Synthetic Plantation Shutters?
I am researching whether to get plantation shutters for my house and need some advice since they are expensive and there are so many choices. A picture of my grand room is attached and, as you can see, the 12 windows in this room make it difficult to watch TV during sunny days. Shutters being able to block 100% light is what lead me to them in the first place but of course they look amazing.
Most of my windows are 34” wide and over 70” tall with 7” of window sill. The walls are package paint canvas tan and the trim is extra white. Floor is oak stained 139 rosewood.
I am shying away from wood shutters due to my cats and how easily it appears that basswood can be scratched. This and the size of the window has lead me to aluminum reinforced synthetic shutters such as polycore, duracore, alumacore, etc. I like the durability, strength, energy savings, and that they will stand up to the Dallas area sun. So I have a few questions:
- Do you think these windows are too big for shutters? I don’t plan on adding drapes.
- Synthetic shutters like PolyCore seem better than MDF and PVC in every way but the big names like Hunter Douglas and Norman do not have a similar product. Is there a reason why? This makes me think the synthetic is just marketing hype.
- I’m in the Dallas area and many of the shutter installers I have looked at either have wood, PVC, or MDF. I’ve only found one installer that has the aluminum reinforced synthetic. Am I missing something?
- Is something like PolyCore similar to Polywood except with aluminum supports? By this I mean it feels more like wood and not so much like plastic.
- Should I get white shutters to match the white trim?
- Should each window have 2 panels or 1? I think I would prefer 1 since it would let in more light but I’m not sure how it would look with such a wide window.
- What louver sizes would look good?
Comments (12)
8 years agoWe also have a large grouping of windows like yours and I find the shutters to be a perfect solution, I really like the classic white look without added drapes. I am more likely to not get tired of white and, as you mention, the shutters are an investment. If you plan to keep your trim white I would suggest going with white shutters. We elected to have "breaks" in the shutters that follow where our windows open and I also like this much better than a solid louvered shutter. I've added pictures with the shutters open to try and show this- although they are a bit dark.
We have wood in the main house and bedrooms and synthetic in the kitchen behind our sink. I have had no problems with either and really don't even notice a difference between the materials. I'm honestly not sure what type of synthetic material ours are but they were purchased through JC Penny.
Looks like you have a beautiful space to work with, I hope you will post pictures of what you end up doing. Good luck!
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Plantation Shutters or traditional shutters?
Comments (17)Yes, Penney's installed them and it's included in the price. There was only a choice of real wood or composite. Then you could pick your color (they had many colors including stained) You also pick your louver size. They are made my Norman Shutters. Scroll through their website and there are some beautiful pictures. I wonder if different Penney's use different brands???? I only did the front of my house but that included french doors and that sometimes raises the price a bit. So with my 40% off sale, my total for 14 windows and 2 french doors was $6100 and then I got another 10% off for doing the whole house with them. (wood blinds on the back) So that brought it down to $5490 The French doors have a cutout for the lever that I think looks pretty cool. Here is a link that might be useful: Norman Shutters...See MoreDecorative tape blinds installed PICS
Comments (8)Oh -- just beautiful! Thank you so much for posting the pictures. I want to say "ditto" to amysrq -- the only place I can see where the panels might add is in the bedroom. And amysrq -- we installed Smith & Noble plantation shutters in five bedrooms and the playroom (all have sizable windows -- a total of twelve windows), and one bathroom (a small window) and using a variety of their specials / promotions we saved a lot. When we first started investigating we were working with a Kitchen Designer and she priced "her" (synthetic) plantation shutters for us. Now that nearly gave me a heart attack! (seriously -- for just the playroom and two of the bedrooms it was nearly $4,000!) On my own I then priced a bunch of different options (both national and local) and wouldn't you know, the Smith & Noble wood plantation shutters came out the least expensive. And wood! Now, we measured and installed them ourselves, but I think they look great. Throughout the year they have promos (sometimes it's free shipping, which can save hundreds of dollars, or X% off), so that's how I did it. But I will say that one thing I miss is the ability to completely open up the window: with the shutters, we just control the louvers -- we cannot completely move them out of the way of the view like angc's attractive blinds. In some of the bedrooms which have a fine view, I might like that option .... angc, you have many lovely details to your home. Congratulations!...See MoreLouvre Shop, Mr. Shutter, Norman Blind Plantation Shutters
