For us, this split rod feature is available for no additional charge, so it really just becomes a design choice. Ask yourself, do you want to open up the top portion of your shutters for light and view while the bottom portion is closed for privacy? Are you okay with seeing the top portion louvers at a different angle than the bottom portion without a solid rail between them as a separator? Would you be okay with a tilt rod down the center of your panel that has a break at some point and as such the rods lean in a slightly different directions?
These are the sorts of design preference questions that are worth considering as you think about whether a split rod feature makes sense on your plantation shutter project.
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.