Have you ever wondered what a plantation shutter warranty will cover and/or allow?  Most contention between customers and shutter manufacturers can be found in the mismatch of warranty expectations.  And, let's be honest most people do not pay very close attention to the fine print found in their shutter warranty.  They only know the general coverage - which is something like a lifetime warranty with a four year warranty on the color fastness.

All shutter warranties will have their own fine print, so be sure to check with your retailer if this is of concern.  For the purposes of this article, we will share just a few of the nuances for the line we carry.  A warranty might include provisions like:

• Only applies to the original purchaser - non-transferable.
• Only applies if properly installed without modification.
• Only applies to issues with the shutter itself, not incidental or coincidental damage.
• Only allows for repair or replacement of the shutter - no other remedy is offered.
• Only covers the cost of the product, not the cost of shipping or labor for warranty items.
• Only applies to internal use - any misuse is not covered.

There are many other items in the fine print, which will be discussed in a subsequent blog post.  This is really just an introduction to how a shutter warranty is applied, and we hope it helps you better understand what you should expect should you encounter any issues with your plantation shutters.

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

Everyone who considers plantation shutters for their home inevitably faces a key decision - should they opt for real wood shutters or poly shutters?  In our product line real wood is slightly less expensive, and since Arizona is such a dry climate real wood shutters work well.  Those in moist climates have a tougher choice when it comes to that part of the decision.

So, what is it about a poly shutter that appeals to many consumers?  The main advantages of poly shutters include that they are:

• Harder to Scratch or Chip
  
• Green Friendly
• 100% Recyclable
• Fire Retardant
• Moisture Resistant
• Best at Maximizing Light Control Options - with a privacy tilt option
• Better at Insulating Against Heat and Cold

However, please know that your ultimate decision between a real wood and poly shutter is affected by a myriad of factors like geographic region, application, cost, setting, design need, and usage.

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

As you shop for your plantation shutters, you will find that there are many many different manufacturers, fabricators, and brands.  Each boasts the best value for the price.  But honestly, are you going to cut into your brand new plantation shutter to see what the wood looks like underneath the paint?  No, probably not.  In fact, you might only notice that the panel feels heavier than it should, or perhaps many years down the road you might start having problems with warping or separation.  Should this happen, then good luck getting the manufacturer to make it right.

I don't say this to scare you, because most plantation shutter "players" are doing their best to be fair and build their business.  However, as is true with most things in life, a little education can go a long way in achieving the look and longevity you desire from your plantation shutters.

Based on my years of experience, I like the idea of providing wood shutters which are 100% basswood.  I prefer knowing that they are build with a combination of state-of-the art computerized equipment and old-world hand craftsmanship.  This generally provides the precision and look we are all wanting.

The nice thing about shutters which are made from 100% basswood is that they have no fillers, no sawdust, no composites, no plastic wraps, no "engineered wood" no mystery "hardwoods".  Basswood is known in the industry to provide a combination of strength and light weight and as such it has become the industry's recognized premium natural material for the manufacture of wood shutters.

Bottom line, please kindly consider basswood as a leading option when shopping for a real wood shutter.

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

Occasionally, shutters are mounted inside a window frame.  One method is to mount the shutters with a hanging strip on the rear using the non-mortise wrap around hinge and factory deductions are once again the same as a direct mount shutter.  Another option is the side mount hanging strip which we discussed last week.  You can read that blog post here.

For the rear mount hanging strip, the factory will provide a hanging strip for both sides and a light block for the top and bottom. For each panel, two magnets and a wrap around hinge are included. (The hinges are attached to the panel at the factory, however hanging strips, light blocks, and magnets come separately)

The diagram below will help you visualize how this shutter application will mount to your window opening.

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

Occasionally, shutters are mounted inside a window frame.  One method is to mount the shutters with a hanging strip on the side using a standard non-mortised hinge. The manufacturer generally provides a hanging strip for both sides and a light block for the top and the bottom. For each panel, two magnets and a regular hinge should be included. (Usually, the hinges are attached to the panel at the factory, however hanging strips, light blocks, and magnets come and are installed separately)

The diagram below will help you visualize how this shutter application will mount to your window opening.