished product.
F&Q for Plantation Shutters
Are plantation shutters worth it for homes?
Yes. Plantation shutters will increase the value of the house and increase the privacy and insulation; all of which will be important in the competitive housing market. Moreover, the quality shutters require little or no maintenance, which is why the life span is 20 to 30 years, therefore, it is one of the best investments that a homeowner can make on the window treatment.
What is the difference between plantation shutters and California shutters?
The louver width is the primary distinction. The Californian shutters have a smaller size of 2.5 inch louvers and fit smaller windows. Plantation shutters have larger louvers with sizes of 3.5 inch and above and are used in larger windows, patio doors and areas with open plans. Both designs are fixed to the frame of the window.
Can plantation shutters go on patio doors?
Yes. Bi-fold plantation windows fit very well on patio doors. When you open the door, they can be folded to the side giving maximum privacy and insulation when closed. PVC is considered the best material to use in the shutters of patio doors due to its resistance to moisture and ability to last in high traffic places.
How do I clean plantation shutters?
Wipe PVC and MDF shutters using a wet cotton cloth. Clean basswood shutters using a dry or very thinly moist cloth – never drown wood in water. Also, dust louvers will clean with soft vacuum brush attachment on the vacuum regularly to keep the tilt rod mechanism free of dust.
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