Window Shutters on a Budget by Sarah Vande Krol

Window Shutters on a Budget by Sarah Vande Krol

While there is great value in installing custom-made interior wood window shutters, sometimes they are still too expensive for certain applications. Some alternativesincluding poly or vinyl shuttersare less expensive but also much less attractive. For a high-quality solution at a lower cost, look for a company that sells individual solid wood shutter panels that can be installed in any configuration.

When shopping for individual shutter panels, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The most important factor is the material used to make the interior shutter panels. Basswood has the best characteristics for window shutters because it is a very straight hard wood with little distortion. Basswood also has a fine, uniform texture and indistinct grain, which make it superior for staining or painting. You should also look for a company that can make a large number of panel sizes so you can receive the best final fit for your window.

How To Determine Individual Panel Sizes to Order
It is best to determine how you will mount your shutters before ordering the shutter panels. Sometimes it is necessary to use hanging strips to attach shutters to the outside of the window opening. A reputable company will provide information about different installation methods so you can determine how best to install on a specific window.

Width:
Measure the width of the area you want the shutters to cover (NOT including any trim strips).
1.Divide this width by the number of panels you want across the window. This will give you the approximate width of each panel. Round this measurement up to the nearest 1/4 inch.
Example: Width = 36-7/16"
Divide by 4 and round up to nearest 1/4"
Order (4) shutter panels 9-1/4" wide

Height:
Up to 1" may be trimmed off the top and the bottom of each individual panel (a total of 2" per panel).
1.For a two tier unit (panels across the top and bottom), combine individual panel heights as required.

Finishing
A high-quality wood shutter panel can be painted or stained to a beautiful finish. Even if the shutters arrive and seem fairly smooth, a light sanding is advised before beginning the finishing process. After sanding and brushing off any dust, primer and paint can be applied. Often a more smooth finish is achieved by spraying the primer and paint, although the use of a high-quality brush can also result in a nice finish. When staining, follow the instructions given by the stain manufacturer. The stain manufacturer may recommend applying a wood conditioner before staining in order to ensure even stain color penetration.

Once your shutters are finished and installed, you will have a high-quality product that will increase the value of your home at a fraction of the cost of custom-made shutters.

Visit ShutterLand Interior Shutters
About the Author
ShutterLand.com provides solid wood interior window shutters sold as individual shutter panels. Interior window shutters come unfinished, ready to paint or stain. Plantation and traditional style shutters are manufactured direct in hundreds of sizes, sold at a discount, and shipped quickly nationwide.

How to Identify a Quality Interior Shutter by Brian Wright

How to Identify a Quality Interior Shutter by Brian Wright

1. Shutters have proper louver tension
The shutters louvers should be smooth and stay in the desired position throughout the lifetime of the shutter. Some manufacturers feature tension screws on the side of each shutter panel, with one tension screw required for each louver section. The problem with tension screws occurs over time, when tightening the screws becomes necessary on a regular basis. Eventually, the louvers within a single shutter unit will not have uniform tension because the louver sections adapt to the tension screw differently. Polywood, vinyl, fauxwood, and synthetic shutters usually have an extremely tight louver tension. It is then difficult to put the louvers exactly in the desired location, and the rotation of the louvers is difficult. The best technique for providing uniform tension that will remain constant is a split nylon pin tension system that requires no maintenance.

2. Shutters are built from a quality material
Wood is the most preferable material for building shutters, and not all woods are made alike. Basswood is a superior wood because it is among the straightest of hardwoods with a fine uniform texture and indistinct grain. It can be sanded and stained to a smooth finish, and it is lightweight yet very strong.

3. Shutters are purchased from reliable company
You should research the company from which you plan to purchase your shutters. They need to be a reputable, knowledgeable, support oriented, and accessible. We recommend you test their knowledge by asking questions. Check out their credibility with an organization such as the Better Business Bureau, and check to see if they have a list of customer comments or references. The company needs to be prepared to communicate all of the necessary information to you about purchasing interior shutters. They need to have a staff that is experienced and available for technical questions. It is frustrating when the only knowledgeable person is always "in the field."

4. Shutters are mortised for hinges
Mortised hinges are important to achieve a tight fit within your window opening. Without a mortised panel, a gap appears on the hanging side that allows light to break between the shutter panel and the window jamb. It should not be necessary to mortise the window jamb.

5. Shutters are rabbeted stiles between panels
Rabbeted stiles between shutter panels reduces light breaks between panels. A significant gap is created in between panels that are simply butted up against one another.

6. View a shutter sample
The shutter company should be able to supply you with a finished sample shutter. This way you can view the quality of construction and finish first-hand. It is beneficial for you also to hold the shutter in the window to visualize how the shutters will attach and look in your house.

7. Shutters should have quality finish
A quality paint or stain finish is essential to the overall satisfaction with your shutter purchase. A paint finish should be smooth, thick, and complete. You should be unable to feel the wood grain and it should show through the paint. A stain finish should be even with a proper top protective coat.

8. Custom built for each individual window
There are no standard windows. A proper custom shutter unit needs to be built for each individual window opening to the 1/16 inch. Any more will result in possible unnecessary gaps in the shutter unit. Do not assume that because two or more windows look the same, that they are the same. Many times proper measuring will show that each window is unique.

All About Window Shutters
Visit Horizon Interior Shutters
About the Author
Brian manages All About Shutters, an online buyers guide for interior and exterior shutters, discussing a variety of topics with informative articles. www.allaboutshutters.com