All Things Window Shutters

Tax Credit

2010-04-20T13:40:00.001-05:00

In 2010, homeowners can claim a tax credit of up to $1,500 for upgrading their primary residence with an energy efficient insulating system. Qualified products can result in a reduction of federal income tax by 30% of the purchase price (not including shipping or installation).

Hurricane Shutters

2008-12-19T13:42:00.002-06:00

Now is the time to start thinkng about installing hurricane shutters. The off-season provides pleanty of time for you to prepare your house for tropical storms and hurricanes. Do not procrastinate!

All About Shutters has added a new section deticated to the different types of hurricane shutters and storm panels. Styles of hurricane shutters includes colonial shutters, rolling panels, plywood shutters, accordion shutters, and bahama shutters (sometimes called bermuda shutters).

Promote your window treatment web site

2008-12-04T15:04:00.005-06:00

Looking for a place to list your window coverings web site for free? Take a look at the Window Coverings Directory. All that is required is a reciprocal link. Your site will be listed with great exposure on a PR 3 window covering specific web site.

Window Covering Resources - Directories

2008-07-11T12:38:00.005-05:00

When surfing through Google, Yahoo, AOL, etc. it can sometimes be overwhelming when performing keyword searches for a certain product, service or advice.

If you are searching for window shutters, blinds, installers or what have you, wouldn't it be nice to be able to find a list of those specific requests rather than having to sift through hundreds of websites just to find the one or few you are looking for?

Although there are several thousands of web directories available there is a miniscule amount of directories dedicated specifically for window covering related websites.

Just one directory can guide you to companies around the US and abroad when searching for window coverings/treatments, installers, manufactures, decorators, designers, chat forums, and anything or anyone else you may look for in the window coverings industry.

For instance, Window Coverings Directory is a quality, useful web directory where consumers can browse listings in specific categories as to not waste time sifting through thousands of websites that may come up during a keyword search that may not have anything to do with what you are actually looking for. Shubjects include shades, drapes, blinds, awnings, hurricane shutters, exterior shutters, shutter hardware, manufactures, information sources, and regional listings.

Why do interior shutters have "notches" at the top?

2008-07-08T14:26:00.002-05:00

Interior shutter panels have a notch at the bottom of the top rail where the tilt bar recesses into to create a tighter close for the best privacy and light block out, more so than when the tilt bar and louvers are pointed in the downward position.

What size louver should I get when I order Plantation Shutters?

2008-05-14T15:13:00.003-05:00

Q: What are available Plantation louver sizes and how should choose between them?

A: Depending on which company you buy from, Plantation shutter louver sizes may be offered in 2-1/2", 3", 3-1/2", and 4-1/2" widths. The 3" wide Plantation louver is known to be the most popular louver size of all, however that is just a matter of opinion.

When choosing a louver size for your own home keep in mind the overall decor of your home, or at least the room where the shutters will be in. It's not all that uncommon to have different louver sizes in different rooms, but in those cases it's generally because the decor differs from room to room.

For instance, it is very common for colonial and country style homes to house Traditional style window shutters, which use much smaller louvers than that of Plantation shutters.

Whatever the case or the decor, be sure to make yourself happy as opposed to choosing a style that you won't be happy with just to follow others' preferences.

Softwood vs. Hardwood

2008-05-13T16:52:00.003-05:00

Q: What are the main differences of softwood vs. hardwood? What are each typically used for?

A: Well, it may seem a bit strange to those who aren't arboriculturists, but softwood trees are actually physically harder than that of hardwood trees.

Having said that, the major differences between softwood and hardwood trees can be explained knowing that whenever the terms "soft" or "hard" may not exactly pertain to the wood's actual durability.

When using building materials for certain products that require more precision than others it is softwood trees, such as Basswood, that may be used when building furniture, window shutters, and other line precise products.

In addition, softwood is generally easier to work, which is crucial when building furniture, interior window shutters, hand carving, etc.

Hardwood such as Oak, is a prime wood for flooring since it is heavy, durable and dense which are key characteristics when foot traffic is involved that requires holding up to constant wear and tear.

R-Values of Wood Shutters and Blinds

2008-04-18T10:21:00.004-05:00

According to SmartEnergy Living, "Hardwood shutters and wood blinds offer R-values between 2.77 and 3.17 and a shading co-efficient between 0.35 and 0.21."

