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Designing Function into Your Plantation Shutter Project

5/25/2015

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Shutters are one of the most popular window coverings available.  As we have discussed in previous blogs, the affordable price point coupled with the long life and timeless beauty make them the preference of many people.  But, there is a functional consideration with shutters that should be considered during the design phase of your project.  That is, "How are you planning on using this window and shutter?"

What this means is, "Do you intend to leave the panels closed most of the time and only tilt the louvers for light control?"  "Do you want to expose the entire window for light or view purposes?"  "What furnishings and decor will be near the window that will obstruct the easy opening and closing of the shutters on a regular basis?"  These sorts of questions matter as you use your shutters on a daily basis.  If you want to open your panel doors everyday and plan on having a couch in front of the window that would need to be moved twice a day to open your doors, then shutter functionality may not be very practical.  If, however, you have a wide open area where furnishings and decor are not affected by panel swing, then usage is ideal.  You get the idea.

So bottom line, consider your daily usage intentions for your shutter project.  This will ensure you have the right expectations for using your shutters on a daily basis and as such have a more satisfying purchasing experience.

We would love to work with you on your next plantation shutter project.  Also, please check out our online shutter cost estimator for a rough idea of what your project might cost.
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Double Hung Shutters

5/17/2015

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Here is a term you may not have encountered on your search for the perfect shutter - "Double Hung Shutter".  A double hung shutter is basically a shutter with panels on the top and panels on the bottom that operate separately.  If you can imagine this, it means that you would be able to open the top portion of the panel leaving the bottom portion of the panel closed.  Confused?  Check out the diagram below.

Double hung shutters offer the maximum in shutter adjustability, but without the proper design - double hung shutters will sag and perform improperly.  Also, double hung bi fold shutters must be designed so that the panel height is greater than the panel width due to the leverage factor. Shutters ordered with a width dimension more than the height will sag.

Also, notice in the diagram below how the double hung shutter has a slight gap between the panels and also creates a solid wood section where the shutter panels meet.  This is because your rails are effectively doubled to accommodate the structure required of top and bottom panels.  This is important to note as you can not tilt this portion of your shutter panel open for view or light.  However, with all of that said, double hung shutter can be the perfect solution for the right design application.

We would love to help you with your double hung shutter project.  Also, please check out our online shutter cost estimator for a quick idea of what your project might cost.  One additional comment, double hung shutters are 40% more expensive than the approximate price indicated on our cost calculator for a standard panel shutter.
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Summertime is Shutter Time

5/11/2015

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Well, another hot summer is just around the corner, and this seems like a great time to think about a beautiful option for controlling heat gain in your house - via your windows.  If your house is like mine, then East, West, and South windows get really hot.  Many types of blinds will block the heat to some extent, however try this.  On a hot day - place you hand in the general area of a sun exposed window - you will feel heat warming your space - even with your current window covering closed.  This heat is costing you air conditioning dollars and/or making your room less comfortable.

By choosing plantation shutters for your heat exposure windows, you can greatly control the summertime sizzle.  Why?  Because, shutters are much more substantive then most other types of blinds.  The heat simply has a harder time radiating through the thickness of the rails, stiles and louvers.  Additionally, shutters when fully closed have only minor gaps.  This means less heat leakage into your space.

Also, when the sun is not directly on the window - a slight tilt of the louvers will still control the outdoor warmth while allowing various light options.  Without a doubt, shutters are one of the top window covering choices for controlling the temperature allowed through your window openings.  They are also one of the most beautiful.

We would love to help you with your plantation shutter project.  Also, be sure to check out our online shutter cost calculator for a rough idea of what your project may cost.
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Specialty Shutter Project

5/4/2015

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Recently, we completed a specialty shaped shutter project in Mesa, Arizona.  What made this project special was that the arch portion of the window was much larger than the standard window below.  This window appears throughout the community and people have been forced to put a fan type shutter above a standard shutter, as one option.  Believe it or not, this customer's window had an upside vertical blind cut into the window.  The head rail and valance were mounted to the bottom sill and the vanes were individually attached with chain and screw around the curvature of the arch.

What we were able to do, is work with our manufacturer and install team to install a fully louvered shutter into the space.  It required special work on the part of the design team and special fasteners and extra effort to install the project.  The main issue was that the weight of the arch portion could affect the integrity of the shutter - because the bottom portion is not big enough to support the weight.

However, the extra effort paid off and the results were really spectacular.  In our opinion, this is now the nicest looking window in the community.

We would love to help you with your project and we enjoy working through the issues to beautiful results.  Also, check out our online shutter cost 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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