What Are Plantation Shutters?

Plantation shutters may be the right choice for you if you want a window treatment with a more luxurious feel. Shutters are opened and closed by hand, as opposed to blinds, which have slats that open with a pull-string. They, like blinds, fit snugly into your window frame and can be tilted up and down, but they also have the advantage of opening out like doors.

This ultimate guide to plantation shutters discusses the various types of plantation shutters, as well as the various designs available. By the end of this guide, you will have learned everything there is to know about plantation shutters!

Plantation Shutters Types

Plantation shutters are available in a variety of styles and designs, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Tier-on-Tier shutters, Café style shutters, and Full Height Shutters are the three main types.

Tier-on-Tier shutters provide the most flexibility in terms of light and privacy control. The top and bottom panels are independently operable, allowing you to adjust the amount of light and privacy as needed.

Café-style shutters are popular in kitchens and bathrooms because they provide privacy while still allowing some natural light in.

Full Height Shutters provide maximum privacy and light control, making them an excellent choice for bedrooms and other private areas.

Plantation shutters come in a variety of styles to match the vision that homeowners have for their interior windows. This can add a touch of elegance and class to any home. Whatever your requirements are, there is bound to be a plantation shutter option that is ideal for you.

Plantation Shutters Materials

There are many different types of plantation shutters to choose from, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Shutters come in a variety of materials, prices, and features. The original plantation shutters were made of wood, but today’s options include many more options.

Plantation Shutters Made of Wood

Wood shutters are popular among homeowners due to the natural beauty they can provide. Because of the patterns and grains on the surface of the wood, each piece is unique. 

Semi-transparent stains allow the shutter to be easily customized for different color schemes while still displaying the grain of the wood itself, giving the shutters a distinct charm that other materials lack.

They can also paint a shutter, but this will hide the natural beauty of the wood and prevent it from aging naturally.

Wood plantation shutters are a classic choice for window treatments that provide numerous advantages. They’re tough and can withstand the weight of large, wide slats. Under the same conditions, other materials may warp and sag.

Wood can also be shaped into unique shapes such as top arches and half-circles. This is frequently done with basswood, which has a high strength-to-weight ratio.

There are a few popular wood species that homeowners choose for interior shutters. Whether it’s the deep grain of white ash or the smooth surface of plantation-grown poplar, each type of shutter has a distinct look and feel.

Plantation Shutters in Vinyl

Vinyl plantation shutters are the most affordable option. Vinyl shutters are often supported by PVC or aluminum to prevent warping or sagging, and they work well in high-moisture areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

• Solid Vinyl Shutters are an excellent way to improve your home’s privacy and security. They have a strong vinyl frame that is filled with blown-in PVC, which makes them more stable and helps to keep costs low;
• Solid vinyl with an aluminum insert is exceptionally strong! They have a solid vinyl frame with an aluminum insert; the aluminum bar adds extra support and stability, allowing your shutters to withstand heavy use;
• Wood Vinyl Shutters are made of hardwood that has a vinyl layer applied to it. This protects the wood from moisture and wears while maintaining its strength;
• Hollow vinyl shutters are the most cost-effective option, but their size is limited due to their flimsier construction. These frames are far more brittle than solid wood or composite frames;
• Hollow vinyl shutters are classified as Structured Hollow Vinyl Shutters. The vinyl frame of these shutters is surrounded by hollow sections that can be filled with either clear or opaque material.

Composite Plantation Shutters

Composite plantation shutters are less expensive than real wood shutters, but they do not last as long. Composite shutters are made of sawdust and glue that is bound together and covered with a vinyl or PVC coating. While they are less expensive, they are not as durable as genuine wood.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Plantation Shutters

PROS:

• Increase the value of your home
• They never go out of fashion
• Long-lasting and can last for decades
• Simple to clean Simple to use
• Childproof 

CONS: 

• There are numerous options to choose from;
• They cost more than traditional window treatments such as shades and curtains;
• Plantation shutters, unlike shades and curtains, cannot be rolled up or tied back; they are always visible;
• They are compatible with tilt-in casement windows, but they must be installed on the outside of the window frame, which can be unsightly;
• If you have furniture in front of a window with plantation shutters, it must be lower than the window sill or placed away from the window to allow for the shutters to be opened.

How Much Do Plantation Shutters Cost?

Plantation shutters provide numerous benefits despite their higher initial cost. Plantation shutters cost an average of $2,300 to cover the interior windows of a home, but the price can range from $1,450 to $3,360 depending on the materials and sizes. Wood plantation shutters are typically the most expensive option, followed by composite shutters, and vinyl is the most cost-effective option.

Cost of Plantation Shutters Per Window

You can purchase prefabricated shutters for around $50 each, or you can opt for custom wood shutters, which will cost more but will be a one-of-a-kind addition to your home. Custom wood shutters cost between $200 and $350 per window, while composite shutters cost between $80 and $200 each. The price is affected by the type of wood used, with less expensive options such as pine costing less and more expensive woods such as mahogany costing more.

Plantation Shutter Cleaning

Sweep away any dirt and dust before cleaning your vinyl shutters. If the shutters are extremely dirty, clean them with a microfiber rag to remove the grime. If you only sprayed dirt from your plants on the shutters, regular household cleaners will do the trick. Simply use the cleaner and cloth to clean the frame and louvers.

Wood and composite shutters, liquid cleaners, and sprays are not always the best tool. Dust the surface with a rag to remove loose dirt before cleaning it with a small brush. Finally, using a microfiber cloth, lightly apply furniture polish to the frame. To achieve a freshly polished shine, wipe down the frame and louvers.