Hardwood shutters figure to be on the higher end and blinds on the lower end.

Also, "Window treatments add another important benefit aside from insulation - UV protection. UV rays can damage your home's interior, including furnishings, artwork and heirlooms, and floors."

Definitions of R-value and shading co-efficient per www.wikipedia.com and Bendheim Wall Systems:

R-value is a term predominantly used in the building industry to describe the insulation properties of certain building insulation materials. Its use is limited to situations where thermal insulation is achieved by retarding the flow of heat through the material itself rather than reflecting radiant heat away. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation. Although they offer a useful means of comparing the performance of different products, other factors need to be considered in maintaining thermal comfort.

The shading coefficient is the ratio of solar energy that passes through a piece of glass relative to piece of 1/8” clear glass ( which has a shading coefficient of 1.0). Solar heat gain coefficient represents the solar gain through the glass relative to the incident solar radiation; it is equal to 86% of the shading coefficient. In either case, a lower number indicates improved solar control over the 1/8” clear glass baseline.

Can louvered shutters also be used as doors?

2008-04-17T16:32:00.005-05:00

Most certainly, shutters make beautiful looking doors! Whether you fancy Plantation or Traditional style shutters both may be used as doors as long as you use the proper mounting method and hardware.

The picture above is of exterior louvered/raised panel doors which are much different than interior shutters or doors. You wouldn't want open louvered shutters/doors used in an exterior door application due to security purposes as well as heating/cooling will escape between louvers.

Interior louvered shutters and doors usually contain functional louvers which will let in light when the louvers are opened yet the doors are closed against the opening.

Interior shutters/doors can be used in many different areas of the home, such as; window shutters, room dividers, closet doors, medicine cabinet doors, laundry room doors and so on.

Very low priced/discounted window shutters for sale!

2008-04-11T14:10:00.009-05:00

For quite a while we've had a handful of shutters sitting in our office due to a duplicate order made a while back.

Rather than them continuing to collect dust in our office or sell as full priced shutters we want to get rid of them for roughly half off what they normally sell for at these particular sizes.

Below are the specs and prices per panel and/or for whole lot. Also, you can see pictures of the exact panels for sale in our Over Stock photo album located here,

Since these are in our home office located in the Kansas City area rather than at our manufacturing plant in California we'd prefer to sell these as "pick up only" items rather than packaging them all up properly since we don't keep shipping supplies in our home office. Plus, we'd have to tack on a not so pretty shipping charge since these shutters are quite large.

If you don't live near Kansas City may you know a friend or family memeber who may want them that lives in this area so they can benefit from our over stocked panels.

The exterior, unfinished louvered panels measure 14" x 73" with 1 1/4" louvers.

Price for the exterior shutters: $50/panel or $400 for all 10. They are regularly priced at $88/panel, plus shipping.
(savings of over $400)

The interior stained Plantation panels measure 26 7/8" x 72" with 3" louvers.

Price for the interior shutters: $250/panel or $1,300 for all 6. They are regularly priced at $440/panel.
(savings of over $1,300)

Thanks for stoppin' by!
Michelle Hanna
800-483-5028
michelle@shutterland.com

Please join us on MySpace

2008-04-11T10:19:00.002-05:00

Feel free to stop by our page on MySpace to see the latest news on window shutters , construction, remodeling, groups, forums, blogs, etc. etc.

Vinyl exterior shutters - Can they be functional?

2008-03-18T14:00:00.002-05:00

Q: Can exterior vinyl shutters be hinged and made functional so that they can close over windows?

A: Exterior vinyl shutters are not meant to be functional shutters for the fact that they have hollow backs rather than made of a solid material as that of wooden shutters.

Vinyl shutters are very durable once affixed to the home with at least 6 screws or other mounting hardware and will withstand most any climate or weather conditions. One large perk when purchasing vinyl exterior shutters is that they are incredibly low maintenance and only require an occasional washing to keep them looking clean and new.

Another advantage of vinyl shutters is if ordering colored shutters you won't need to worry about painting them as the material is uniform in color all the way through. However, do be sure to read the manufacturers specs if you wish to eventually paint colored shutters because the material may not hold paint very well.

