Archive for the ‘Plantation Shutters’ Category

Many people still prefer the look and feel of curtains. Curtains add to the royal look with its drapes and chords and layers and what not. However, an increasing trend booming in the name of shutters is also catching up and here are a few reasons why shutters should be preferred to curtains:

Cleaning the windows is not enough

Curtains take on most of the dust blown over from outside even counting the oils, stains and vapour of the indoors. Washing them regularly can be a tedious task which involves taking them all down washing them or depending on the fabric – dry cleaning them and fixing them all carefully back again. It is an event – like a curtain washing week or something!

Shutters on the other hand, need no reason to remove them, they can be dusted everyday with a static duster and wiped clean if needed. Materials like vinyl are easy maintenance and don’t need a lot of polishing and fixing.

Mono-function or multi-function

Curtains perform a monotonous function; they block the light from coming in, blocking out the breeze as well, or if they are light weight curtains, they keep blowing inside the house which does not block the light!

Shutters serve as a wonderful light blocking window treatment. The window may be open, and the slats may be lowered down or up to create a warming effect of the light as well as keep the breeze coming in.

Me Tarzan, you Jane

Children love curtains in the house so they can hang on them and re-enact the Tarzan cartoon they just seen. The danger of the whole pelmet coming down on their heads or the entangling chords is a fear the new parent lives with everyday! With having pets in the house, your dog might just cool off his excess energy ripping your curtains into shreds and feeling better instantly.

Shutters have neither dangerous chords neither hanging nor having loose fabric giving no rise to any sort of danger in the house.

You would never believe the evolution in the world of shutters of present day. Window Shutters are basically a cover for your windows giving you the option of closed windows and sunlight in the privacy of your home. They come as exterior window shutters or interior window shutters.

No more ghosts!

Don’t you wish you never had to struggle with hauling your curtains back, fumble for the opening to look outside or enjoy that beautiful breeze without curtains blowing like ghosts in your living room?  The answer lies in the beautiful and convenient window shutters.

Peeping sunshine

Window shutters date back to the early 15th century where shutters were used in Europe and South America. The basic purpose of using shutters was having a window concept but from which sunshine is able to peep in through the apertures. The narrow flat planks are placed at a unique angle which controls the sunlight into the room, allowing breeze in through them as well as keeping the rain water out. The types of shutters which are widely used till today are known as the Plantation shutters.

Are those bananas on your windows?

Plantations shutters do not mean hanging banana plantations on your windows to block the sunlight! It consists of flat blade like panels mounted called ‘louvers’ on a frame which usually swivels vertically to adjust the opening of the shutter. Plantation shutters get their name from where they were initially used in homes of the plantation workers in South America.

Tailored window shutters

Plantation shutters of today come in all types of materials, textures, colours and sizes. You can customize plantation shutters according to the space of your house, the amount of openness you want to give to your room, shapes, colours, and also the size of the louvers.

Window Shutters add instant panache to your house and can be used in every room giving it instant liveliness to your decor.

Woodwinds™ SuperNatural™ Shutters reach above and often beyond most composite shutters expectations. Not only does the Woodwinds astonishing durability set a new industry standard, the wood grain process looks really, just like real wood. It’s very hard to tell the difference even when touching the louvers. Below is a side by side comparison that Comfortex gave us verses real wood. You can find this AMERICAN made product at: Composite Shutters. It is a little more expensive than some of the other composite shutters on the market but, they are made here in the USA, ship in two weeks, and have a lifetime warranty. They are some of the best we have seen, have been tempted to sell cheaper products but the quality and the “no headaches” with Comfortex makes this a suburb buy. They are on sale for Jan and Feb.

	100% Wood Shutter	Comfortex Supernatural Shutter
Grain Comparison- The patent-pending SuperNatural color process creates the rich look of real wood grain. Subtle variations make these stained woodtones come alive with textural beauty.
Strength Comparison- The resilient SuperNatural finish protects every panel and frame for uncompromising performance. The integrity of the surface is no longer at risk from everyday wear and tear. Scratches and scuffs, typical of 100% wood, are a thing of the past.
Moisture Comparison- Moisture is no match for the SuperNatural finish. Condensation simply beads up the louvers rather than soaking in and ultimately warping or cracking the material. Real wood shutters do not have this innovative safeguard.

Window blinds are made like a door that open and close inside or over a window. Shutters or plantation blinds have different sized louvers that can close and open which allows views and total privacy. Included are three types of plantation shutters. The first is the faux wood shutter (PVC), second is the composite wood (wood and PVC mix) and lastly are the real wood shutters (Basswood).

The faux wood (PVC) shutters are made of 100% vinyl and are hollow on the inside. These shutters are very affordable, waterproof and damage proof. Some of the advantages are a lifetime warranty, very ease of repair, and of coarse, and the cost. Two of the disadvantages include a plastic look, and possible discoloration over time.

