Blog | Plantation Shutter Experts

Wood Plantation Shutters: Nothing like the Real Thing

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Nicole

Wood Plantation Shutters, Real or Fake?

Before there was poly or faux plantation shutters, products that were created in an effort to produce a more cost effective imitation to the real thing, there was wooden plantation shutters. Why do people choose to buy imitation when the real thing is available for purchase? Simply because they are convinced that the imitation plantation shutters are just as good if not better, but facts being what they are, there is nothing like the real thing. To further press this point, let’s discuss the fundamental differences between wood plantation shutters and faux or composite plantation shutters.

Wood or Fake Wood?

Wood plantation shutters are, and always will be, the most sturdy and durable of all the plantation shutters. The common misconception about real wood plantation shutters is that they warp or discolor over time, but that is gossip that is in fact untrue. Indian River Shutter Company produces wood plantation shutters that only use the best of lumbers, including Basswood, Teak, Mahogany, Cypress and Oak. These lumber types are of essential to a long lasting wood product and while they are not the cheapest, the mere sound of them expresses the longevity of the investment. Weswood Designer wooden plantation shutters are a type of shutter you won’t have to worry about for years, they are made to last and tack on an added bonus of bringing up the value of a home. This is why when you are in doubt about buying imitation versus the real; you should buy the real because it is always going to be the better option.

Composite “Fake” Wood Plantation Shutters are made of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), which is a chemically engineered wood, breaking down wood “residuals”, not a full piece of wood, into wood micro fibers. Next, the wood micro fibers are mixed with resin, formaldehyde, and wax, and after applying high temperatures and pressure, this mixture forms shutter components, note these are still not even close in comparison to wood plantation shutters. Though the process continues in more depth, the most important point is to realize that the only value a shutter such as a Faux “Fake” wood plantation shutter has is that it is a few bucks cheaper, which won’t do you much good when you are forced to replace them much sooner than the real wood plantation shutter. A keynote to remember is, use your own common since and try to relate something you are familiar with. Example: Would your replace your wood roof truss system on your home with MDF or Poly? Would you replace your Dishware with Poly or plastic? Would you replace your Dinning Room furniture with MDF? We all know the answers, so the real question is why would you replace the option of real wood plantation shutters?

The last point to realize is that although the faux plantation shutters are marketed as being low maintenance and cost effective, when compared to the real thing, wood plantation shutters, real wood is low maintenance and the investment is much longer lived, and thus, cost effective for now and many years to come. If you are interested in having plantation shutters installed in your home, do your research and do not be persuaded into buying a product that won’t justify its cost in the long run. In this day and age, to make a decision to add more value to your home, go big or go home is the motto. Why waste hundreds on imitations, when the real thing is only a smidgen more? Take the time to read everything, learn as much as possible, ask questions and make sure you understand what you are investing in before you invest. Wood plantation shutters are the superior choice for their long lasting qualities but if you are interested in an alternative, look at Polybilt (Also manufactured by Indian River Plantation Shutter Company) plantation shutters too, which are the best alternative to faux or composite plantation shutter headaches.

Visit our Contact page to get in touch with Indian River Shutter Company and we will be happy to assist you in your purchase or just provide information and understanding for a future purchase. We are a no pressure company and welcome our customers to tour our facility to see first-hand how much pride we take in every poly or wood plantation shutter that goes out our doors.

Here is some great places to start researching your products:

Information on Plantation Shutters

The Security, Savings & Reliability of Plantation Shutters

The Value of Plantation Shutters

Energy Efficient Insulating Window Shutters and Tax Credits

Plantation Shutter- Purchase Tips

The Security, Savings & Reliability of Plantation Shutters

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Nicole

Plantation Shutters are growing in popularity as consumers learn of their incredible qualities in security, overall savings and reliability. The reason to purchase a product such as plantation shutters was thought to have been only to add a more sophisticated look to a home, but it has recently become more apparent that in addition to the pleasant appearance of the shutters, the enormous list of benefits gets bigger every day. This is because the qualities are just so unbelievable and really change the common misconceptions that were once associated with plantation shutters. For example, consumers were completely unaware of the energy saving qualities of plantation shutters, as well as the flame resistant qualities of Polybilt shutters, but in 2011 Indian River Shutter Company has changed everything. IRSC started a blog with up to date industry news to promote the overwhelming benefits of plantation shutters and keep the public informed on everything from maintenance tips, to energy saving knowledge and other valuable facts about these amazing products. It came to our attention that there really wasn’t a lot of valuable information on the web about plantation shutters and what really made them worth purchasing, which is what prompted the addition of a blog with constant updating on all the most sought after topics.

Here are the facts that have changed the common misunderstood qualities of plantation shutters. When you install plantation shutters, for whatever reason you chose, some of the extra qualities include:

Energy Savings (on average between $150 to $165 a year with just a few covered windows)
Child Safety
More control of air flow
Home improvement values (adding value to your home’s selling price)
Possible reduction’s on home owner’s insurance
Easy to maintain
Durable

And the list goes on and on. The most popular quality in today’s market is the value plantation shutters add to a home. Regardless of the amount spent on plantation shutters, it has been shown that the addition of plantation shutters can add 10% to 15% or more to your homes selling value, which is to say a few thousand dollars more than without the products. The reason that plantation shutters add such value to a home is because they are made to last for many years to come and give the home owner absolute control of privacy and air flow.