In the instances of wanting to change shutter colors every so often be sure to order "paintable" vinyl shutters. The material in colored shutters versus paintable shutters is slightly different so that the paintable shutters will hold paint and withstand exterior weather elements until they need to be re-painted after time.

Traditional or Plantation style shutters? What's better?

2008-03-17T16:36:00.003-05:00

There's no real right or wrong answer to which style is better. It boils down to personal preference and what look you are trying to achieve in your home.

For instance, Traditional shutters are generally a big hit with homeowners who have a country or colonial style home or decor. Also, you may have noticed that some homes or even stores and restaurants have what many called "cafe shutters".

Cafe shutters are also Traditional style shutters, however they do not extend the full height of the window.
This allows light to pour in over top of the shutters, yet allows privacy eye level and below from outsiders or passers by.

As for Plantation shutters , this type is very popular with owners of modern or contemporary homes.
The large louvers look great on larger windows and doors and allow an incredible amount of light into the room while leaving the shutter panels closed against the windows.

No matter what style or decor your home the shutter style choice is yours. Perhaps you have different decors in different rooms of your home? There's not rule saying you can only have one type of shutter throughout your whole home. Mix it up!

Energy saving tips - close/open your shutters or blinds

2008-02-27T16:11:00.003-06:00

According to This Old House's October 2007 issue, you can save quite a chunk of change if you open shutters or other window coverings during the day, then close them at night during the cooler months.

For instance, you can reduce your heating bill by 10 percent by opening your window shutters during the day, then closing at night. You can also save 33 percent on your cooling bill during the warm months by blocking out those scortching rays during the day.

What's better, wood or vinyl shutters?

2008-02-27T14:04:00.002-06:00

Although wooden shutters have been around for many years longer than that of vinyl, not all homeowners want to use the old time favorite for their home anymore.

There are so many reasons why homeowners choose wood over vinyl shutters and vice versa. A large percentage of homeowners who choose to stick with wooden shutters are due in part to the style and age of their home.

If a homeowner occupies a well kept 20th or even 19th century home, they typically won’t choose vinyl as their homes exterior shutter because they want to stay true to their home’s era.
However, anymore it can be quite hard to tell the difference between wooden and vinyl shutters due to vinyl’s authentic wood grain appearance which makes it hard to tell if it’s wood or vinyl.

As with most things in life, both wood and vinyl shutters have their advantages and disadvantages. Some advantages of vinyl shutters are that they are very durable, hold up to most any extreme weather conditions and vinyl is typically much cheaper than that of their wooden counterparts.

Disadvantages of vinyl shutters, depending on personal preference, vinyl shutters don’t appear quite as attractive as wooden shutters. Vinyl is also not a good choice if a color change in wanted ever so often since vinyl doesn’t hold paint as well as wooden shutters, nor is it stainable.

Wooden shutters too have their downfalls, such as higher price, manufacturing times and greater chances of deterioration than that of vinyl. Not everyone minds paying more for wooden shutters when quality and custom appearance are important factors. However, when dealing with wooden shutters a homeowner should be aware that wood shutters are bound to deteriorate over time.

If the wood shutters are constructed well and made of a quality wood, they should last many, many years, but only if the homeowner maintains proper care of the shutters. Wooden shutters last the longest when properly cleaned and paint every few years, which is something vinyl owners need not worry about since vinyl does not deteriorate like that of natural wood.

Wood being the old time favorite also has advantages that some find to outweigh the perks of vinyl. Wooden shutters, when made with high quality material and craftsmanship, are very durable, they can be painted or stained almost any color imaginable and create an appearance that vinyl can’t quite top.

When it comes to needing 100% custom shutters made, wood may be the only option, depending on the exact size(s) needed. Although vinyl shutters are available in many, many sizes, wooden shutters are available in any size imaginable, even down to a 1/16”.

To Replace or To Repair (shutters that is)?

2008-02-27T13:57:00.003-06:00

There are many factors that come into play when deciding whether to replace exterior window shutters versus repairing them.

For many, budget is a key factor that plays a large role in making home improvement decisions. At first, repairing window shutters appears less expensive than replacing them of wear and damage that has taken over the once new shutter.

First assess the condition of the shutter components for rotting, broken rails and/or side stiles, chipping or peeling paint, warped or missing louvers.

