Our plantation shutters are 100% custom built to your design choices and the needs of your windows. Wall location, window size, window cranks, existing molding and window sills all factor into the construction of your shutters. By making recommendations based on your specific needs, we will ensure your shutters will be both beautiful and functional.
The louvers (or the horizontal slats that open and close to control the amount of light entering a room) can greatly affect the design and function of your plantation shutters.
Shutters Incorporated has the following choices: 2 1/2", 3 1/2", 4 1/2" or 1 7/8" (additional cost).
Larger louver sizes offer the most visibility and generally look best in homes with large windows and rooms.
Our experienced staff can offer recommendations based on your home and we highly recommend keeping a consistent louver size throughout your entire house.
Divider rails are required for all windows more than 82" in height for added stability, but they also add functionality to any shutter. Although they are commonly placed at the location of the window locks, a divider rail can be place almost anywhere in the panel.
The divider rail allows the louvers above and below to be opened and closed separately, providing more lighting and privacy options. For example, a divider rail can be placed high in the panel of a bedroom to allow the upper louvers to be left open for light, but the lower lovers closed for privacy.
Divider rails are included in the price of our plantation shutters. Shutters with 2 1/2" or 4 1/2" louvers have 4" divider rails. Shutters with 3 1/2" louvers have 3" divider rails.
The maximum width of any single panel is 36". The maximum width of a two-paneled shutter 72".
For example, a 34" wide x 70" tall window can have either 1 or 2 panels, depending on the style and needs of the homeowner. Having fewer panels in a single window opening allows for a less-obscured view and is a more contemporary option.
Our standard tilt rod is fastened to the front of the louvers using metal staples coated with glue to ensure a secure attachment. The standard tilt rod is both the more traditional and more popular choice when purchasing plantation shutters.
The hidden tilt rod option is a metal strip attached to the left or right ends of the louvers on the back of the panel. This option allows the louvers to be opened or closed by grabbing any one of the louvers in the panel.
The hidden tilt rod option is an additional cost and a more contemporary choice for plantation shutters.
Our plantation shutters are painted or stained using highly durable paint products. We offer both a standard color palette and custom paint and stain options.
We are happy to use your specific brand of paint or stain to match current colors in your home for additional costs may be involved.
We recommend a semi-gloss finish when choosing the finishing option for your plantation shutters. The semi-gloss finish is both easy to dust and clean and looks great with satin, semi or high gloss trim already in your home. If you have a situation that requires either a satin or high gloss finish, please be sure to specify this at the beginning of your order. Semi-gloss finish is our standard finish on all jobs.
A choice of the following hinges is included with our shutters:
• Painted to match shutter
• Oil Rubbed Bronze
• Bright Brass
• Antique Brass
• Shiny Nickel
• Brushed Nickel
Painted hinges are the most popular choice for painted shutters. Our painted hinges are powder-coated to help prevent chipping.
When choosing a hinge for a stain shutter or opting not to use painted hinges, it is best to choose a hinge color that matches the majority of the existing hardware in your home.
Selecting a frame is not only a design choice, but also greatly depends on the window's construction. Each individual window's design may dictate a specific frame type.
Shutters Incorporated offers the following frame options:
• Jamestown Z Frame
• Large 2" Z Frame
• Small 1 3/8" Z Frame
• 3/4" L Frame
• Tilt-in Jamestown Frame
• Deco Frame
The three Z Frame options are used mostly on windows with a sheetrock return to create the look of a cased window. This frame type wraps from the inside of the window jamb to the face of the wall, covering any imperfections in the sheetrock.
If a window has trim around the edges, the L frame can be used so the shutters do not interfere with the molding.
Both the Tilt-in Jamestown and the Deco Frame are used in circumstances where more clearance is necessary. This frame type is mounted on the wall and does not wrap around into the window jamb.
Our experienced staff will guide you in selecting a frame that works for each window as many factors contribute to the choice. Some modifications may need to be made to the frame once it is selected.
Plantation shutters are great way to cover windows that are not rectangular. Shutters Incorporated manufactures two styles of contoured shutters.
Adjustable Louvers through a Curve
Uses horizontal louvers to create a curved shaped to fit a specific window. The louvers are attached with a tilt rod and can all be moved together.
Sunburst
A style of shutter with the louvers radiating from a central point where each louver moves individually.
Both styles fit windows of various shapes and sizes, including arches, circles, half circles, ovals, and octagons.