Where Did Plantation Shutters Originate?

They first appeared in windows of homes in ancient Greece. Greece is a dusty, hot country for most of the year and people were always looking for ways to control ventilation and protect their homes from the direct heat of the sun. The first shutters were apparently made with fixed marble louvers and attached to the outside of the house. Naturally, making them out of marble made them very heavy and unwieldy, so before too long the idea came up to switch marble for wood. Wood was easier to work with, less heavy and easier to manipulate.

Before long, fixed wooden louvers were replaced with movable ones, which allowed greater control over how much light entered the room, and allowed for better control of air flow. Another plus with having them movable was that they could also be closed tightly shut when rains or winds were strong, protecting the homes during storms, and opened again afterwards to allow fresh air and light into the room.

Shutters were in common use during medieval times all over Europe. At that time they were built solid, however, and were not louvered. Their prime use was to protect house owners from thieves and robbers as covered windows made it difficult for thieves or the poor to gain entrance into the house. Glass wasn't commonly used in windows till Tudor or Elizabethan times, and even then it was very expensive and used only by the rich. The rest of the population were content with wooden shutters, and as time went by gradually these went from being practical only, to becoming decorative as well. Wooden slats improved air circulation inside homes, and brightened the appearance as well.

With the colonization of America by the Spanish it became common to see Spanish or European styled housing being built. Rich landowners, such as plantation owners, in the South especially, seemed to favour the Spanish style architecture which included putting wood shutters on windows, thus giving rise to the popular name for this type of window covering.

Today shutters are made from a variety of material. Wooden plantation shutters are still some of the more popular ones on the market, often made from either hard wood or basswood. They are also available in vinyl, plastic or faux-wood. Prices vary a lot, depending on the material they are made from with the hard-wood ones being the most expensive of all. Basswood is also a very popular choice especially as the stained wood is very pretty. They are now found in windows all around the world and are no longer restricted to Europe or plantation owners in the South.

Incorporating Wood in Shutter Design

Wood adds a natural element to your home, but the very thing that makes nature beautiful also makes it unpredictable. Interior wood shutters are one way to add elegance and warmth, but you must work hard to match your wood blinds to your home. Do not worry, this work is the most fun part of interior design. Taking an idea and using the bounty of the earth to make you home uniquely yours is the excitement of interior design - the excitement of wood.

Interior wood shutters are a fixed wood blind that allows you to mix and match window treatments while allowing for both natural light and privacy. In an era of cheap plastic blinds, the wood shutter is a truly classy design. Wood shutters are more sturdy than wood blinds. They are also easier to clean and decorate, as the shutter basically becomes part of your home.

Most people do not use curtains or any other window treatments with their shutters, but with a little foresight you can find the perfect matching curtains. Paired wood shutters and curtains will certainly raise the value of your home. Wood blinds do not need curtains. On their own, these shutters take a time honored design element to the home. They come in a variety of hardwoods, painted, as well as faux wood. Price should not be a major concern because they come in a variety of finishes and designs. Natural woods like pine and cedar can be finished in almost any stain.

The design of your interior panel is also as varied as a venetian wood blind. Wood shutters com in slats, solid panels, and whatever your custom blind manufacturer can come up with. The mounting and instillation of shutters is not all that involved, so the average Do-it-yourself handyman should have no trouble. Pick whether you want the wood shutter mounted inside or outside the window frame.

When picking a wood blind, first determine your budget and ideal design. Faux wood is cheaper but less stylish and durable. Think about how your shutters will mix with both your furniture and overall house design. Then contact a custom blinds manufacturer and get working!

Traditional Custom Wood Shutters

Are you one of those who want to give your house a traditional look with custom wooden shutters? These custom shutters come in a huge variety of patters and styles, which can easily be customized according to ones needs. Even if you happen to be looking for a means of making your home look better or if you want to the extreme winter and summer climate from entering your home, these custom wood shutters help a long way in providing you exactly what you need in terms of aesthetic and practical benefits. Custom shutters could be either operable or for the purpose of decoration. Shutters that are operable help in providing those practical advantages in a home.

