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The Plantation Shutter Industry

4/27/2015

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We thought you might like to hear our perspective, as to how the different window dealer players are fighting for a share of the shutter market.

Group One - The Low Price Chinese import.  Norman and Sunland are the big players, followed by several other smaller names.  The business model is low cost with good quality, but a customer has to be comfortable buying a Chinese import, and generally has to wait 8 weeks on average for the product.

Group Two - The Large Box Stores.  You will find some variety here, but the biggest player in this arena is Springs.  The business model is buying the stability of a big box, with 50%, or more, higher cost and a shorter lead time.  They are currently shooting for about 3 weeks.  The quality of these shutters can vary, as they are often fabricated in Mexico using Chinese components.

Group Three - The Small Local Manufacturers.  Here you find good quality, with some buying Chinese components and some buying American components.  As you would expect, the cost for the local fabricators is less for those with Chinese components and more for those with American components.  Lead time on these can vary based on the size of the shop, but three weeks is a good average.  There price point is usually higher than the imports but lower than the big box stores.

So, which is best for you?

If price and best value matter, then go for Group One - the Chinese import.  We like Sunland because they are a big company that has gone to extreme lengths to ensure things like Green Guard Certification and low VOC ratings.  Additionally, there quality has been consistently good.

If you want to support local small business, then Group Three is for you - the Small Local Manufacturer.  Just be sure to do your due diligence in checking references, as there can be a wide variation in how different shops operate and whether they are using the components they claim.  It is all too easy for a small operator to claim American hardwood, and then sell you a shutter made with Chinese components.  It would be almost impossible for you to know.  So, extra effort is wise here.

If you believe that Big Box stores offer a better buying experience with more long term stability, then Group Two is for you.  While we can not see the value added by the Big Box stores for this sort of custom product, their proximity, business hours, and financing options do appeal to some people.  The actual cost to value add is not readily defended, but the peace of mind they provide some is hard to measure.

The better dealers in the shutter industry have learned to find their comfort zone for their particular market.  Any reputable dealer will be comfortable helping you find your comfort zone - even if it is not the strategy they have chosen for their business model.  While we all want your business, none of us can stay in business pressing a Group Three customer into a Group One or Two model.  That is why education, consultation and listening to help people is better than selling.  High pressure sales can often lead to dissatisfied customers, while educated customers helps them take responsibility for their decisions, and have a far more enjoyable end result.

We would love to help educate you about your shutter project.  Also, for a quick idea of what your shutter project might cost, check out our online shutter cost calculator.
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3-Sided Frame Shutter Applications

4/20/2015

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Let's say you have a window with a bottom sill or maybe a window that butts up against the ceiling.  Maybe you think you would like a shutter in the window, but you are wondering if it is possible or if it will look funny.  The straight and simple answer is that plantation shutters look phenomenally beautiful in these sorts of windows.  In fact, the added architectural features may make the shutters even more attractive, as compared to a standard four sided framed shutter in a standard window.

The trick to making the shutter look nice in these applications is in carefully considering the frame type.  For these windows - we generally start with a 3-sided frame.  Then we help the client choose a frame that compliments their window's architectural feature.

Practically speaking, the shutter is made with either the top or bottom frame missing - and instead of a 45 degree miter cut - the frame is cut flat at 90 degrees to butt against the ceiling or bottom sill.  Next, a light stop with magnets is cut to size, to fit the back portion of the missing frame side.  This ensures that the shutter will sit properly when closed and maintain a uniform light bleed look as compared with other shutters in the home.

This process involves a bit more customization work on site to create a beautiful look, but the end product is well worth the effort.  Bottom line, if your have windows with special features, don't shy away from shutters - for it may be the most beautiful application you can choose for optimal classic beauty.  It really is a very special solution for a a home with beautifully framed windows.

We would love to work with you on your plantation shutter 3-sided frame project.  Also, for a quick idea as to the cost of your project, check out our online shutter cost estimator.
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Shutters with a T-Post

4/13/2015

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So, let's say you have a very wide window opening and you would like shutters.  Are you wondering, how can this be accommodated?  Do they make shutters that wide?  The answer is yes - with the extra support of T-posts.  T-posts are 1” or 1.75" vertical frame components.  The width of the T-post is determined by the size of the window opening. In essence, T-posts give added strength to wider openings. They are inserted vertically into shutter frames to separate shutter sections. This allows for placement of additional panels within the same opening.

T-Posts are required for total panel width greater than 84” for poly shutters and 96” for wood shutters.  The width difference is due to the fact that poly shutters are quite a bit heavier then wood shutters.  Posts can be spaced evenly or may be placed at specific locations to match window mullion or other considerations.  This feature provides you the opportunity to cover your extraordinarily large windows with shutters while choosing a panel configuration that is designed for your specific application.

We would love to work with you on your plantation shutter project and we are experienced at providing shutters for some very wide windows.  Also, please check out our online shutter cost estimator for a rough idea of what your project budget should be.

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Fan Top Shutters

4/6/2015

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Fan top shutters are a beautiful option for arched windows. Either as a stand alone arch or on top of a rectangular shutter, fan top shutters provide a finishing touch to your decorating scheme.

Fan top shutters are manufactured in the frame of your choice. The movable louvers are connected from the hub directly into the frame. Fan top shutters are generally attached to the opening permanently. In order for them to be removable they will need to be installed with magnets or button catches. Fan top shutters are available as a ½ circle or as an eyebrow. The bottom of the fan top shutter can be manufactured as bottom with frame or bottom with a base.

We use the fan top shutter with the base to sit on top of the shutter below - and we use the full framed fan shutter for the stand alone window.

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We would love to work with you on your fan top shutter project.  Also, for a quick cost estimate on your project, check out our online shutter project estimator.
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    Author

    Charlie Wakefield - I have worked in the window covering industry for over 15 years and I have the good fortune of working with some of the very best around.  I hope you enjoy our little shutter tales.

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