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SHOPPING FOR SHUTTERS... The ABCs
Custom made wide louver interior shutters represent a substantial investment.
Heat, cold, sunlight and humidity make window interiors a less than friendly
environment! You can avoid disappointment with your purchase by knowing
what to expect from the shutters you select. Deal with a reputable and
experienced shutter company that understands quality, can answer your questions
about their products, and will install your shutters themselves without using
sub-contract installers.
A. Look at an unfinished shutter and ask about the grade and
quality of the wood. There should be no knots, filled areas, veneers, or
finger joints (these ultimately show through the finish). What's beneath
the paint or stain ultimately determines how attractive your shutters will be
and how well they will perform over time.
B. Examine a finished sample. Is the finish smooth, even,
and deep? Are all surfaces well covered?
C. Compare these features:
The Kind of Wood
A light weight close grain hardwood, like basswood, is
best. Large shutters wont' sag under their own weight like those
made of synthetic material or heavy woods such as oak or maple.
Louvers will resist warping and the shutters are more durable than pine
or cedar shutters. Resins won't bleed through and cause finish
discoloration.
The Construction
Glued and doweled joints, nylon pivots, rabbeted light
gaps, and mortised hinges are standard on quality shutters.
The Component Parts
STILE SIZE - Anything less that 1-1/8" deep and 2-1/8"
wide does not provide adequate support. Wide shutters should have
stiles that are proportionally larger.
LOUVER PROFILE - Elliptical louvers have less tendency
to warp than flat louvers. Industry standards is 7/16" thick at
the center. Anything less is weak and more likely to break, bow,
twist or warp.
RAIL SIZE - Top and bottom rails should be flush
across the back and at least 1" thick. The width of the rails
should be balanced to the louvers spacing and to each other.
Undersized rails make for flimsy shutters and a skimpy look.
Divider rails should be precisely placed and not simply centered or
arbitrarily located.
The Installation
A
custom designed installation by an experienced shutter professional is
the key to perfect fit and outstanding appearance. There are many
ways to install shutters, but normally only one correct way.
The Warranty
A lifetime warranty is of little value if a product is
poorly designed or poorly made in the first place. Look for a good
and reasonable warranty, without lots of disclaimers and exclusions,
from an established local company that will be available should you need
warranty service. The company you buy from should warranty the
shutters, not just the manufacturer.
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