I can't comment intelligently on the shutter specific questions as it pertains to wood species or manufacturing details, however, a better window should certainly prolong the life of the shutter. A poor window that leaks both heat and air (as well as UV light) will subject the shutter wood to harsh temperature swings, moisture, condensation, and generally inhospitable conditions. Keeping the air in front of the shutter much closer to interior temps will make the wood much more stable over time.

We recently ordered plantation shutters from blindsonsale.com. We got free samples from 3 different online sites and went with this company, getting white faux wood ones. The quality seems good, though the very ends of the louvers (not the louvers themselves) are not quite as smooth as the previous ones we had in another home--though this is not something that is visible, just something you can feel when touching them. Their phone support was good during our installation and the installation was easy. We had used blinds.com with good success before, but I think whatever company you use, just request free samples to see what you'll be getting. I got samples from another place that we didn't use because of the way the ends were finished off and the quality of the material they made theirs from. Unfortunately I can't recall now the one we rejected.

Our whole house has them (they were here when we moved in), and I love them. Most of the plantation shutters here are 20+ years old; not many window treatments will last 20 years. Our old house had plantation shutters in the living and dining rooms and wood blinds everywhere else. The plantation shutters were a lot better! Sorry for the dim pictures and different sizes! Laundry Room (Original Wood)...............Front Hallway (Original Wood) ... Pool/Dining (Original Wood).....................Living (Original Wood) ... Living (Original Wood) ... Living (Original Wood).......................... Bedroom (Original Wood) ... Bedroom (Original Wood) Great Room (Both Windows New Poly) ... Old Living/Dining (Plantation)...........................................................Old Bedroom (Wood Blinds) ... RE: Pictures of interior shutters anyone? Still thinking... Posted by: patty0315 (My Page) on Fri, Nov 6, 09 at 17:36 We installed our plantation shutters several years ago and if we ever move I'll buy them for the next house. Not only do they insulate in the summer and winter, but they are much more attractive than blinds and the expense is reduced by the amount I would have spent on window treatments. Mine all fold and swing back away from the windows so I can have my view whenever I want it. Love them and they do help sell a house. RE: Pictures of interior shutters anyone? Still thinking... Posted by: natal (My Page) on Fri, Nov 6, 09 at 18:06 We have the traditional shutters. They were in 3 rooms when we bought the house and we've since removed them from two and added them to another. We have a 1950s cottage. I think the plantation style would've been a little too contemporary. RE: Pictures of interior shutters anyone? Still thinking... Posted by: buddyrose (My Page) on Sun, Jan 3, 10 at 11:20 My house has both shutters and blinds. I love my shutters. I usually pull them open on sunny days to look into my yard. RE: Pictures of interior shutters anyone? Still thinking... Posted by: susieq07 (My Page) on Sun, Jan 3, 10 at 14:01 here's a whole gallery of pics. Here is a link that might be useful: link Post a Follow-Up Your Name: Your Email Address: Subject of Posting: Message: Optional Link URL: Name of the Link: Return to the Home Decorating Forum

I did plantation shutters and was amazed at the price difference from place to place. I ended up with a local dealer for Hunter Douglas and most of the other well known brands. He told me he increased his customer base because he was able to decrease his price greatly and still make a decent price due to no overhead. I actually found him on CL but checked through BBB and several references. His prices were a lot less than JCPenney's "sale" prices. I found Home Depot and Lowe's to be the most expensive although I know others who have shopped there and have been happy. I was absolutely shopping for the best price. I'm in NC so if that is any help to you, let me know and I'll send you his name. The Shutters themselves were from Southern Custom Shutters or something similar. I went with the faux wood and love the clean look of them.