Structural damage to exterior shutters with broken or cracked side stiles, rails and/or louvers indicates the outdoor shutter(s) should be replaced. These components are not meant to be repaired, as well as virtually impossible to remove and repair properly due to how high quality shutters are constructed.

Cosmetic repairs, such as cracking or chipped paint can be repaired fairly easily and inexpensively by a do-it-yourself homeowner. Sand the entire shutter thoroughly to remove the loose paint using a wire brush to remove the large of peeling or chipped paint.
Old paint that is not firmly secured to the shutter will eventually raise and crack the new shutter paint.

It is extremely important to prime any bare wood on the shutter to help prevent further cracking or peeling in the future, as well as help protect the wood from absorbing moisture since paint alone does not saturate and seal the wood as primer does.
When staining, be sure to apply at least 2 clear top coats to protect the wood. Applying stain alone will not fully protect the wood. However, it is extremely difficult to achieve a uniform finish.

When attempting to repair existing wooden shutters you will want to have the following items at your disposal, although all may not be needed depending on the extent of repair needed.

1.) Philips and flat head screw drivers
2.) Course and fine sand paper
3.) Hammer
4.) Needle nose pliers
5.) Primer and paint
6.) Paint brushes and/or sprayer
7.) Stain and lacquer
8.) Stainable wood filler
9.) Exterior grade screws and nails
10.) Water resistant glue
11.) Ladder
12.) Wire brush
13.) Safety goggles

If you do not have these tools and materials available, it may be best to take the shutter(s) to a professional for advice on what to do or seek out a reputable exterior shutter company and hire a professional to install them for you.

10 Ways to Improve Your Home's Value

2008-02-27T13:52:00.002-06:00

No matter how new your home may be there are always improvements that can be made whether for necessity or sheer desire to better your homes’ appearance for your own satisfaction.

When mortgage rates are high purchasing a new home may not be economically feasible. However, remodeling your current home may reduce your urge to sell the home or until selling is more practical.

By determining a project budget, researching ways to do as many improvements yourself and shop around for fairly priced materials you will notice that some or all of your planned projects aren’t as financially devastating as you may have thought.

If money is no object when remodeling your home, it is still encouraged to do research to be certain that your chosen contractor is highly knowledgeable and seasoned in his or her specialty of remodeling. Research will also make you better aware of what going rates are for materials and labor so that you don’t fall victim to being taken advantage of by a contractor.

The list is nearly unlimited when conjuring up projects that can be done to improve a home. Projects range from changing a room’s paint color up to extravagant room additions. Below are 10 of many ways a home can be transformed by an experienced do-it-yourselfer to improve a home’s appearance and value.

1.) Modify paint colors
2.) Upgrade to tile
3.) Install wood window shutters
4.) Open the floor plan
5.) Update plumbing and electrical fixtures, cabinet and door hardware
6.) Replace old windows and doors
7.) Add switches, outlets and light fixture openings
8.) Remove undesirable ceiling textures
9.) Create sufficient built in storage areas
10). Refinish wood floors and cabinetry

Paint
Painting a room is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to improve the appearance of a home’s interior.
Interior walls that are painted undesirable colors well outside of the neutral color family may be used as a way to negotiate price due to so many rooms needing to be repainted lighter, neutral colors.

Exterior paint colors tend to weigh more on the value and curb appeal of a home when selling. Not every homeowner wants to paint the exterior of their new home right away due to the sheer size of the project.

Painting interior walls can be quite time consuming and bothersome for a homeowner. Many may consider painting the exterior a much more tedious, dutiful task due to needing long extension ladders, removal and replacement of storm doors and windows, and having to climb on roofs in some cases.

Tile
There are so many new flooring products that have come available over the years. Research shows that installing floor tile rather than linoleum in high traffic or damp areas is much more appealing and valuable to homeowners and potential home buyers.

Homeowners who have never installed or researched tile installation tend to think it will be too difficult to do themselves. This may ring true for those who just aren’t proficient at tackling new do-it-yourself tasks outside of the very basics like painting or spackling holes. However, if you are up for the new experience and can gain access to the necessary tile tools, you may be pleasantly surprised that tiling isn’t as hard as you may have thought.