If you want custom wood shutters for your house then you should be wise enough to choose a solid and good quality wood such as mahogany or cedar. Custom wood shutters are made from just a single cut of these woods, which can help considerably by reducing the issues you might have such as wooden cracks. By making use of top quality woods, you are saved from having any such problems such as cracking or leaking, and save considerably on the utility charges. These custom wood shutters help a long way by battling climates.

During the hot summers, you will be able to keep these custom shutters closed which can also help in keeping the cool air inside the house and giving your carpet and furniture enough protection from the exposure of the sun. During the cold winters, these custom wood shutters could be kept closed to keep the warm air inside and also preventing the cold air from coming inside. The right pair of custom wood shutters helps much by preventing extreme climates that could be dangerous such as hurricanes by not letting it damage the windows. You can even opt for custom shutters especially made for the hurricane climate; these shutters are considered perfect for homes in the stormy and coastal regions.

These custom wood shutters are not just considered to be long lasting but help you save a lot more on the cost; they are also used for the purpose of decorative value that it gives to one's house. Normally, the windows of a house are more than often overlooked when it comes to thinking of decorative ideas, but having to simply add on custom wood shutters could entirely change the image of a house. Even if you happen to be looking for a classic, antique or sophisticated custom wood shutters, it could entirely depend on the architecture your house adapts that your shutter is based on.

Custom wood shutters might not have been something that would have crossed your mind but by just helping yourself select the correct style and patter, you could have a beautiful external addition to your house. In order to keep your house airy and cool enough during the hot winters, you could opt for louvered wooden shutters, which could be ideal Custom shutters, are a great accessory for the house and are considered to be something that only helps in increasing the value of a house

Home Shutter Ideas

Your house is a thing of pride. It's probably one of the greatest accomplishment that you can brag about for the rest of your life. No matter how large or small it is, it doesn't matter. What matters most is that you had a home; you have acquired a treasure that you could call your own. You have some place to retreat to when you are weak, you have place that would provide you shelter from the heat of the sun and the cold of the night. You have something that would make you feel safe when everything is not alright.

However, whatever type of home that you have right now could still be upgraded. Yes, you could still work out your house, renovate or remodel it to raise its value. Whether you are planning to sell it in the future or you just want to upgrade it, it is all good. What is important is that you know that you could do something more about it. Like for example, the outdoor design of your house. You can definitely work it out a little bit more by replacing some stuff with something new. Like the shutter in your windows. These are changeable; you could definitely upgrade or remodel it and replace them with something much more newer to make it look good. All you need now is some ideas.

There are lots of different types of shutters that you could choose from, all of which is suitable for any types of houses. Here are some of the types of shutters that you could choose from:


- Plantation shutters

- Vinyl Shutters

- Movable Louvers

- European Shutters

- Wood Shutters

- Accordion Shutters

- Traditional Colonial Shutters

- Stained Shutters

- Hurricane Shutters

These are just some of the shutters that you could place in your house. However, for a much more customized feel, you can build your own shutter. It's not that difficult, you could buy some of the IDY kits that you could use to make these babies. Matter of cat, IDY shutters has been popular already a long time ago that it came to a point that in almost all lumberyards, these shutters were available. However, in times like these, the best resources or the best place to get DIY shutters and their kits is on the internet. That is definitely right my friend. You can get everything from the internet. DIY shutters are made from ready - made shutter panels that are left to be polished and attached and make final adjustments. It's quite easy really.

So now that you know these things, the next time that you think about remodeling you outdoor design so that you could raise the real estate value of your house or just for the sheer pleasure of it, you could try replacing the shutters. Not only that it serves as a shield or a block so that no one could view inside, you could also use it to beautify your house.

Faux Wood Shutters

Most amateur interior designers are familiar with faux wood as a replacement for wood blinds. What many people don't know is that you can also save money on faux wood exterior window coverings. Faux wood plantation shutters are now a common weatherproof design that you can use to invest in your home on a limited budget. Real wood shutters are pricey, especially if your house has several different window sizes that need custom window coverings. The blinds factory will have to custom mill your shutters out of hardwood. While wood can be undoubtedly beautiful, faux wood is a better option in some situations. Economical options like fake wood allow you to design your house to your own specifications, and still have a little wiggle-room in the wallet for any modifications.

