Copyright © 2008 Brian Wright
While there is great value in installing high quality custom-made interior wood window shutters, sometimes they are still too expensive for certain applications. Some alternatives – including poly, PVC, or vinyl shutters – are less expensive but also look like plastic and appear cheap. For a high-quality solution at an affordable cost, look for a company that sells individual wholesale discount solid wood shutter panels that can be installed in any configuration. Sometimes these are called DIY shutters, or do-it-yourself shutters.
When shopping for individual discount shutter panels, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The most important factor is the material used to make the interior shutter panels. Basswood has the best characteristics for window shutters because it is a very straight hard wood with little distortion. Basswood also has a fine, uniform texture and indistinct grain, which make it superior for staining or painting.
Look for a company that can make a large number of shutter panel styles and sizes so you can receive the best final fit for your window. Traditional shutters and plantation shutters both available at reasonable prices. Traditional, or colonial, shutters use a 1-1/4 inch louver with 3/ 4 inch thick stiles. Plantation shutters utilize larger louvers between 2-1/2 and 4-1/2 inches, and 1-1/8 inch thick stiles. Plantation shutters are generally more versatile for a wide range of home styles. Traditional shutters have been limited in the past to homes with smaller rooms and windows, but have recently been used in more contemporary applications.
Where to Purchase
Lumberyards or hardware stores may at first appear the obvious source. Local retailers, including lumberyards and home improvement stores, frequently do not sell wood shutters or keep a very limited selection. An order for specific styles or sizes can be placed at the customer service desk and picked-up at a later date by returning to the store.
Online shutter supplies allow the user to view styles, specifications, and prices in complete detail. Shutters can be ordered in a wide variety of sizes to best fit each individual window. The shutters are often shipped directly to the customer's house within a reasonable time. For a consumer that is not comfortable shopping online should at least use the Internet for product research.
How To Determine Individual Panel Sizes to Order
Determine how to mount the wholesale discount shutters before ordering the panels. Attaching shutters directly to the window jamb with butt hinges is often the preferable method. The shutters will require some depth within the window opening for the louvers to fully rotate. A window with insufficient depth requires the use of hang strips to attach shutters to the outside of the window opening. A reputable company will provide information about different installation methods so you can determine how best to install on a specific window.
Width:
Measure the width of the area you want the shutters to cover (NOT including any trim strips). Divide this width by the number of panels you want across the window. This will give you the approximate width of each panel. Round this measurement up to the nearest 1/4 inch. Occasionally, shutters may need to be trimmed to achieve a proper fit. Example: Width = 36-7/16"
Divide by 4 (= 9.11) and round up to nearest 1/4" (= 9.25) Order four shutter panels 9-1/4" wide and trim to fit or, order two panels 9" and two 9.25" panels.
Height:
Measure the height of the area you want the shutters to cover. It may be necessary to order the next large panel size and trim the panel to fit. For a two tier unit (panels across the top and bottom), combine individual panel heights as required.
Finishing
A high-quality budget wood shutter panel can be painted or stained to a beautiful finish. Even if the wholesale shutters seem fairly smooth, a light sanding is advised before beginning the finishing process. After sanding and brushing off any dust, primer and paint can be applied. Often a more smooth finish is achieved by spraying the primer and paint, although the use of a high-quality brush can also result in a nice finish. When staining, follow the instructions given by the stain manufacturer. The stain manufacturer may recommend applying a wood conditioner before staining in order to ensure even stain color penetration.
Once your affordable discount shutters are finished and installed, you will have a high-quality product that will increase the value of your home at a fraction of the cost of custom-made shutters. Budget wholesale interior window shutters are a realistic alternative.
About The Author:
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With over 20 years of experience, Brian is a contributing writer for All About Window Shutters. He manages four web sites that sell interior and exterior shutters online. Horizon Shutters offers custom made interior wood shutters. ShutterLand sells both stock size unfinished wood interior shutter, and solid cedar exterior shutters. Ready Shutters distributes louvered, board-n-batten, raised panel, shaker, and arch top vinyl outside shutters. Each company has full telephone support. All shutters are made in the United States and shipped nationwide to homeowners.
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