Comments (0)ANyone familiar with this company? I am in the market for shutters for a second home we just built in a resort community near the beach. I am pretty set on PS since it will also eliminate my having to have a fabric treatment in the short-term, if at all. I also looked at Norman Shutters which were ok - not happy with the full overlay and how they jut out of the window. I cannot do an inside mount, unfortunately, due to the variation in size of the four windows and because I have tilt-in windows for easy cleaning. They strongly recommended an outside mount for better light control, too. I also looked at Mr. Shutter and a local company who makes the shutters locally. He does not use a mounting strip like Norman shutters, but uses a trim that is attached to the existing frame and then mounts the shutters. The window trim would be partially exposed, but the trim he uses would jut out about an inch, creating a not-so-clean look, since his trim piece would not completely cover the window trim. Interested in hearing which brand shutters you have, inside or outside mount and if if you are happy with the quality. If you could post a picture, that would be great!...See Moreplantation shutters brand name or local company in Maryland
Comments (4)I don’t live in Maryland (FL) Just had plantation shutters installed. I got quotes from 6 different companies, local and brand names. I went with a local family owned company that manufactures on site, in business over 30 years, high quality product. Offered both solid wood and synthetic shutters. Went with wood, for its durability and the fact it was lighter. Turn around time less than 4 weeks. Everyone else said I wouldn’t get before January. I love that they are made and sourced locally. Stellar reviews. I went with 4” louvers and hidden tilt rod, very clean modern look.And the best price. $3800.00 for 7 windows including 3 large picture picture windows. I absolutely love them. Gives an updated look to my 1970s ranch. I would stay clear of products made in China. The Norman representative said they were made on an island off the coast of Taiwan when I asked her if they were made in China. I didn’t appreciate the way she answered, like an island off the coast of Taiwan means they are not made in China, deceptive....See MoreRelated Professionals
Clayton Architects & Building Designers · Cloverly Architects & Building Designers · Palmer Architects & Building Designers · Moraga Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Oneida Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Auburn General Contractors · Citrus Heights General Contractors · De Luz General Contractors · DeRidder General Contractors · Holly Hill General Contractors · La Marque General Contractors · Montclair General Contractors · Muskogee General Contractors · Spencer General Contractors · Walnut Park General Contractors- 8 years ago
PRO8 years ago
8 years ago- 8 years ago
- 8 years ago
Update:
I had an in-home consultation for
Polywood and Polycore. Both are nice products and I couldn't tell
the difference between the wood sample and either the Polywood or the
Polycore. I know others can but I couldn't.
Polywood requires 2 panels for each of
my 34” windows while Polycore allows a choice of 1 panel or 2. I
prefer 1 panel since it allows more light in and a better view.
The Polywood estimate was $2k higher
than the Polycore estimate for 450 sq ft of windows (1 window is arched). I'm not sure why and I didn't get a
reply when I asked in email.
What I forgot to ask the consultants is what does
the window sill look like when the frame is installed and
the panel is open? I'm curious because my cats like that area:
PRO8 years agoShutters are a beautiful solution for your space. On my own homes, I have personally used Norman composite shutters, Eclipse polyresin shutter, Hunter Douglas New Style Shutters, and Hunter Douglas Palm Beach. Based on your needs for 36" panel, hidden tilt, scratching from cats, durability, 4.5" vane, white color, and costs, I would find a local Eclipse Distributor and give them a call. I think they would be a great option. I feel they make one of the best polyresin shutters on the market. Below is the Eclipse shutter used on my outdoor patio when I lived in FL. They are easy to maintain too. You can remove the panels easily, hose off with soap and water, and reinstall.
In regards to the frame question, If you do a decorative trim Z frame, they use the existing sill and place a flat sill plate on top or some companies just do a 3 sided frame with no sill plate. I prefer the sill plate because it doesn't let the light filter through on the bottom.
Blinds, Shades , and Shutters · More Info
7 years ago- PRO7 years ago
- PRO7 years ago
Ssiard .Original Author