How to Buy Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters are a hot decorating trend. The large, movable louvers are both functional and fashionable and lend a traditional feel to any home. Customarily made from a number of different woods, plantation shutters are also available in manufactured materials. Wood plantation shutters build with furniture quality can last the lifetime of your home, while the manufactured materials are a less expensive alternative.
Plantation shutters are associated with wide, movable louvers widths, commonly 2-1/2" to 4-1/2" wide. The louvers can be flat, but the most longwearing have a wedge shape. Although available with louvers that remain fixed or with raised panels, movable louvers are the best choice to allow for light and air circulation.
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Instructions
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Decide on shutter style that will look best in your home. Narrow and wide shutters are available. Shutters with the wider louvers are generally considered true plantation-style.
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Select the finish you want. Shutters are available in a variety of painted finishes or stains.
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Measure each window you will be installing the shutters, taking the inside window width and length. This will not be your final measurements, but it will help in getting an estimate of the costs of your shutters.
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Choose a panel configuration. Most plantation shutters would use two panels per windows, but wide bay-type windows may need more. You also need to decide if you want a single panel configuration or a double or two-tiered effect.
* A general rule of thumb is to use a few panels as possible.
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Determine how many windows you are going to cover with your new plantation shutters. Final pricing may be your deciding factor, but do consider covering all the windows that face the street for continuity.
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Find a plantation shutter provider. The Internet is a good place to start. There are factory-direct warehouse offering their products, as well as window-covering stores who can order from a number of manufacturers.
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View a sample of the shutter from the company or store. This is more possible if you order locally, but many Internet based companies do provide detailed brochures and samples of material and finishes.
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Take final measurements according to the manufacturer or store you will be buying from.
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Consider professional installation. No two windows are as straight and plum as they should be. A 1/16-inch of extra wood could result in frustration and the possibility of destroying your new shutters during installation.
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Tips & Warnings
If plantation shutters are too expensive for your budget, consider plantation-style window blinds. You can get a similar look and feel for much less money.
- Photo Credit Chance Agrella / freerangestock.com