The composite (wood and PVC mix) window shutters are made of a wood and vinyl mixture. Three advantages are the cost; it looks more like real wood and has a lifetime warranty. Three disadvantages include heaviness (more heavy than wood), small limited color selection, and difficulty in repairs without having to ship it back.

The final type of shutters is the real wood (basswood) shutter. The main advantages are the numerous stains, lightness and original look. The two main disadvantages are warping and the price.

Wood shutters are running around three weeks for delivery. Woven Wood Blinds and sliding panels backorders should be cought up by next week. H1 tags are being created for the entire site and each page will be set up with uniques titles and metas.

Plantation Shutters- Great new product that shipps in around three weeks.

We just added our plantation shutters wood series. Unlike our competition, these are made 100% in the USA. Check out this article:
Shades Shutters Blinds Wood Plantation Shutters. Informational article on our new Wood Plantation Shutters.

All information comes directly out of the Comfortex Woodwinds Price book
Three whites match and blend with today’s painted woodwork: Colors are Bright White (Piccolo), soft white (Bolero), and cream (Clarinet).
Composite shutters are available with 2 1/2″, 3 1/2″ and 4 1/2″ louver sizes. This flexibility allows you to choose the size that best fits your window opening.
The composite (poly) panels can be made to fit any light opening or privacy situation. Choose full length, double hung, or cafe style. Each can be built as a single panel or as multiple panels depending on your needs. Please call for any of these options.
They are fully operable and can be installed as hinged bi-fold or bypass panels. Please call for information on these options.
These shutters frames fit in your window or door opening to give your plantation shutters a perfect flawless fit. Routed adjustable hanging strips are also available. Please call for quote.

You can also choose from several hinge styles for your plantation shutters.. Choose from white, antique white, antique brass, bright brass and silver (nickel). Pull knobs are also available in brass or porcelain and wire pulls in white or brass may also be used to fish off your shutters. Please call for these options.
The classic tilt bar design features a “no mouse holes” approach that allows the louvers to close tightly in both directions.
The patented, spring loaded panel design minimizes any light gaps on the sides of the louver tree for improved privacy and light control of your shutters.

Spring loaded louver trees make it quick and easy to replace individual or multiple louvers without dismantling the entire shutter panel.
Out poly composite plantation shutters are available with two track systems to facilitate different types of operation. Choose between the bi-fold or bypass options which are both suitable for various window and door applications. Please call for this option.
We also offer a limited lifetime warranty.

Periodic dusting with a feather duster or vacuum cleaner head is all Comfortex shutters should ever require.

Added Composite Shutters. Comfortex Composite Poly Shutters at $16 per square foot.
Installation Instructions.
Installation instructions will be included with every order
Material and Tools Needed
All these should be included with each order.
Drill, possible caulk, steel tape measurer, 3/32″ drill bit, pencil, level, hammer
Please note:
All screw holes need to be predrilled to prevent cracking of the material finish. Also, never drill a screw in too tight. Counter sinking isn’t necessary and could damage the shutter. If the screw is over tightened, damage cannot be repaired.

Frame Assembly
Frames are shipped disassembled to save on damage and shipping charges. Dowels and glue are provided. Reassembly of the frame is super easy. All holes are pre-drilled.
Insert glue into the frame corner holes and align all prefabricated pieces and insert the dowel pins into their place. Squeeze the frame together until it sets.
Our composite shutters come with two types of frames: Z-Frame and L-Frame. This procedure is the same for both.
First, center the frame inside or outside the window opening where you want it. Screws need to be inserted through the light stop on the frame if possible. Remember to pre-drill the holes. Next, attach the top of the frame first. Mount the screws in the middle of the frame first and then attach the two corners. Then, mover the bottom of the frame to the left or right in order to square the window (a level helps). Once the frame is square, it’s time to attach the bottom of the frame. Mount the middle screw first and then attach the two corners. If you need to align the panels, raise or lower the side frames. Lastly, after everything is aligned, fasten the sides of the frame using screws at every hinge location.
Caulking
Caulk around the edges where light slips through. You mainly need to caulk on L-Frames.
Install the Panels
All hinges have been pre drilled for easy assembly. Make sure the panels are straight and then put in hinge pins. Open and close the panels once the hinges are on. If they do not close straight, then your frame might not be square in the window. Take off the panels and re-align the frame.
Adjustments
If there is overlap in the middle (panels overlap when trying to close), do not loosen the screws. Tap the foot/base of the hinges with your hammer lightly to slide the panels away from each other until you get it even. Retighten the screws if they come loose.
Magnets
The final stage is to put the magnets on so the panels stay closed. They can be attached to the top or bottom of the frame. The magnets are positioned so that they contact the striker plates that are screwed to the rear of the panel. You need to determine where you want the magnet by first holding the magnet (attached to the plate) to where you want it. Test it to see if it will work at that location before drilling it on. Mark it with a pencil before drilling. The striker plate should be fastened to the rail, not the stile.

Re-did VinylBilt Plantation Shutters. Made less busy, added more pictures and options, made specs larger for height.