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How To Buy Shutters

Currently, shutters are made in a number of differentmaterials, with wooden shutters still being the benchmark for quality window coverings. Qualitywood shutters are designed to last for the lifetimeof your home. Deciding on the material for yourshutters is the first step in making things work.

Selecting your shutter styleThere are two basic styles of shutters available.The traditional style uses a narrow shutter panelwith 1-1/4" louvers. Traditional shutter louversare normally wedge shaped, being thicker in thefront and narrower in the rear. Plantation typeshutters are generally 1-18" thick with largerlouvers.

Selecting the shutter finishShutters can be stained, painted, or both. Almostall companies offer a number of paints with staincolors, while some don't. Paint colors will generally include a variety of whites and lights.The stains will help enhance wood grains in anumber of tints and tones, starting from lightnatural tones to an almost black pitch. Keep inmind, both synthetic and wood composite shutterscan't be stained.

Determine the priceBecause of their material options, shutters willcome in a wide range of prices, with many supplierscalculating the price on the square foot. Pricesare calculated based on the exact window size,shutter, style, finish, and number of panels involved.

Deciding on the unitShutter units can use a number of different panelconfigurations within a window. The number ofpanels across the shutter is determined by theshutter style, traditional or plantation, andthe width of the window. The traditional stylepanels are normally narrower than the plantationstyle and would use more panels across the window.

Each specific company offers guidelines for thenumber of panels to be used with a window. Ifthe window is tall enough, you may want to consider a double tier, or two tier shutterunit that uses one set of shutters at the topand one set at the bottom.

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

Measure and orderCarefully follow the measuring instructions,then determine the window type and installationprovided by the company you have selected. Thedirections should be detailed, yet very easy foryou to follow.

The company should also offer phone assistance should you have any questions.

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