You could potentially save yourself several hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars by tiling floors and back splashes yourself.
For instance, depending on the going rate for tile labor in a chosen state or city, excluding material costs
you can expect to spend $6 - $15 per square foot of tile to be installed when hiring a professional.

Floor Plan
Open floor plans help make the interior of a home appear larger than what it is. Aside from the open appearance having an open floor plan also adds possibilities when decorating, arranging furniture and when entertaining large amounts of guests.

There are a few things that can be done to open up a floor plan without costing thousands of dollars.
One way for a do-it-yourself homeowner to open up rooms throughout the home is by widening doorways
that do not require doors such as kitchens, dining rooms and kitchens.

You may not want or need to go to the extent of knocking down entire walls, but you may find it very appealing to simply widen walk ways 6 to 12 inches. Keep in mind that no matter how little you widen an opening, always be sure to extend the header above the opening to give adequate support over the opening.

Before attempting to open up a room or floor plan, be sure to consult with a contractor who is highly knowledgeable in framing and architecture of homes to help assure no structural problems arise later on.

Plumbing and Electrical
Updating plumbing, electrical fixtures, and hardware throughout the home are tasks that rank high with do-it-yourselfers due to the ease of completion in comparison to larger home improvement projects.

If you have basic plumbing and electrical skills, you have the potential to give your home a mini makeover. In just one or two weekends you could possibly replace all cabinet and door hardware, bathroom faucet and shower fixtures, outdated light fixtures, switches and outlets throughout the home.

Windows and Doors
Replacing old, inefficient windows isn’t only for aesthetic reasons but also to raise the home’s heating and cooling efficiency rating. Aluminum framed windows and sliding doors have the lowest efficiency rating of all windows and doors, especially if they are constructed with only single pane glass.

Well made double and triple pane vinyl or wood windows tend to be a bit pricey for the windows themselves. However, if you are able to replace windows yourself you will have the choice of replacing just a couple at a time rather than all at once. In the long run, you will not only feel more comfortable in your own due to higher efficiency, you will also see a decrease in your heating and cooling bills.

Receptacles
Not all homes, old or new, have a sufficient amount of outlets or ceiling lights throughout. Lack of outlets and ceiling fixtures can be quite an inconvenience for homeowners. Luckily, this is another issue that an experienced do-it-yourselfer can tackle on their own in many cases.

With basic electrical knowledge and experience it is fairly easy to run 12 or 14 gauge wire to and from an existing power source. Adding outlets, ceiling fixtures and 3 way light switches throughout a home will add a great amount of accessibility when using lamps, small appliances and the luxury of turning on 1 light from 2 or more locations.

Ceiling Textures
Popcorn texture was extremely popular years ago, but is rapidly loosing its appeal amongst homeowners now. On the other hand, “knock down” texture is the highly sought after for many homeowners, much more appealing than flat or popcorn textured ceilings.

Although you don’t need to be a professional to remove or add ceiling texture, it does take quite a bit of patience and preparation to do it properly. With the proper tools and materials it is possible for a homeowner to remove hard to paint, undesirable popcorn texture to either make way for a flat ceiling surface or prepare to spray a more updated knock down texture.

Storage
Storage space or lack thereof has been and always will be a key factor when updating or selling a home. When there isn’t enough adequate storage space throughout a home there tends to be a build up of unnecessary clutter where there doesn’t need to be.

With basic carpentry skills and planning, shelves can be added to most any closet, garage walls or ceilings. For the more experienced do-it-yourself homeowner, installing or building built-in cabinets throughout areas where storage space is needed will not only become home for non décor items but also very appealing to the eye.

Floors and Cabinetry
All too often homeowners tend to think that old, scratched wood floors or cabinets simply need be replaced due to the poorly maintained finish. However, finish is one of the aspects of wood that can be fixed and made to look like new or close to it.

Before figuring out how many several thousands of dollars it will cost to replace wood floors and cabinetry check the quality and integrity of the wood itself underneath the scuffed paint or stain finish.
If there aren’t numerous broken or cracked pieces of wood throughout, consider sanding the surfaces down to bare wood, then apply fresh paint or stain to bring back the floor and cabinet beauty.