One especially good aspect of fake wood is that it does not warp or crack in moisture like wood. This means you can have old school exterior shutters that will maintain their bright look in the sun and weather. Faux plantation shutters are made in a factory-engineered process that attempts to replicate the weight and style of real wood window coverings. The material may be particle board, milled plastic, or a plastic-wood pulp composite. The material is then sealed and finished in a wood-grain replica. A quality plantation shutter manufacturer should be able to make the slats appear to be real wood except upon close inspection. If you work it out well with the factory, you will end up with quality shutters for half the price. There are cheap imitation wood blinds that are obvious, but as long as you check them yourself they are easily avoided.

Luckily. with faux wood designs, everything can be custom made. The first step for a custom window coverings is to measure your window frame. You will want to contact the manufacturer on their measuring guidelines, as they can be different. Then follow their instructions to measure the length and width of your window frames. Unconventional window openings may require custom cutting or multiple rows of louvers.

There are other wood alternatives for shutters. Vinyl shutters are also inexpensive and do a good job at insulating your home. Vinyl comes in many colors and resists weathering better than wood. To find your wood-alternative blinds, the best bet is usually a custom blind manufacturer. However, it is a good idea to check out department stores like Sears for some cheaper ready-made shutters. This will give you an idea of what is available in what price range. You can also visit some online manufacturers that may be a little cheaper because they have just one centralized factory and warehouse that will ship your blinds to you.

How to Choose the Best Exterior Wood Shutters For Your Home

If you are in the process of shopping for exterior shutters for your home, you're likely to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices on the market. You can choose from vinyl, faux wood, or real wood shutters, for example - and those are just your options for materials! Factor in color, shape, style, finishing - and of course, price - and you've got a lot of decisions to make.

Exterior wood shutters are superior

Wood has several inherent advantages over other shutter materials. It is more durable than either vinyl or faux wood. Synthetic materials can age quickly when exposed to the elements. Frequent sun exposure and heavy precipitation can cause synthetic shutters to crack, peel, or fade. While synthetic materials are often cheaper in the short term, they can become quite costly over the long haul if they need to be replaced frequently.

Real wood shutters are also more customizable than other types of window coverings. Expert mill workers can saw, carve, and shape wood slabs into a wide array of shapes and styles. By contrast, vinyl cannot be as easily tailored to a home owner's specifications. And, unlike synthetic shutters, real wood shutters can be stained or painted to match precise tones and shades. Or, if the homeowner prefers, the shutters can be finished to highlight the grain and cut of the wood.

Wood exterior shutters are also incredibly energy efficient. They can be purchased from manufacturers that specialize in woodwork, and can be hand-made. These shutters are free from cracks, gaps, or surface irregularities. They can be shut tightly against the home to keep the heat, humidity, and precipitation away.

Questions to consider before purchasing wood exterior shutters

1. How much shutter can I afford?

Cost is one of the biggest factors in home improvement decision-making. The shutters you want and the shutters you can actually afford might be very different.

It is important to be mindful of long-range costs as well as short-term costs. Over time, real wood shutters are more cost effective than those made from synthetics.

If you cannot afford to purchase the shutters up front, it is often possible to work out a payment plan with the manufacturer. You might also consider putting the shutters on a low-interest credit card so you can pay off your purchase in monthly installments.

2. Which exterior shutters suit my home best?

Choosing the wrong style and color of window coverings can be as disastrous as painting a home loud colors, or filling a yard with ridiculous decorations. Determine the predominant color scheme of your home's exterior, and learn what historical period the architecture hails from (or, dates back to).

If your house is a white Colonial home, for example, board-and-batten exterior shutters painted in a bright color might suit it handsomely. However, if you live in a brick Victorian, your house might look best with subtly colored or stained Bahama shutters.

You might feel uncomfortable deciding which shutter styles, colors, and shapes suit your home best. Ask your wood shutter manufacturer! The staff of a reputable company can usually make design recommendations. Superior exterior shutter manufacturers can often render pieces from sketches or AutoCAD drawings you provide, and talented designers can even improve upon your ideas.

3. What size should my exterior shutters be?

Shutter measurements are determined by three factors: the length and width of your windows; the style of shutter you choose, and the hanging technique that the chosen style requires. (For example, fixed shutters are measured differently than those intended to be opened and closed.)