Indian River Shutter Company’s Signature Plantation Shutter Types:

Wood & Poly

Only the most durable wood types are used at Indian River Shutter Company in either our Weswood Designer series or Weswood Express series of basswood plantation shutters. Though this is more expensive in terms of production, the plantation shutters are sturdier for longer use than most other manufacturers. It is important to understand the different qualities of wood used to produce plantation shutters before determining which ones to purchase, because some of the wood types warp or colorize rapidly after installation which will ruin the shutter buying experience all together. To further stress this point, a more durable basswood will be much easier to maintain and less likely to splinter or chip. Some of these more durable materials used at Indian River Shutter Company are Teak, Cypress and Mahogany. To help you understand how durable these types of wood truly are, contact a local carpenter and ask what type of woods are of the highest quality, he will most certainly list these three right away.

Another type of plantation shutter offered at Indian River Shutter Company is our signature Polybilt Shutters. These shutters make up for an estimated 20% of the plantation shutter market. Poly is defined as; an extruded, expanded poly-vinyl chloride. The oil-based materials are expanded during the extrusion process to create a solid component. This process can create various shapes and styles in much the same way as the milling process of raw lumber. Perhaps the greatest appeal of Poly plantation shutters is that in painted form it closely resembles a wood product. In certain applications Poly may be the choice product because of its impervious nature. Poly is totally water resistant and is unaffected by high temperatures; its dense composition also makes it an excellent insulator. Price comparable to a Composite Plantation Shutter, Poly is superior in choice.

Getting in Touch with Indian River Shutter Company

Whether you are ready to purchase immediately or just checking out the plantation shutter market for design ideas, Indian River Shutter Company is available to provide all the most important facts about plantation shutters before or during your investment in long term savings. Perhaps the most important mission of Indian River Shutter Company is that we truly want to be at the highest level of customer service excellence for our industry. We are truly understanding in all situations and really try to develop and maintain long lasting relationships with our valued customers. It is our goal at Indian River Shutter Company to make sure that you receive more product for the money than you spend on our products and services. Our commitment to continually improving our customer service is not because we are lacking in this area, but because we are all consumers who have to purchase things we know little about every day, and being kind and courteous doesn’t take as much effort as being rude and negative. At the end of the day, when our shutters are delivered and installed, we want our customers to know that we gave them more not because we had to, but because we truly wanted to. At Indian River Shutter Company, we don’t just love plantation shutters, but we are truly passionate and dedicated to the success of the product. We know that when we educate you on all the benefits we have mentioned above and provide for you a free estimate on the products and services we offer, you will be truly shocked at the incredible value that comes from plantation shutters and the proper installation of the products. Take the time to stop by our showroom for further information or a factory tour at 3120 SW 42^nd Ave, Palm City, Florida 34990, visit us on the web at www.indianrivershutter.com or contact us by phone at 772-919-7205 and give us the chance to inspire you.

For More Related Articles:

Categories: energy saving, facts about plantation shutters, plantation shutter benefits, Plantation Shutters, Poly Shutters, window treatments, Wood Shutters | 1 Comment

What Are Plantation Shutters?

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Nicole

Many of the millions of people World Wide who are searching for just “Plantation Shutters” are wondering one of a few questions:

How Much do Plantation Shutters cost?

What Are plantation shutters?

What is the difference between poly and faux plantation shutters?

Who makes (manufactures) the shutters?

How do I measure my window for Plantation Shutters?

To make your plantation shutter buying experience the best possible, let’s take some time to answer these questions and many more to clarify the pro’s and con’s of using plantation shutters versus the traditional window treatments. Blinds, draperies, or shades cannot and will not stand a chance against the absolute, undeniable beauty of a plantation shutter, but what many don’t realize is that plantation shutters also offer superior energy efficiency over traditional window treatments. Blinds, draperies and shades do not have the same air tight installation as plantation shutters, and thus cannot provide the same energy saving qualities that include eliminating the flow of indoor and outdoor air seepage. Plantation Shutters offer the WOW factor to a home and really change the look of a home, as well as provide so many complimenting factors that, in the long run, will save you tons of money.

How much do Plantation Shutters Cost?

Plantation Shutters seem expensive and people assume that they are too pricey to be given a thought, but the reality is that plantation shutters are less expensive than blinds. Custom Plantation Shutters can start at as low as $20 a square foot and up, and custom plantation shutters can be matched to a home to with tons of color options, customized shapes, various louver sizes and even customized hardware and frame options. It is important to consider that buying the cheapest possible plantation shutters generally cost more in the long run because they are not built to last. Just like every other industry, the plantation shutter industry has many manufacturers that build economy shutters, or faux shutters, that are nice for the first few months, but deteriorate faster and leave a bad taste in the consumers mouth in regards to the product. Never just settle for a plantation shutter, take the time to compare and get the facts and try not to focus on price, focus on how your investment will be long lasting and justified for many years to come.

