Plantation shutters are a great way to add style and insulation to your outdoor space, especially when it comes to sliding glass doors. With our beginner’s guide, you can learn about the available materials and installation process for plantation shutters for sliding glass doors.
What are Plantation Shutters?
Plantation shutters are stylish and efficient window furnishing that can be installed internally or externally. Shutters are highly effective at regulating light and airflow to create a more comfortable living environment. Plantation shutters can cover windows, be fitted into an internal or external wall, or even be made to cover sliding doors.
How Do Plantation Shutters on Sliding Glass Doors Work?
The sliding door movement necessitates the construction of a fine, fitted boxed framework coupled to the walls and placed over the actual door configuration rather than fastening directly on the doors, as in the case of French doors (which, by the way, adds weight). Bi-fold or sliding shutters with an accordion design are options. You could also take into account bypass shutters with a safe floor plate. Or, install internal shutters that swing out.
Pros and Cons of Plantation Shutters for Sliding Glass Doors
Plantation shutters are an ideal way to add style and privacy to your sliding glass door. But there are some pros and cons to consider before taking the plunge and investing in these window treatments. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of plantation shutters for sliding glass doors to make an informed decision.
The benefits of plantation shutters
- Enhances the value of your home;
- You can choose your preferred aesthetic quality;
- Wooden plantation shutters provide insulation;
- Hardwood plantation shutters are built to last;
- Faux wood plantation shutters resist fading from UV light and moisture.
The drawbacks of plantation shutters
- Some people may not be able to afford plantation shutters;
- Not all brands have undergone updates;
- They must be carried out with simple upkeep regularly;
- They often take longer to get.
What is The Best Material for Sliding Door Plantation Shutters?
Design, durability, and price determine the ideal material for plantation shutters on sliding glass doors, from dense solid wood to thin synthetics. We will examine the various materials in-depth to see how they impact design, pricing, durability, and other factors to help you make the best decision for your home.
Natural Wood Plantation Shutters
The best plantation shutters are made of natural wood. These shutters look great in both residential and business settings. Although these shutters can survive over 25 years, their ageless appearance makes them appealing. Poplar, basswood, and Paulownia are the most often used hardwoods for shutters (i.e., phoenix wood).
Poplar is simple to work with, having a neutral hue and an unremarkable wood texture. In addition, it is the most cost-effective option for painted shutters because of its rapid growth. Basswood is the most excellent wood for stained shutters because of its lovely, even, fine grain and capacity to absorb the color. The lightweight, quick-growing Paulownia is a native of China. Unfortunately, the most brittle timber used to make shutters is more prone to warping and moisture fluctuations.
| Feature | Wood Pros | Wood Cons |
| Design | Beautiful wood grains and depth of color add to any room. | Grains can vary and make for inconsistent elements. |
| Price | While priced steeply, they are an investment that adds value to the home. | Real timber is the most expensive material available for plantation shutters |
| Cleaning | Light dusting works great. | They are not waterproof, so don’t use cleaners on them. |
| Durability | Stands up to frequent usage and adjustment. | Not great for moisture-prone spaces where they can warp or crack. |
| Finish | Stains and varnishes allow for a number of combinations. | Natural wood requires re-varnishing to keep its shine. |
| Insulation | All hardwoods block light, UV, and heat from the sun effectively. | Frequent temperature swings over the years can cause warping. |
Composite Wood Plantation Shutters
A type of engineered lumber is frequently used in painted (not stained) shutters to reduce expenses and increase a shutter’s structural integrity.
Two engineering methods are utilized to avoid warping and increase strength: laminating and finger-jointing. The lumber can be split into long strips for laminating, then turned over and put back together. Smaller wood pieces are bonded together in a saw-tooth connection with finger jointing. By using more minor parts of the board, these methods not only preserve the structural integrity of the wood but also lower the cost.
Another popular engineered wood is particleboard. It is created by adhering wood chips and sawdust to replicate a piece of lumber. It expands quickly, could be more sturdy, and is particularly heavy when exposed to dampness. Nonetheless, it is incredibly inexpensive to create. Using laminated veneers, essentially thin premium wood skins placed on top of cheaper wood or particleboard, is another way manufacturers cut costs. Although it has a surface, it is only as good as the less expensive sub-layer.
