How to Buy Shutters For Windows

How to Buy Shutters For Windows 

Shutters are made in a number of different materials, with wooden shutters still being the  benchmark for quality window coverings.  Quality wood shutters are designed to last for the lifetime of your home.  Deciding on the material for your shutters is the first step in making things work.

Selecting your shutter style There are two basic styles of shutters available. The traditional style uses a narrow shutter panel with 1-1/4" louvers.  Traditional shutter louvers are normally wedge shaped, being thicker in the front and narrower in the rear.  Plantation type shutters are generally 1-18" thick with larger louvers.  

Selecting the shutter finish Shutters can be stained, painted, or both.  Almost all companies offer a number of paints with stain colors, while some don't.  Paint colors will  generally include a variety of whites and lights. The stains will help enhance wood grains in a number of tints and tones, starting from light natural tones to an almost black pitch.  Keep in mind that both synthetic and wood composite shutters
can't be stained.

• Determine the price Shutters

Because of their material options, shutters will come in a wide range of prices, with many suppliers calculating the price on the square foot.  Prices are calculated based on the exact window size, shutter, style, finish, and number of panels 
involved.

• Deciding on the unit 

Shutter units can use a number of different panel configurations within a window.  The number of panels across the shutter is determined by the shutter style, traditional or plantation, and the width of the window.  The traditional style panels are normally narrower than the plantation
style and would use more panels across the window.

Each specific company offers guidelines for the number of panels to be used with a window.  If
the window is tall enough, you may want to  consider a double tier, or two tier shutter unit that uses one set of shutters at the top and one set at the bottom.

Each set of shutters will then open independently on the other.  You can also use a divider rail,
which is is a horizontal bar that creates a top and bottom louver section within a single style 
of panel.

• Measure and Order

Carefully follow the measuring instructions, then determine the window type and installation provided by the company you have selected.  The directions should be detailed, yet very easy for you to follow.