Plantation Shutter for Sliding Glass Door Cost: What You Need to Know

Plantation shutters are a type of window treatment that consists of horizontal louvers mounted on a frame. They can be tilted, slid, or folded to adjust the amount of light, privacy, and airflow in a room. Plantation shutters are especially suitable for sliding glass doors, as they offer a stylish and functional way to cover large openings.

However, plantation shutters are one of the most expensive window treatments. The cost and quality of plantation shutters depend on several factors, such as the material, size, style, and installation. In this article, we will explain what you need to know about plantation shutters for sliding glass door cost and quality and help you decide if they are worth the investment.

Why Plantation Shutters are the Best Choice for Your Sliding Glass Doors?

Sliding glass doors are a wonderful feature in any home, as they allow you to enjoy the natural light and outdoor views and create a spacious and airy feeling in your living space. But why are plantation shutters the best choice for your sliding glass doors? 

Here are some of the benefits of installing plantation shutters on your sliding glass doors:

• They enhance the value of your home. Plantation shutters are considered a permanent fixture that can increase the resale value of your home. They are also attractive and elegant, adding a touch of sophistication and class to your interior design.
• They offer light control and privacy. Plantation shutters allow you to adjust the light and privacy in your room by tilting the louvers or opening and closing the panels. Depending on how much light and view you want to let in, you can choose from different louver sizes, ranging from 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches. You can also choose from different panel styles, such as bi-fold or bypass. Bi-fold shutters fold in half like a closet door and open to one side of the sliding glass door. Bypass shutters slide on a track behind or in front of each other and open to both sides of the sliding glass door. Both options allow you to access the door easily without compromising your light control and privacy.
• They provide insulation and energy efficiency. Plantation shutters can help reduce heat loss or gain through your sliding glass doors by creating an extra insulation layer. This can lower your energy bills and make your home more comfortable in summer and winter. Wood shutters are especially effective in providing insulation, as wood is a natural insulator that can keep your room warm in winter and cool in summer. Vinyl and PVC shutters are also good options for humid or sunny areas, as they are resistant to moisture and UV rays.
• They are durable and easy to maintain. Plantation shutters are made from strong and durable materials that can withstand wear and tear over time. Unlike curtains or blinds that get dirty, dusty, or damaged easily, plantation shutters are easy to clean and maintain. Wipe them with a damp cloth or use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust or dirt. Faux wood, vinyl, and PVC shutters are especially easy to clean, as they do not require any special treatment or care.

Plantation shutters are a versatile and attractive option for sliding glass doors. They can provide your home privacy, light control, insulation, and style. They can also fit any size and shape of sliding glass doors and complement any décor style.

How Much Does Plantation Shutter for Sliding Glass Door Cost?

When assessing the cost of plantation shutters for sliding glass doors, several factors come into play. These key considerations can influence the overall price:

Material

The material of plantation shutters is one of the main factors that affect their cost and quality. Plantation shutters can be made from real, faux, vinyl, or PVC. Each material has its pros and cons and different price ranges.

• Real wood: Real wood shutters are the most expensive option but offer the most natural and elegant look. Real wood shutters are made from basswood, poplar, or maple. They can be stained or painted to match any color scheme. Real wood shutters are also durable, strong, and can withstand wear and tear. However, real wood shutters are also prone to warping, cracking, fading, or peeling due to exposure to moisture or sunlight. They also require more maintenance and care than other materials.
• Faux wood: Faux wood shutters are cheaper than real wood shutters, but they still look realistic and can resist warping and fading. Faux wood shutters are made from composite materials that mimic the look and feel of real wood. They are also easier to clean and maintain than real wood shutters. However, faux wood shutters may have a different level of customization or durability than real wood shutters.
• Vinyl shutters are the most affordable option but may have a different quality or appearance than wood shutters. Vinyl shutters are made from plastic materials that are lightweight and moisture-resistant. They are also easy to clean and maintain. However, vinyl shutters may not offer the same insulation or sound absorption as wood shutters. They may also look cheap or artificial compared to wood shutters.
• PVC: PVC shutters are similar to vinyl shutters, but they have some advantages over them. PVC shutters are made from polyvinyl chloride materials that are more durable and rigid than vinyl. They can also withstand high temperatures and humidity better than vinyl. PVC shutters can offer a smooth and glossy finish that resembles painted wood. However, PVC shutters may also be more expensive than vinyl shutters.

Size

The size of plantation shutters is another factor that affects their cost and quality. The size of plantation shutters depends on your sliding glass door or window size. The larger the door or window, the more panels and louvers you need for your plantation shutters. The more panels and louvers you need, the higher the cost of your plantation shutters.

The average size of a sliding glass door is 72 inches by 80 inches. For this door size, you will need about 16 square feet of plantation shutter material. The average cost of plantation shutter material ranges from $20 to $45 per square foot. Therefore, you can expect to pay between $320 and $720 for the material alone.

However, the size of your plantation shutter also depends on the style and configuration of your panels and louvers. Depending on how much light and view you want to let in, you can choose between different louver sizes, ranging from 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches. You can also choose between different panel styles, such as bi-fold or bypass. Bi-fold panels fold in half like a closet door and open to one side of the opening. Bypass panels slide on a track behind or in front of each other and open to both sides of the opening.

The style and configuration of your panels and louvers can affect the cost and quality of your plantation shutter as well. Bi-fold panels are usually more expensive than bypass panels because they require more hardware and installation time. However, bi-fold panels may offer more flexibility and accessibility than bypass panels.

Style

The style of plantation shutters is another factor that affects their cost and quality. The style of plantation shutters refers to the color, finish, and design of your shutters. You can choose the style of your plantation shutters to match your taste and complement your existing décor.

The color and finish of your plantation shutters can vary depending on the material you choose. Real wood shutters can be stained or painted to any color you want. Faux wood, vinyl, and PVC shutters can also come in different colors and finishes, but they may have other variety and customization than real wood shutters.

The design of your plantation shutters can also vary depending on the shape and style of your sliding glass door or window. You can choose from different frame options, such as inside mount, outside mount, or L-frame. You can also choose from other divider options, such as mid-rail, split-tilt, or hidden-tilt. These options can affect the appearance and functionality of your plantation shutters.

Installation

The installation of plantation shutters is the final factor that affects their cost and quality. Installing plantation shutters involves measuring, cutting, drilling, and mounting the shutters on your sliding glass door or window. The installation of plantation shutters requires skill and precision, as well as proper tools and equipment.

The average cost of installing plantation shutters ranges from $45 to $420 per window. The cost depends on the complexity of the job and the location. The average labor cost for installing plantation shutters ranges from $65 to $100 per hour. The average time for installing plantation shutters is 2 hours per window.

You can install plantation shutters yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. Installing plantation shutters can save you money on labor costs, but it can also be challenging and time-consuming if you are not experienced or skilled in DIY projects. You may also risk damaging your shutters or sliding glass door if you make mistakes or use improper tools.

Hiring a professional to install plantation shutters can ensure a smooth and proper installation, but it can also add to your expenses. A professional installer can also offer you a warranty and guarantee on their workmanship and materials.

Conclusion

Plantation shutters are a versatile and attractive option for sliding glass doors. They can provide your home privacy, light control, insulation, and style. However, they can also be quite pricey and require careful consideration before you buy them.

The cost of plantation shutters depends on several factors, such as the material, size, style, and installation. You should weigh the pros and cons of each factor and compare the costs with other alternatives before you decide to install plantation shutters on your sliding glass doors.