| Feature | Composite Pros | Composite Cons |
| Design | Homes benefit from the look of wood without the price tag. | Consistency in grain can almost look too manufactured. |
| Price | These tend to be more cost-effective options compared to timber. | These are also more expensive than synthetic options. |
| Cleaning | Wipes are cleaned with a dry or damp cloth and are detergent safe. | They tend to attract dust on their finished surfaces. |
| Durability | Can last up to 20 years or more with proper installation. | Lower-quality products may fade from light exposure. |
| Finish | You have a variety of premade stains and glosses to choose from. | These shutters cannot be refinished once you purchase them. |
| Insulation | Excellent with blocking light, UV, and heat from the sun effectively. | Joint lines can start to show over time due to heat exposure. |
Faux Wood Plantation Shutters
Vinyl shutters are an excellent option for homeowners seeking a maintenance-free option. Vinyl’s main benefit is that it is waterproof, which makes it the ideal material for bathrooms and kitchen sinks. Vinyl shutter alternatives also come in a variety, including composite and solid vinyl.
Solid Vinyl(PVC)
These vinyl plantation shutters are strong, weatherproof, and of excellent quality because they are made of 100% solid extruded vinyl material. Therefore, instead of a composite, we advise utilizing a solid vinyl shutter. Although slightly more expensive than other vinyl variants, composite materials can’t compare to how long and well they perform.
Composite Vinyl(PVC)
Composite shutters are created by combining several materials, such as wood and vinyl. However, you can only sometimes predict which version you’ll receive from one maker to the next. Finding out if a composite vinyl shutter is hollow will allow you to evaluate its quality. Open vinyl shutters are less reliable and more expensive than solid ones, so you should pick a stable vinyl-quality variant.
A solid vinyl product is the finest option when choosing vinyl plantation shutters. Solid vinyl shutters are more resilient than composite ones and won’t peel, break, or discolor over time. But vinyl is less robust and long-lasting than composite or natural hardwood, so our experts only recommend vinyl shutters for damp spaces like shower stalls or above kitchen sinks.
| Feature | PVC/Vinyl Pros | PVC/Vinyl Cons |
| Design | Provide a modern, fresh look great for a contemporary home | Heavier materials limit available sizes to smaller or medium windows. |
| Price | Often the most cost-effective option available. | There’s no hiding the fact that these shutters are a budget option. |
| Cleaning | Wipes are cleaned with a dry or damp cloth and are detergent safe. | They tend to attract dust on their finished surfaces. |
| Durability | Synthetic materials make them easy and lasting to operate. | More susceptible to damage from impact, wear, and tear. |
| Finish | Available in a variety of factory-applied color combinations. | These are known to fade or yellow over time with sun exposure. |
| Insulation | Effectively dissipates the heat it absorbs during the day. | These can be warm to the touch with their metal interior frames. |
What Are The different types of Sliding Door Plantation Shutters?
The bi-fold and bi-pass systems are the two primary sliding glass door shutter types. When selecting custom sliding door shutters, your primary concern is enabling unhindered access while opening and closing your door. Your window coverings should be as simple to open and close as the window shutters and shouldn’t hinder the door’s mechanics.
Bi-pass System
Two or more shutter panels can open and close on a track above the entrance. You can easily slide one shutter panel before the other because they are on separate ways. If there is additional space on the side of the sliding door, the track can be extended past it so that the shutter can glide farther away from the door, showing the entire thing. Otherwise, the design of bypass shutters will result in your sliding glass door always having one shutter panel covering it. As they have fewer articulation points that can break or be damaged, bypass-designed sliding glass door shutters are more durable than bifold shutters.
If there isn’t much room in front of your sliding door, bypassing sliding plantation shutters can be the solution. They don’t need the extra space that bifold shutters do to open and close. They are also the ideal choice if you want robust shutters that are simple to operate.
Bi-fold System
Bifold shutters fold, as suggested by their name. Instead of the more extensive panels traveling on a rail, these sliding glass door shutters contain smaller panels that fold into one another. If there is adequate space on the sides, they can be installed similarly to the bypass shutters to be fully pulled back from the sliding glass doors.
Due to how they function, bifold doors must have an unobstructed space at least the width of one of the panels wide open in front of the sliding doors for them to open and close.
How to Choose The Best Color for Sliding Glass Door Shutters?
It should be no surprise that white is the most popular shutter color that complements every property. White shutters produce a harmony of freshness and simplicity. Despite this, many different shutter colors (including custom colors) are still available.
Firstly, think about the dominant hue in your house. A smaller home will appear more spacious if you choose lighter colors. Likewise, smaller windows can appear larger if your shutters are the same color as the window trim. Darker colors, on the other hand, will highlight specific characteristics.
