Hmm... I have several of these Andersen doors, I wonder just what they mean by 'damage'. Obviously, if I put a screw in the wood, I can't then say 'oh look-- it has a screw hole, give me a new door...' But if I put a screw in the wood and the mechanicals fail [such as the top and bottom latches stop working], I wonder if the unrelated screws would give them an excuse to abandon their responsibilities. I have 7 of these total, and several have never latched well and leak air badly. The Andersen guys are coming by next week to take a look. I'm not terribly impressed with their quality so far. Should also mention I'm not sure the lever hardware I chose [you are pretty much married to Andersen's own products for entry sets] would leave enough clearence. The shutters would fit, but your knuckles would hit them every time you open the door.

The big box stores will only carry the products that sell fast. If they have anything that sits on the shelf to long, it's gone. Since a 72" shutter isn't really a common sized shutter to sit on their shelf. You may have to order online or get custom sizing. One thing to keep in mind is they will all give you 10% off any price you receive from a competitor. So if you play your cards right you can get the cost chopped down from one to the other. Good Luck!!!

Last week we made deposit for plantation shutters on three windows after converting a French door into a big window in the master bedroom. We moved to AZ in 80s, we have been using plantation shutters in all of our houses due to the hot weather here. As window covering, Plantation shutter is best for energy efficiency, most durable, and we love the clean, regal look. Unfortunately, it is the most expensive option. We would never use faux wood shutters, we only want real wood. I like the heavy sandblaster pattern, it is very handsome showing distinct wood grains. Recently decorators are trying to convince customers using smooth finish, or shallow sandblaster pattern because they are 'easier to clean'. I don't buy that since we never have any issues cleaning heavy sandblaster patterned louvers or frames. To me, shallow sandblaster pattern gives the 'cut corner, half a*s job look', why bother. I think with, without stick makes no difference. We picked with sticks to match other window shutters in the house. Since the shutters are for bedroom, we chose the split opening option that the louvers are grouped in two. We could close bottom group and leave top group open for privacy, and to let light in. When the two groups are open, they look exact the same as other shutters (hope the description makes sense). Due to the small wall clearance of one of the windows, we picked a frame that gives an inside mount look instead of thicker frame as other shutters in the house. Either option is very nice. You need to check qualify of workmanship, material and experience of the business when comparing quotes, such as thickness of wood frame, louvers, quality of wood, hardware, paint, and service. Getting references from sales persons and call each one of the references. Plantation Shutter is a big investment, depending on the number and size of the windows you try to cover, it would easily cost over $10k, $20k or more. Don't take it lightly. In our experience, buying plantation shutters is definitely "you get what you paid for". A side note - I am not sure if shutters would "increase the value of the house" as realtors suggested even it is the case based on our own experience. It is for sure they help selling a house. They are pricey, but are so worth it.

Oly, so you're saying the wood doesn't shrink or expand? I'm planning to use a custom company here in Austin. I can't imagine doing a diy! Archie, I won't be needing them on any French doors, so I guess that's a blessing, huh? The bedroom windows are from floor to ceiling, but I don't use them to go in and out. LOL Oakleyok, exactly what I need! The MB seems cooler/hotter than the rest of the house, probably because of the large windows. I expect to pay more, but I know the quality, as well as the installation, will be better than one of those 'quickie' shutter places. Tex, thank you so much for posting!! Yes, I remember that heat in '09~~according to what i've read on line, that's the 'new norm' for TX summers. I live in Austin, and our temps are about the same, HOT! What was the name of the company you used? There may be one in Austin, although i've found a local company that was given great reviews~I would like to get at least 2 estimates. My trim is about 4 shades darker than the walls, I never thought to get a custom color~that may be the way to go, thanks you. Thanks everyone! ;o)