Commercial spaces, like offices, retail stores, restaurants, hotels and hospitals, are beginning to realize the advantages of using plantation shutters.  Because shutters have an extremely long life, are highly energy efficient, and require minimal maintenance, they are being viewed as a good long term option for many commercial establishments.

The trick to making plantation shutters "work" in your commercial space is thinking through the design and install parameters.  

Many commercial applications desire a poly shutter, rather than a real wood shutter.  While poly shutters are a tad more expensive, the durability under heavy use, coupled with fire retardant ratings designed for commercial applications especially important in hotels and hospitals more than makes up for the slightly higher price point. Of course offices and restaurants which are designing for a rich wood stain look are well served by stained wood shutters.

From a functional perspective, thinking through the special requirements of a commercial space, which significantly differs from a residential application, is paramount - i.e. special hidden tilt features designed for total privacy, mounting depth requirements which may require outside mount frames, and smaller 2.5" louver sizes for tilting clearance.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly is considering how the shutter might be secured.  Plantation shutters in commercial spaces can be very heavy because of their large size.  Considering whether there is wood to mount into, aluminium frame, concrete, or I-beam steel, is very important.  Or,maybe there is nothing behind the drywall where the shutter needs to be mounted.  A shutter must be properly secured, and as such commercial applications require very attentive inspection of what will structurally hold the weight of the shutter.  For example, I-beams and empty space are problematic and generally require some additional carpentry work to provide "sound" mounting surfaces for your commercial shutter application.

Of course, we would love to help you with your commercial plantation shutter project.  Also, check out our online shutter cost calculator for a rough idea of what new shutters might cost.

We, like many retailers, provide full service installation with the sale of our plantation shutters.  Some online retailers will offer shutters for the do-it-yourself-er, but this is often fraught with issues.  As such, for the vast majority of plantation shutter consumers - professional installation is an absolute must.

So, would you like a peak behind the curtain of a typical shutter installer?  If so, then kindly read on.

Most of today's brand name shutters are made elsewhere, boxed, and shipped to an installer's location.  This may be one of the most valuable services which installers provide - receipt and warehousing of plantation shutter orders.  Why?  Shutters are shipped via long line freight companies and are generally transported on pallets and are heavy and bulky.  Most home owners do not want a long haul truck trying to navigate their neighborhood, nor do they want the trash bulk or storage hassle of palatalized shutters.  Especially, if it is a large order, say more than 5 windows.  If we are talking 10 or more windows, then it is probably unmanageable for 99% of homeowners.

Next the installer must transport the shutters to the customer's location.  Some installers unpack, build, and assemble the shutters at their warehouse and then transport them in a van or trailer fully assembled. Others build and assemble the shutters on-site.  Depending on the regional climate of your area, either process can be valid.

Next, windows are cleared at the customer location.  Old blinds are removed, and perhaps hauled-off, furniture and decor is cleared adequate for obtaining clearance for shutter panel maneuverability.

At this point the assembled frame is installed with a couple screws or nails, followed by hanging of the panel doors using hinge pins.

Now, the adjustment stage begins, one of the more difficult aspects of the job.  Assuming the installer is experienced, he or she will rack the shutter, meaning small side to side adjustments are made to ensure that the panel doors are even as they meet.  Additionally, adjustments are made to magnets or hinges depending on the windows individual "quarks"  This is a fairly tricky process, even though experienced craftsmen make it look easy.

Finally, the shutter joints are caulked, as needed.  The general area is policed for any trash.  The shutter is dusted with a soft rag - and any louver tension adjustments are made.  Furnishings and decor are returned to their previous location and our professional installer heads off to the next window or job to repeat the process again.

Bottom line - shutter installation is heavy, physically taxing work which requires knowledge and finesse.  Most professionals make it look easy, but what you are really seeing is how "experience matters."

Of course, we would love to help you with your plantation shutter project including professional installation.  Also, check out our online shutter cost calculator for a rough idea of what new shutters might cost.

Here is a great question as you consider the design parameters of your plantation shutter project.  Should you choose stained plantation shutters?  This a tough question for many.  The decision generally revolves around the fact that stained shutters do cost a bit more than standard white painted shutters.  Additionally, stained shutters require a specific design plan which makes many consumers nervous about making an expensive mistake.

In our experience, most consumers play it safe and go with the clean look of white plantation shutters. But, maybe you should ask - Do you want your shutters stained to match your floors, furniture or cabinetry?  In the many projects we have completed for clients where they choose a stained shutter to match their floors, furniture or cabinetry - we can honesty say that the results have been stunning.  This is helped by the fact that stained shutters generally utilize a premium wood, so that the natural beauty of the wood is highlighted by the stain.

The most common design application for stained shutters is in larger estate type homes with a Tuscany decor or where a stained shutter is used to match r compliment wood floors.

Of course, we would love to help you choose a louver size for your plantation shutter project.  Also, check out our online shutter cost calculator for a rough idea of what new shutters might cost.

One of the most important decisions you will make when purchasing plantation shutters is the size of the louver for the shutter's panels.  Most plantation shutter manufacturers provide three standard sizes. The 2.5" louver, the 3.5" louver and the 4.5" louver.

The 2.5" shutter louver is best in with traditional decor.  The 2.5" louver is a great choice for smaller windows or areas which require greater privacy.  If you can imagine the old world look of shutters, you are likely thinking of a 2.5" louver size.

The 3.5" shutter louver is one of the most popular and is particularly well received in West Coast homes. The 3.5" louver maintains the traditional look but is a bit more grand in its presentation.  You will also experience over 50% greater view through than with the 2.5" louver.

The 4.5" shutter is best used on large windows with views.  These 4.5" shutters are over 100% more open than 2.5" louvers.  By coupling this louver size with a hidden tilt rod, you can even increase the view through effect.

Bottom line, by understanding the advantages of each louver size, you will be better able to make the best choice for your space and design preference.

Of course, we would love to help you choose a louver size for your plantation shutter project.  Also, check out our online shutter cost calculator for a rough idea of what new shutters might cost.