Take a stroll around your area next. Keep an eye out for any homes that interest you, especially if they share the same design as your property. These might serve as a terrific source of inspiration for your work. While keeping in mind the style and feel of your area, select colors that go well with the houses surrounding you. Consider any homeowner’s association guidelines when picking the colors for your home’s shutters!
Finally, take your color swatches outside once you’ve narrowed your options. Always choose a color a few shades lighter than the one you initially favored inside because colors intensify and appear brighter in the sun. Shutter colors that are crazy or adventurous might not be the best option if you prefer a more traditional or classic appearance. As you make your final decision, consider your preferences and sense of style.
How To Choose The Right Louver Size For Your Plantation Shutters?
For instance, 2 12″ slats in proportion to the size of a minor, short window will look ideal. For windows with a bit of recess depth, 2 12″ slats will also perform best.
Historically, our clientele’s most popular louver size has been 3 12″. Several factors determine the size that best suits your window. The primary defining aspect of choosing a? To the ceiling! Choosing a louver size always involves considering the height of a top ceiling. We advise using a 3 12″ or a 4 12″ louver when higher ceilings are present. The larger louver works best since it helps fill the window with a better proportion to the entire space. When they go to your house, our dealers always evaluate the situation.
By the size of the window and to maximize light penetration and visibility through the slats, 4 12″ slats will look fantastic in a large window with a beautiful view of the outside. Choose 4 12″ slats for the sleekest design and most contemporary appearance.
How Much Do Plantation Shutters For Sliding Glass Doors Cost?
Several things determine the price of estate shutters. Due to shutter material, window size, number of shutters, local labor rates, installation location, and geographic region, estate shutter installation costs may differ from the national average.
Shutter Material
The shutter material affects how much an estate shutter costs. The most expensive option is natural hardwood, which can cost anywhere from $36 to $275 per shutter. PVC shutters range in price from $32 to $212. The various shutter material choices are covered in further detail below.
Window Size
Estate shutter installation is more expensive the larger the window. The typical price per square foot is between $14 and $19, and many window experts provide discounts for large or wholesale purchases. Estate shutter installation on more oversized windows may also cost more from window professionals than on smaller windows. The price ranges for window sizes and estate shutter materials are shown below.
| Window Size | Basswood | Paulownia | PVC |
| 16-inch by 20-inch | $42.00 | $36.00 | $32.00 |
| 24-inch by 50-inch | $156.00 | $132.00 | $120.00 |
| 36-inch by 54-inch | $253.00 | $214.00 | $195.00 |
| 36-inch by 60-inch | $281.00 | $238.00 | $216.00 |
| 42-inch by 48-inch | $263.00 | $222.00 | $202.00 |
| 48-inch by 44-inch | $275.00 | $233.00 | $212.00 |
Quantity of Panels
Estate shutters for sliding glass doors. Homeowners should budget between $480 and $624 to put estate shutters on an 80 by a 60-inch sliding glass door. The installation costs roughly $749, or even more, for a larger 80-inch by 72-inch sliding glass door.
Labor Costs
Window contractors can charge between $65 and $100 per hour for labor and the typical fee of $14 to $19 per square foot for materials. Because labor costs are typically higher in highly populated urban regions than in more rural ones, the overall amount may differ from one site to another. In addition, the time required to install each estate shutter varies depending on how strict the window or door is.
How Can I Lower the Price of Plantation Shutters?
The choice to purchase shutters is an investment, just like the expense of replacing the windows of a house. Budgeting for shutters can be tricky, especially considering additional costs and factors. Homeowners can save money by selecting the least expensive shutter choice, but there are other methods to cut costs without sacrificing quality or aesthetics.
- Get at least three quotes from reputable shutter professionals in your area;
- If you like the look of hardwood shutters but aren’t keen on the high price tag, opt for vinyl;
- It may seem counterintuitive to spend the money on expensive shutters, but they can help you save money on energy bills in the long run; Schedule shutter installation during the off-season. Window companies typically offer discounts during their slower months in late fall and early winter;
- Order bulk and receive wholesale pricing from a shutter professional to save money on shutters.
Where to Buy Plantation shutter for Sliding Glass Doors?
Because you’ll save money on energy costs over time, custom plantation shutters from Bright Shutters are an excellent investment for sliding glass doors. Although we take great pride in offering shutters at the lowest prices in California, we propose to match any competitor’s bid with shutters of a comparable caliber (in terms of materials, finishes, etc.) and warranties. This is because competitors occasionally run unannounced sales or promotions.
Bright Shutters has the plantation shutters you’re looking for sliding glass doors. Please request a quote today or go through our selection of plantation shutters online.