It can be difficult to measure accurately yourself, so ask a friend, your partner, your neighbor, or a shutter expert to help. It is important for the measurements to be accurate, too. Ill-fitting shutters can make your home look shabby, and can cost you dearly in the long run if they need to be trimmed or re-sized.

Real wood shutters are lovely additions to home or condominium exteriors. By being mindful of price, style, composition, and craftsmanship, you can ensure that you will be making an investment that will serve you well for years to come.

Rustic Plantation Shutter Styles Can Suit Any Style Home

A Rustic plantation shutter can be designed to fit either the exterior of the home or the interior of the home. Even if your home is not a country style, there are shutter designs that will suit the style of the home nicely and provide a homey, comfortable, warm feel to the look of the home from both the inside and the outside.

A rustic plantation shutter is usually stained wood, but they can also be painted. When you consider the style options available and the colors they can be finished in, there is almost an endless variety of dcor options from which to select. They are far more durable than blinds, and they also have more style options. The shutters swivel so that it is quite easy to open a room up for additional sun light or close them up for extra privacy.

Even with all of the color options available for shutters, wood stain remains the most popular. The simple style is practical and unobtrusive. They work well on the exterior of the home to give the home an inviting look, and if installed on the interior they will work well in any room of the home as well. They can fit even small windows, but they look especially good in larger windows. They are perfect additions to the master bedroom, den, living area, dining room, library or home office.

They have a hand made appearance, but are usually made by a quality manufacturer. Many are made to look especially rustic, with knotted pine, knotted alder, red cedar, wormy chestnut and cypress as just a few of the options available. Others are made to look more finished so that they work well with a more modern style of home.

Rustic plantation shutter selections can be found in abundance online. Whether you are looking to add them to a log cabin or a home in the city, there are plenty of options from which to choose. They are excellent options for triangle and odd shaped windows as well as traditional rectangular windows. Select from the quality online providers to get the highest quality shutters at the best value for your home.

These shutters are popular in Tuscany, Italy. They are used on both the interior and the exterior of the home, and Tuscans have found a variety of ways to use the shutters to make their homes more practical. They design and install their shutters to be able to completely shut out the sunlight and make a room dark even during the day.

In regards to the initial purchase and the countless projects that go into it, your home represents one of the largest investments throughout your life. From interior design to landscaping, and from professional remodeling services to do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, it can be a challenge to discover and understand what the best home improvement products, equipment and services are.

Plantation Wood Shutters Create Old-Time Charm

Remodeling your home can be a fun and adventurous outlet for your creativity, and if you are looking to spiff up your curb appeal then perhaps you should consider installing plantation wood shutters. These are a nice, durable and wallet friendly way to add definition to your windows and may be all you need to change the over all impression people get of your home. Read on to learn some helpful hints on how to pick a quality shutter, how to install them and where to find them for your home!

It is best to start at the beginning, so in order to find plantation wood shutters for your home you need to take a drive to your local home improvement center or hardware store. Here you will find a large selection of window shutters, from plastic to metal to wood. Plastic is a nice option due to the fact these will not "rot", however they are not nearly as durable as metal or wood shutters. The metal variation is a nice option but you must take into consideration the rust factor, and they can be easily dented by hail or stray neighborhood baseballs! We recommend selecting wood for your material as this brings you the best of both worlds. They can be easily painted, sanded and re-painted and the wood allows you to have the option of nailing or screwing various decorations into them.

Picking high quality wood shutters is all about what type of wood was used to manufacture them. If you are not a wood connoisseur then any store employee would be happy to guide you through the different kinds and characteristics of them as well. More solid, durable, hard woods are typically in the oak family. This is most likely your best bet for an outdoor shutter. As mentioned before, these can be painted, stained and coated as you see fit so do not be put off by the color you see in the store.

Once you have selected your new home upgrades, you must now bring them home and put them on your house! Occasionally, plantation wood shutters will come with do-it-yourself, step by step instructions for you to read and follow. If not, it could be useful to seek out instructions online or you can always ask a neighbor or friend for assistance. If you want to paint or stain your shutters, we recommend doing so before you put them up on your home to ensure a nice, neat and put together end result.