When tackling your own improvement projects as opposed to hiring a professional you could see potential savings of 2, 5, even an upwards of 50 thousand dollars, depending on the size of the remodeling project.
Typically homes increase in value by simply maintaining its current appearance and integrity.
By performing a number of improvement projects you can potentially raise your home’s value by 10 – 20 thousand dollars in just one or two years.

Whatever the task at hand, try not to jump the gun and commit to hiring a remodeling professional. First, assess the issues that need attention and determine if you are capable of performing said projects on your own.

Once you determine whether you can or can not complete the given task, then take the next step by either planning your do-it-yourself project or start contacting licensed remodelers and shop around for the best matched contractor.

Don’t get discouraged if you have a few projects around the home that you wish you could do yourself due to not having the extra money to pay a professional. With adequate research and the advice from friends or family who already possesses the knowhow, give that project a shot yourself and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

How to choose exterior paint colors?

2008-02-27T13:45:00.002-06:00

Most homeowners one day face the inevitable task of repainting their home. The project is plagued by substantial cost, time, planning, and labor. One silver lining to such an obligation is the ability to modify house colors. This decision, however, may seem just as burdensome as the actual labor. Complementary primary, secondary, and accent colors usually need to be selected.

Fortunately, professional color schemes have been developed by major paint manufacturers offering exterior grade paints. Millions of dollars have been invested into creating simple modern color palates. Most stores offer presentation booklets and paint chips which allow homeowners to make an educated decision. Online tools, such as Benjamin Moore’s “Personal Color Viewer”, allow the viewer to select wall, trim, garage, door, and shutter color for various home styles. Colors, however, can look different (usually darker) when applied to large outdoor areas than on a small paint chip or viewed online. Therefore, it is recommended that a quart of the selected colors be applied to a section of the home before purchasing paint for the entire house. In the evaluation phase, consider roof color, landscape and vegetation around the home, and adjacent neighboring properties which may influence the final appearance.

After a color scheme has been chosen, decide what color to apply to what area of the house. Window trim is often a different color than the main surface. Exterior shutters and doors are often a third color. In situations where exterior shutters are just being added to the house, they are commonly the same color as the front door.

Vinyl exterior shutters require the least amount of monetary investment, short-term work, and long-term maintenance. To install, simply drill a few pilot holes into the shutter panel and screw the shutters directly to the building. Non-functional vinyl exterior shutters are sold pre-finished, and the color is molded throughout so fading will be minimal. The shutters will not need to be painted, and will only require an occasional washing to keep them looking their best. Paintable vinyl shutters are available if a custom color is necessary, and multiple colors can be used to create a more unique and original shutter. Online shutter companies generally mail color samples on request.

Wood exterior shutters are slightly more expensive but more authentic in appearance. Start with a premium grade wood shutter, like incense cedar, which will then need to be finished before they are installed. Consult with the paint manufacturer to determine the best combination of primer and paint for the optimum finish. Stationary wood shutters can be attached directly to the building with exterior grade screws or bolts. Functional shutters require exterior hinges, shutter dogs, and bolts for proper operation. Hardware can also be used on non-functional exterior shutters to give them a more distinct genuine appearance. Exterior shutters will generally need to be repainted as often as the house.

As with any home improvement project, make selections for both personal appeal and resale. In most situations, exterior shutters should not stand out, but should accent the entire project. If the entire process seems too daunting, professional consultants are available for hire.

Do I need to hire a contractor to install my shutters?

2008-02-21T11:08:00.004-06:00

Q: I've been told that interior shutters need to be installed by a "certified installer". Is this true?

A: Local companies that come to your home to measure and install interior shutters will commonly tell you this to deter you from seeking to purchase indoor shutters from other outlets. There is no interior shutter governing body that certifies shutter installers. Often companies certifies themselves - much like me creating an award, giving it to myself, and then promoting that I won a prestigious award.

Whether they be interior shutters or exterior shutters, a homeowner can measure and install shutters with the right hand tools, installation instructions, and patience to hang the shutters properly.

Do all wood shutters warp?

2008-02-21T11:01:00.003-06:00

Q: I've been told that wood shutters will warp, split, or crack. Is this true?

A: This is a rumor that many companies that sell faux wood shutters tell so they can promote their own petroleum-based plastic products. Quality interior wood shutters are built to last the lifetime of the home. They will not warp, split, or crack.

