How to Choose the Best Plantation Shutters for Your Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors are a great way to add natural light and outdoor views to your home. But they can also pose some challenges when it comes to window treatments. You want something that can control the amount of light and heat that enters your room, provide privacy and security, and enhance the beauty and style of your space.

That’s why plantation shutters are one of the best choices for sliding glass doors. Plantation shutters are window coverings with horizontal slats that can be tilted to adjust the light and airflow. They are mounted on a frame that can be opened or closed like a door or slid along a track.

Plantation shutters have many advantages over other window treatments, such as curtains, blinds, or shades. They are:

• Light control: You can easily adjust the angle of the slats to let in as much or as little light as you want. You can also open or close the shutters completely to enjoy or block the full view.
• Privacy: You can close the slats to prevent anyone from seeing inside your home while still allowing some light and air to pass through. You can also open the shutters partially or fully to create different levels of privacy.
• Energy efficiency: Plantation shutters act as insulators, keeping your room cool in summer and warm in winter. They can reduce energy bills by preventing heat loss or gain through the glass.
• Durability: Plantation shutters are sturdy materials that withstand harsh weather conditions, moisture, dust, and insects. They are easy to clean and maintain and can last years without fading, warping, or cracking.
• Aesthetics: Plantation shutters add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. They come in various sizes, styles, materials, and colors to suit your taste and complement your existing decor.

But how do you choose the best plantation shutters for sliding glass doors? Several factors are to consider, such as size, style, material, color, and installation. This article will guide you through these factors and help you make an informed decision.

Size

The first thing you need to do is measure your sliding glass doors and the window frame around them. This will help you determine the correct size of plantation shutters that will fit your doors perfectly.

To measure your sliding glass doors, you need to measure the width and height of each door panel. You also need to measure the depth of the window frame from the glass to the wall. This will help you decide how far the shutters should protrude from the frame.

To measure your window frame, you need to measure the width and height of the entire frame from one end to another. You must also measure the distance between the top of the frame and the ceiling and between the bottom and the floor. This will help you decide how high and low the shutters should hang from the frame.

Once you have these measurements, you can choose from different types of plantation shutters based on their size. The most common types are:

• Bi-fold shutters: These are shutters that fold in half like a book. They are attached to a hinge on one side of the door panel and can be swung open or closed like a door. They are ideal for smaller sliding glass doors with enough space on one side to fold.
• Bypass shutters: These are shutters that slide along a track above or below the door panel. They are attached to rollers that allow them to move smoothly from side to side. They are ideal for larger sliding glass doors with limited space on either side to fold or swing.
• Sliding panels are flat panels that slide along a track above or below the door panel. They are similar to bypass shutters but have no slats or hinges. They are ideal for very large sliding glass doors with minimal space on either side to fold or swing.

Style

The next thing you need to do is choose a style of plantation shutters that matches the design and decor of your room. You want something that reflects your personality and enhances your space’s overall look and feel.

There are many styles of plantation shutters available, but they can be broadly classified into three categories: traditional, contemporary, and rustic. Each of these styles has its characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at each of them in detail.

• Traditional shutters: These are shutters that have a classic and timeless appeal. They are characterized by their wide slats, usually 3 to 4 inches, that create a cozy and warm atmosphere. They are suitable for formal, elegant, or vintage rooms, such as living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms.
• Contemporary shutters: These are shutters that have a modern and sleek appeal. They are characterized by their narrow slats, usually 2 to 3 inches, that create a clean and minimalist atmosphere. They are suitable for casual, chic, or futuristic rooms, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or offices.
• Rustic shutters: These are shutters that have a natural and organic appeal. They are characterized by their irregular slats, usually made of wood or bamboo, that create a rustic and cozy atmosphere. They are suitable for rooms with a country, farmhouse, or bohemian style, such as sunrooms, patios, or dens.

Material

The next thing you need to do is choose a material for plantation shutters that are suitable for the climate and the usage of your sliding glass doors. You want something that can withstand the temperature changes, humidity levels, and wear and tear exposed to your doors.

There are many materials for plantation shutters available, but they can be broadly classified into three categories: wood, vinyl, and composite. Each of these materials has its properties, advantages, and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at each of them in detail.

