In today's plantation shutter marketplace, there are a few name brand companies which are delivering exceptional value.  This "value" measure is a function of price, quality, as well as the companies global strength to stand behind their limited lifetime warranty.

In this war for plantation shutter excellence, and at this point in marketplace history, the best value appears to be offered by either Norman Shutters or Sunland Shutters.  There are other companies which offer an exceptional shutter like Hunter Douglas and O'Hair, but the price point on these is much higher and as such are not quite the same value.  For instance, O'Hair might offer a slightly better finish or tolerance, but in our opinion it is negligible against the significantly higher price - thus the "value" definition.

Also, watch for the name brand scam.  Sadly, there are a plethora of dealers with no contractor's license, no bonding, and no insurance that have learned this scam.  

Here is how it works.  

The salesperson purchases a sample shutter bag from a company like Sunland Shutters which makes a high quality poly shutter with an aluminum core.  They show the product samples to the customer and offer them a price that is a few hundred dollars less than their competition.  Then, rather than actually providing a Sunland Shutter, they provide some other "none name brand" shutter which is far inferior.  By the time issues arise, this dealer has disappeared and you have no idea who the shutter manufacturer was.  In fact, you might contact Sunland Shutters only to find they never sold you shutters.

The best protection against this scam is by shopping for "value-based" name brand shutters from licensed contractors. This generally will cost a little bit more, but you will actually be getting what you think you are getting, and have the peace of mind which comes with your State's licensure process. 

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

In today's modern design atmosphere, the plantation shutter remains as a viable window covering choice. But, one wonders - why would a "traditional" shutter work so well in a modern environment?

Well, the answer may lie with the super bright white poly shutter outfitted with a hidden tilt bar.  Because this is a poly shutter, it has a "sheen" when coupled with the super bright white color effectively creates a modern look. Think bright white poly clad cabinets in a modern kitchen.

Additionally, by removing the standard tilt bar from the center and front of the shutter panels, the look becomes cleaner and more modern.  Also, if possible, choosing a 4 1/2" louver will further clean up the look and open up your modern space.

These slight design nuances help make plantation shutters fit your modern aesthetic while providing the great longevity, timeliness, energy efficiency, and versatility of plantation shutters.

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

Plantation shutters are ultimately versatile.  There is almost no window out there where a shutter application is not a possibility -from a technical perspective.  As we have discussed, shutters are one of the best options for arched shaped windows as well as standard windows of all types.  In fact, we have installed shutters in skylights, on doors, on cabinets, and as room dividers.

However, while most windows are very straight forward and as such can be assembled and installed without much extra work - there are situations which require a skilled craftsman.  Of course, we speak of those special situations which require frame, chair rail, or other features to be customized by an experienced shutter craftsman in the field.

If you want your project to reflect the high quality appeal which plantation shutters offer, then this type of finish work is absolutely critical.  Decisions must often be made by field personnel whether to cut into the shutter, or into the chair rail, baseboard trim, etc.  Knowing what will look best in each unique situation is why the experienced shutter craftsman is worth the slightly higher labor fee.

Bottom line, please kindly be aware that to control cost many shutter companies hire general laborers to install shutters.  To be fair, in 90% of the windows out there, this is a business model which works.  However, when customization is needed, you would be well served to consider the experience of your shutter installer's "craftsmanship" credentials.  They really do matter.  Of course, a good place to start in this desire is to only hire licensed, bonded, and insured window covering or carpentry contractors.

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

An interesting phenomena has occurred in the shutter design industry over the past 5-10 years.  Fascinatingly, greater than 95% of the shutter projects provided to consumers are a some variation of a white or off-white painted shutter.  Truly, you can get a sense of design trends and economic realities by tracking the popularity of window coverings at any given time and the boom in white shutter sales says something about the design taste of the 20-teens.

Obviously, the simple timeless look of white shutters, coupled with their great price point has swamped the industry. So, when do stained shutters make sense?  From our experience, the stained shutter still has a place for the high design of Tuscan Style Mansions, woodland cabins, conference rooms, certain restaurant themes, and traditional homes with rich stained wood doors and baseboards.  In these scenarios, a matching or coordinated stained shutter can pull the space together in a way that far exceeds the look of painted wood shutters.

Also, stained shutters offer the look of the the wood's character - as the stain takes to the rings and texture of wood's natural beauty.  This process still creates a unique look which is as varied as the tree itself.

So, while modern design trends have created a boom for white painted shutters, please kindly remember that a stained shutter just might be that special and "rare" design which helps your stand out from the trend.  Just saying.

Of course, we would love to help you decide whether stained wood is right for your plantation shutter project.  Also, check out our online shutter cost calculator for a rough idea of what new shutters might cost.

Divider rails are the stationary horizontal piece which can be added to shutter panels as a feature. Divider rails are a design feature as well as a structural feature in larger shutter panels.  

Firstly, divider rails are a practical matter.  If your shutter panel has a height over approximately 72" with a width over 30", a divider rail is generally required to help support the integrity of the panels weight.  These dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and the material from which the panel is made.

Secondly, divider rails are a design feature which can add a unique look to your windows.  Divider rails can be set to match horizontal mullion in your window or can be use to create a design look which splits the window in half or thirds.  Design rules generally suggest splitting in half or thirds, but for some rules were made to be broken.  As such, divider rails can be custom set at any location desired, assuming enough space is left for a couple louvers either above or below the rail.  Also, multiple divider rails are also possible and are generally found on very tall windows.  This application can be extremely stunning.  

One item worth knowing - for windows with an odd number of louvers and a divider rail in the center you will generally see one additional louver on the bottom portion of the shutter panel.  This is the most visually appealing look for windows with a center spaced divider rail.

Of course, we would love to help you decide whether divider rails are right for your plantation shutter project.  Also, check out our online shutter cost calculator for a rough idea of what new shutters might cost.