After manufacturing and selling plantation shutters for over 30 years, we here at Naples Shutter have learned a thing or two. We’ve seen it all, done it all, and helped thousands of people just like you decide on the perfect plantation shutters for their home. But, since this may be your first time considering these timeless window treatments, we’ve compiled a list of the most common questions people ask. Read these popular questions and get a jump start on your quest for plantation shutters.
1. What kind of wood are your shutters made of?
Naples Shutter crafts its shutters out of North American Poplar. Poplar wood is desirable because of its low density (making it lightweight) and its straight, smooth grain. Did you know that a Poplar tree grows up to 160 feet high, and that its trunk can be up to eight feet in diameter? This plentiful resource is grown in the Eastern United States.
2. Should I choose wood or poly shutters?
Most clients choose wood shutters whenever possible because they provide many advantages over poly: a man-made composite material:
- Wood is lighter and stronger than poly, allowing the shutters to be made into larger panels, up to 37 inches wide. This means you can have fewer panels in each window opening, increasing your view of the outdoors.
- Wood shutters can be painted any color. We recommend matching your shutters to the trim of your home for a consistent look. Poly shutters are only available in two colors: white and off-white.
- Specialty shapes such as arches, sunbursts and ovals are more easily manufactured in wood, and look better because they have less rough edges.
- Wood shutters are manufactured with 3-dowel construction, giving them greater strength and preventing separation of the stiles and rails.
- A Limited Lifetime Warranty is standard with wood shutters from Naples Shutter.
3. What louver size do you recommend…3 ½” or 4 ½”?
80-90% of our shutters are ordered with 3 ½” louvers. However, we are seeing an increase in demand for 4 ½” louvers because of larger windows and sliding glass doors, clients’ desire for more openness, and modern interior design influences.
4. Should I include a midrail?
For those who aren’t familiar, a midrail is a solid horizontal plank that goes across the middle of the shutter panel. The louvers above the midrail open and close independently of the louvers below the midrail. Clients love midrails because they can leave the top section open for light and leave the bottom section closed for privacy. This way you don’t have to open and close the shutters each day. A midrail is also recommended if you have dark metal window casings around the glass. This will hide the casing and give your room a more consistent feel.
5. Can I get plantation shutters without the vertical tilt bar?
Yes, we can make shutters with the “hidden tilt” option. This is when the wooden tilt bar on the front of the panel is omitted. In its place, we install a slim metal tilt bar on the back of the panel all the way to one side. It is virtually invisible, allowing more open space and visibility.
6. Can I put plantation shutters on my sliding glass doors?
Plantation shutters are a very functional, very dramatic addition to sliding glass doors. If you have shutters throughout your house, they give a consistent look and feel. Plantation shutter panels are installed on a track in the top of the slider opening, allowing the panels to glide open and closed. Options include a bottom track, which gives added stability, and “open louver” bypass, which allows you to slide the panels open and closed even when the louvers are in the open position.
7. How much do shutters cost?
Plantation shutters are priced by the square foot, and options like hidden tilt, specialty shapes and stain finishes are available for an additional charge. Your Naples Shutter sales rep can give you an estimate based on your measurements.
8. How long does it take to get shutters?
Your plantation shutters are custom manufactured in our factory. First, your sales rep will come to your home, perform a rough measure of your windows and doors and give you a proposal. Next, a detailed measure will be performed by one of our installers. Then, the factory goes to work creating your custom product. After manufacturing, the shutters are sent to the finishing department, where they are sanded, primed, sanded again and painted. Then they are ready to install. The process from detailed measure to installation takes approximately six weeks, however we are always willing to work with clients in special situations dealing a tight deadline.
9. What material should I use in my bathrooms and garage?
Although wood is our most popular choice for shutters, poly shutters are ideal for areas prone to moisture and humidity like bathrooms and garages. Windows that will come in direct contact with water such as in a shower are perfect areas for PVC shutters.
10. Are they made in America?
Yes! Our shutters are manufactured in our 14,000 sq. ft. facility in Naples, Florida. This gives us control over every aspect of your project, and creates American jobs and supports the American economy. Remember, Naples Shutter is here for you before, during and after the sale.
So there you have it: your crash course on plantation shutters. If you are considering shutters for your home, feel free to call us or stop by our showroom at any time. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you with your project.
