How You Can Order Plantation Shutters Online

A great place to buy Plantation shutters is online. While some of the stores that used to stock them now no longer appear to, there are many new online stores that deal specifically in window treatments, and even some that deal only in shutters.

The more expensive shutters are those that are made from top hardwood. Quite often these shutters are totally custom-designed, meaning that you can ask for specifically sized shutters and choose what size slats you want and how the finish should look. On the other end of the spectrum you will find vinyl or faux wood shutters that are more often found in standard sizes, and are not as customizable as other types.

Another point to note, when order cheaper shutters online is that they are usually made to be self-installed. Thankfully, they are usually fairly easy to install and you do not have to be a carpenter to put them up. If you, or someone in your family, can drill a hole and use a screwdriver, you should be able to install your own standard plantation shutters. Most of the stores that sell shutters online also offer free shipping, which is a help in cutting back on costs.

If you decide to order custom designed shutters online you will need to be very specific with your order, both in terms of the actual size and shape of your window as well as the type of wood you would like the shutter made from. It may be better, if you have an unusually shaped window such as one with an arch, to have someone come and measure the window rather than trying to send the specs over the internet. If your window is at least an easily measurable standard design it should be a fairly simple matter to measure and order online. Often times, if you are buying more expensive designer shutters online, you can request a sample of the actual woods and stains they use so that you can more accurately decide what shade would fit best with your current decor and furniture. Also, if you go to all the trouble of ordering designer shutters, it may be worth your while to pay a little extra and have a craftsman install them for you.

With so many stores offering shutters and window treatments for sale, you will find that prices will vary tremendously from store to store, and depending on the options you choose and the material you request your shutters to be made from. It is fairly easy, however, to make comparisons based on the prices and quotes you receive and you should be able to find something that suits your budget and your taste fairly easily.

Susan L. West, a professional interior decorator, offers advice on finding plantation shutters online including buying unfinished wood shutters.

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Tags: Plantation, Shutters, Online

Caring For Your Plantation Shutters

If you go to all the expense of installing plantation shutters, it is important to try to keep them in good shape. First of all, if you do take proper care of them they will last for years and years, and will continue to look great. Also, if you ever consider selling your house, it is well worth the effort and time spent in upkeep as that will provide you with the best resale value.

One thing that is vitally important is to keep your shutters clean. This means regular dusting and wiping off with a damp or soft cloth every so often. Generally, plantation shutters don't really get that dirty although dust, left for long periods of time, really can damage the blinds or take off the sheen.

Strong sunlight can also be damaging for your shutters. You may want to think carefully about the material you have your shutters made from before you go ahead. Faux wood often yellows, due to the treatment on the outside of the slats if they are exposed to strong sunlight, so if you're in an area where there's a lot of strong, harsh sunlight, you may want to choose wooden shutters over faux-wood shutters. Another suggestion is to choose lighter colored wood over dark colored wood, as the lighter wood also seems to hold up better in strong sunlight.

Wood shutters don't do well in humidity though. So, if you live in an area that is damp, or where there's a lot of humidity or rain, faux wood shutters may end up keeping better in the long run.

Although plantation shutters are usually made to last, and are quite sturdy and long-lasting, they still do better with gentle use. Don't twist the rod to open the slates harshly or roughly, but twist it gently. If you are going to be opening the shutters all the way out to the side, make sure they are fastened and aren't free to bang against the wall as that will damage the framework. With hinged plantation shutters, you need to make sure that the hinges remain in good shape, so they don't freeze up, rust or become either too loose or too stiff.

None of these tips will take you long to do, but being faithful and regular in your care of your plantation shutters will go a long way in helping them remain in tip-top shape over the years.

Susan L. West, a professional interior decorator, offers advice on how to decorate on a budget. She offers updated advice on plantation shutters, and help in deciding which discount plantation shutters are best for you.

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Tags: Plantation, Shutters, Caring

The Joys of Wood Shutters

With energy costs soaring and many looking for ways to help keep these costs down, some individuals are now installing wood shutters. Wood is a natural insulator and can help to keep those heating and cooling bills down. Not only are shutters attractive, they serve as an energy saver. With this being said, many are now installing wood window shutters in homes.

Plantation shutters can add value to a home. With many people wanting to increase the value of a home or when putting a home on the real-estate market have installed wood shutters. This type of shutter is usually listed as an added selling point because of the energy saving value as well as their decorative value.

Interior shutters can be made out of a several types of woods. These woods can include American basswood, pine, oak, maple and cedar. Each type of wood has its own selling points, but the main reason that many choose shutters is because they can be painted or stained to match any décor. Stained shutters are now becoming more popular because they are easier to match to many different decorating tastes.

Stained shutters can be ordered custom stained from the manufacturer or it can be a do-it-yourself project. The stains can vary drastically. Stains can come in various wood inspired colors to color washes such as dark greens to light yellows. One is sure to find a color of stain that will complement any room.

Some shutters can be a bit more expensive than vinyl or plastic shutters. Even though these shutters are cheaper then stained wood shutters, they do not add the curb appeal that wood shutters do to a home. They are also listed as a feature when selling a house and wooden shutters add extra resale value that other types of window treatment such as plastic and vinyl do not.

Real shutters are generally made out of premium types of wood and are sanded to achieve a finish like fine hand crafted furniture. With this being said, many people choose to purchase stained over those that are painted in order to match the stain to the furniture in a room. Stained shutters are also easier to match a décor to when wanting to redecorate a room later on.

Stained wood shutters will make a significant improvement in the overall look of your home. Consider the colors and options available prior to purchasing so you can get the best value.

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Tags: Wood, Shutters, improvement