• Wood shutters: These are made of natural wood, such as pine, oak, maple, or cherry. They are the most durable and customizable wood plantation shutters. They can be stained or painted in any color you want and carved or molded into any shape you want. They are also the most expensive material for plantation shutters. They require regular maintenance to prevent them from warping, cracking, or fading due to moisture or sunlight.
• Vinyl shutters: These are made of synthetic plastic, such as PVC or polyurethane. They are the most affordable and low-maintenance PVC plantation shutters. They resist moisture, heat, and UV rays without warping, cracking, or fading. They are also easy to clean with soap and water. However, they have limited color and design options and can look cheap or artificial compared to wood or composite shutters.
• Composite shutters: These are shutters that are made of a mixture of wood and plastic fibers. They are the most versatile and eco-friendly material for plantation shutters. They can mimic the look and feel of wood without the drawbacks of warping, cracking, or fading. They can also be painted in any color without peeling or chipping. They are moderately priced and moderately durable compared to wood or vinyl shutters.

Color

The next thing you need to do is choose a color of plantation shutters that complements your room’s color scheme and mood. You want something that can create contrast or harmony with your walls, furniture, and accessories.

There are many colors of plantation shutters available, but they can be broadly classified into three categories: white, black, and natural. Each of these colors has its effects, advantages, and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at each of them in detail.

• White shutters: These are shutters that have a bright and crisp color. They can create a spacious and airy feel in your room by reflecting light and enhancing visibility. They can also match any color scheme and style in your room by creating a neutral backdrop. However, they can also show dirt and dust easily and require frequent cleaning.
• Black shutters: These are shutters that have a dark and dramatic color. They can create a cozy and intimate feel in your room by absorbing light and reducing glare. They can also make a bold statement and add contrast to your room by creating a focal point. However, they can also make your room look smaller and darker if not balanced with other light sources.
• Natural shutters: These are shutters that have a warm and earthy color. They can create a natural and organic feel in your room by blending with the wood or bamboo material of the shutters. They can also add warmth and coziness to your room by creating a soft and soothing ambiance. However, they can clash with some color schemes and styles in your room if not coordinated well.

Installation

The last thing you need to do is install plantation shutters on your sliding glass doors safely and securely. You want something that can be done easily and quickly without damaging your doors or walls.

There are two main methods of installation for plantation shutters: DIY or professional service. Each of these methods has its benefits, drawbacks, and costs. Let’s take a look at each of them in detail.

• DIY: This is where you install the plantation shutters yourself using the instructions and tools provided by the manufacturer or seller. This method can save you money and time, as you don’t have to pay for labor or wait for an appointment. You can also customize the shutters to fit your preferences and needs. However, this method can also be risky and challenging, as you may need to gain the skills or experience to do it properly. You may also encounter problems such as incorrect measurements, faulty hardware, or uneven alignment.
• Professional service: This is where you hire a qualified and experienced installer to install the plantation shutters for you. This method can ensure quality and safety, as the installer will have the expertise and equipment to do it correctly. You can also avoid the hassle and stress of doing it yourself and enjoy the warranty and guarantee offered by the installer. However, this method can also be expensive and time-consuming, as you have to pay for labor and materials and schedule an appointment.

Here are some tips and tricks for installing plantation shutters on your sliding glass doors, depending on the method you choose:

DIY:

• Use proper tools such as a tape measure, a level, a drill, a screwdriver, and a hammer.
• Follow the instructions carefully and check the parts before starting.
• Align the hinges of the shutters with the hinges of the door panel.
• Adjust the tension of the slats using a tension screw or pin.
• Test the operation of the shutters before securing them.

Professional service:

• Choose a reputable and reliable installer with good reviews and ratings.
• Compare different quotes and services before making a decision.
• Prepare your room by clearing any furniture or obstacles near the doors.
• Supervise the installation process and ask any questions or concerns you may have.
• Inspect the final result and report any issues or defects.

Conclusion

Plantation shutters are a great option for sliding glass doors, as they offer many benefits, such as light control, privacy, energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetics. However, choosing the best plantation shutters for your sliding glass doors can take time, as there are many factors to consider, such as size, style, material, color, and installation.

In this article, we have provided guidance on choosing the best plantation shutters for your sliding glass doors based on these factors. We hope that this article has been helpful and informative for you.

If you are looking for high-quality plantation shutters at wholesale prices, look no further than Bright Shutters – California’s leading supplier of plantation shutters wholesale to the trade market. We offer various plantation shutters in multiple sizes, styles, materials, and colors to suit your needs and preferences. We also provide professional installation services with a warranty and guarantee.

Contact us today to get a free quote and consultation. We will help you find the best plantation shutters for sliding glass doors.