What Are plantation shutters?

Plantation Shutters are versatile products that can be installed in windows to replace window treatments, or to place over doors to eliminate the need for bulky, unreliable shades, blinds or draperies. The plantation shutters are created to produce the look of elegance where ever they are installed. The product consists of a frame, hardware (hinges), louver sizes between 1 1/4 inches up to 6 1/2, and a gorgeous color or stain finish. Plantation shutters are quickly becoming the number one option in window coverings because of the long term savings they offer to their owners.

What is the difference between poly and faux plantation shutters?

Poly plantation Shutters, such as Polybilt™, have some of the most unbelievable energy efficiency ratings of any plantation shutter. Polybilt™ Plantation Shutters are water resistant and are completely unaffected by high temperatures. Faux (or Vinyl) plantation shutters are wonderful for the short term, but as evidenced by many consumers who have the same complaint, faux plantation shutters eventually start to degrade from sun exposure. As the sun does it’s job shining through the windows of the home, the faux plantation shutters have to work harder to absorb and retain the UV rays and still maintain their appearance, but one of the best qualities of wood or Polybilt™ plantation shutters is their ability to absorb the sunlight and keep furniture from wearing from the sun. If faux plantation shutters can’t absorb the sun without eventually warping, or falling apart would be a better description, than how can they perform the ability to upkeep your furniture and remain an energy efficient window treatment? The answer is that they can’t. You may save 30 to 40% over wood shutters, but the investment will be short lived and irritating when you could have invested a small amount more and had shutters that are more durable to the Florida sun. Read below for a personal experience of a consumer who has faux plantation shutters installed in his home and the replies of many other dissatisfied faux plantation shutter owners before you decide to purchase vinyl [faux] plantation shutters.

“This made a nice installation until the sunlight degraded the plastic “T” connectors (ever heard of UV rays?) between the tilt bars and the slats and the tilt bars are now all falling off…..”

Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/forum/blinds-shades-shutters/252395-repair-plantation-vinyl-shutter-tilt-bar-breaking-off.html#ixzz1ghsrhiwW

For a long term investment, Polybilt™ plantation shutters are the way to go. It has been proven time and time again that no matter what shutter you compare the Polybilt™ plantation shutters to, they always win hands down for being the most energy efficient, the most durable, the longest lasting and the best looking. While they are not the cheapest shutter out there, if you choose to purchase the cheapest than plantation shutters are not the item to purchase, because even the cheapest plantation shutter is going to be more expensive than a blind, but the blinds will last longer than the cheapest faux plantation shutter that there is. Here are a few things to consider in this market, when making the choice to purchase quality plantation shutters, you have to ask yourself if you are interested in investing in a product that will add value to your home and possibly help you turn somewhat of a profit in this economy? Are looking for a product that will look great, be easier to clean than blinds and add extra insulation to your home? Are you wanting to promote a more energy efficient life style without having to put bad money before good? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then poly or wood plantation shutters will make the perfect addition to your home. The tip to buying plantation shutters is to research companies, call for information, read about the different types of shutters available and understand the pro’s and con’s of each type of plantation shutter. This takes a small amount of time and offers piece of mind for years to come. If you are in the United States and would like a quote on Polybilt™ or Weswood, wood plantation shutters, as well as installation for Florida residents, call Indian River Shutter Company. We are on standby for your call and ready to help you make the decision to buy the best window treatment on the market.

Who makes (manufactures) the shutters?

There are many companies that manufacture plantation shutters, Indian River Shutter Company uses a company based in Florida called Strictly Shutters. Indian River Shutter Company provides only top quality American-made plantation shutters and for this reason strongly frowns upon Chinese manufacturers. The fact of the matter is that while the two products maybe very similar in the way they look once installed, there are some short cuts that are taken by imported plantation shutters that cause faster deterioration of the product than American made shutters. Some of these short comings include the types of hinges used, the tension adjustment methods of using a plastic pin versus a screw, and the frames. The astounding part of the whole situation is that whether you buy American made or imported plantation shutters, the prices are competitive with one another, so rather than spend money buying imports, keep the money in america and buy for very similar, if not equal prices, without short cuts that will cause future aggravation. There are many wonderful imported products, but plantation shutters are not one of them.

How do I measure my window for Plantation Shutters?

Call or Email the Shutter Experts at Indian River Shutter Company to find out how to measure your window for Polybilt™, Weswood designer or Weswood express. We ship to anywhere in the United States in a reasonable amount of time and even offer installation to Florida Residents.

If you have more questions about purchasing plantation shutters, or their many amazing qualities call (888)-354-2342 or check out some of these quality articles:

Forum about Faux Plantation Shutters

Buying Quality Plantation Shutters: American Versus Imported

How to Make Plantation Shutters

Window Shutter

Some of our past related articles:

Plantation Shutter Consumer Alert

Shutters vs Blinds

The Value of Plantation Shutters