Window shutter wood choices

2008-02-08T16:05:00.002-06:00

Q: How should shutters be constructed? My old shutters are falling apart and don't seem to have been made with very high standards.

A: In my opinion, the best wood to use when making an interior shutter is Northern Basswood. For exterior shutters, Incense Cedar is the way to go.

Here is my reasoning for each type of wood for each type of shutter:

Interior shutters - Basswood: A very straight wood that finishes extremely well when done properly (paint or stain). It does not warp and is of furniture grade quality, so the shutters will look top quality when installed and finished with proper methods.

To top of the pros of Basswood, it is a lighweight, yet strong wood. This characteristic is very important when making indoor window shutters because if the shutter wood is too heavy it will eventually cause the shutters to sag terribly and possibly even bend the hinges over time.

External shutters - Incense Cedar: Also a very straight wood that finshes/paints well. IC is decay resistant, suffers very low shrinkage in moist environments and the natural oil in IC called tannin deters bugs because they hate the scent.

Window depth needed when installing shutters?

2008-02-06T16:29:00.001-06:00

Q: I would like to attach interior shutters inside the window opening. What is the depth that is required?

A: That all depends on what style shutter you want and how large or small the louvers are.

Here are a few common louver sizes and clearance needed for each:

Traditional shutters with 1-1/4" louvers require at least 1-3/16" window jamb depth with no obstructions from the front of the window frame back to the window itself.

Plantation shutters with 3" louvers require at least 2-1/8" window jamb depth with no obstructions from front of the window frame back to the winow itself.

If you have window frames that are not square/plumb or you have window cranks that will interfere with closing the panels properly towards the window, it would be best to do an outside mount. This will require using hang strips since you will not be able to mount the hinged panels directly to the inside of the window jamb.

Wood or Synthetic window shutters?

2008-02-05T16:43:00.000-06:00

Q: I want stock-size interior shutter panels. Is it better to purchase synthetic or wood shutters?

A: Synthetic shutters will never quite compare to it's wood counterpart for a few key reasons:

1.) Wood shutters can be trimmed, but synthetic shutters can not.. If they are just an 1/8" too large to fit your window, you're stuck....literally.

2.) Synthetic shutters are usually only available in a bright white finish, which rarely matches the rest of a homeowners trim color.

3.) Wood shutters can be finished or refinished to match any accent decor. Synthetic shutters cannot since they do not hold paint well.

4.) Basswood shutters are very durable, yet light weight. Synthetic shutters are usually quite heavy and will eventually tug on your window jamb or bend at the hinges due to the weight.

If you weigh the pros and cons, this should have helped answer your question. Wood shutters far exceed the specs of synthetic shutters.

Most popular exterior window shutter style?

2008-01-29T14:10:00.000-06:00

Q: What is the most popular exterior shutter style? Louvered? Raised Panel? Board & Batten?

A: Good question. This is somewhat hard to answer though since certain styles are more popular in different regions than others. Popular shutters listed by region are as follows (for 2008):

Northern Regions: Louvered shutters

South Regions: Raised Panel shutters

Although the Board and Batten style shutter is not widely popular around the U.S., it is a hit with homeowners who either live in the country/hills or owns a home with a country type theme/decor.

Keep in mind that this is based solely on the opinions and/or buying habits of residential homeowners throughout the United States.

Shutter staples

2008-01-16T14:58:00.000-06:00

Today I was asked a very uncommon, yet great question by a customer. He asked what sort of metal material my company uses for staples when attaching the tilt bar to the moveable louvers.

Much to my surprise, I wasn't able to give him a 100% confident answer. I had told him that I believed the staples are galvanized, but would find out for sure from my production manager as so I didn't give him incorrect information.

Very few people ask this question since usually it doesn't really matter the type of material as long as they are built properly and will withstand the test of time and usual wear and tear. However, this customer needed that information because he wants to install functional, interior shutters in a southern location where there is very high humidity on a daily basis.

If a low grade or ungalvanized or non stainless steel metal for the staples, then most likely the staples will eventually rust and deteriorate in a high humidity location. Most states in the US and even most countries across the world won't require galvanized or stainless steel staples to be used.

This question reminded me of the fact there is something new to learn everyday, even if it seems trivial to most.