How to Fix Rotting Wood on Your Home

Many components of the home are made of wood. Wood is a material that has the ability to decay or rot unless kept dry and in the right conditions. You should routinely check your home for wood rot and mold contamination. Mold growth can be dangerous to your health, as well as cause serious damage to your furnishings and structural elements of your home.


Locate rotting wood. When searching for rotting wood, you want to thoroughly check any places that could be affected by moisture or that may have bad air circulation. Look for areas where the walls or ceilings are discolored, warped floors or even condensation build up on you windows. Test areas by using a screwdriver, to punch into the wood to see if it is still solid. Also check to see if you feel any dampness in the area. Some interior places to check are bathrooms and kitchens, basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Some exterior places you should also check are windows, door frames, any place that touches the ground, siding, roof, decks, foundations, vents and gutters. If you find any rotted wood, figure out where the moisture is coming from. Fix the source of the problem in order to prevent future or repeat wood rot problems.

Repair rotting wood. If your wood is not to rotten you can try to repair it. You can use a liquid wood hardener and putty epoxy to repair your wood rotted areas. Scrape away any areas of the wood that is rotting or that will crumble easily and let the area dry. Drill holes in a honeycombed pattern to help the liquid wood hardener reach any decayed areas. Fill in the drilled holes, and scraped away areas, with the liquid wood hardener and allow areas to dry completely. Then use the putty epoxy to cover the area and fill in any cracks. After the putty epoxy hardens you can sand it down to make the area smooth. Replace rotting wood. If your wood is rotted beyond repair you will need to replace the rotted wood. Consider replacing with an alternative to wood, such as cellular PVC. PVC is a solid material that can be used in the same way as wood. PVC will not rot, is insect resistant, looks like wood, has a matted finish and is paintable. PVC material can be used for trim, crown moldings, shutters, window boxes and other architectural accents.

To keep your house a safe place, start an annual routine to check for wood rot. Depending on how knowledgeable you are, you may be able to turn this into a do-it-yourself project. However, if you are uncomfortable with the situation or your abilities, it may be better to contact a professional.

Shutters Repair

Our house is our hiding place. A place where we could retreat back and hideaway form all the pains in this world and recharge for another day filled with both negative and positive surprises. This is the reason why your house should be as comfortable as possible. It is not a bad thing to do to invest on the comfort of your home. It's somehow a requirement. Besides, our home is where we should get our comfort. And how ironic it would be if it isn't pleasant and comfy. You don't want to go to a house like that.

There are lots of ways in which you could upgrade the comfort of your home. There is different furniture that adds up to the aura of warmth in a room. These are stuff in which you could lie down or sit down and relax. But that is not limited to furniture; there are also several accessories that could add a comfort effect to the room as well as the entire house. You could try installing shutters on your window. These are strips of metal, plastic or wood that functions as a device for letting and blocking the sunlight. It also adds a certain aura of beauty and warmth on a room. Like for instance, whenever I see shutters, I feel at home. I don't know, maybe I just got used to it. Anyway, these things are splendid and convenient. However, it needs proper cleaning and maintenance procedures that aren't as difficult as you think. All you have to do is wipe it off individually using a soft cloth or moist soft cloth to remove the dust. You will seldom see stains on it. Regarding maintenance, just don't allow it to be bent or folded, especially the steel and plastic ones.

It is also great to learn how to fix things yourself just in case time comes that the need arises. Shutters repair is not an easy thing to do, and most of the time, you cannot repair it, and you need to replace it. But just like any other material, if you want it to avoid repair, maintain it. Make sure that you do regular stuff that could prolong the life of the shutter. Like for example, wood shutters has the tendency to rot over time, especially when it is always exposed to sunlight. There are several ways however to prolong its life compared to normal. This is by doing some maintenance procedure like painting it with colors that doesn't absorb too much sunlight. Painting the shutter prolongs its life as it adds an extra coat of protection. So it could be protected against sunlight. However, avoid black - colored paint as it would absorb more sunlight making the wood shutter more fragile and brittle. Try transparent or glossy paint. White is also great. Using vinyl safe paint also would help prolong its like, especially the external wood shutters.

So the next time you purchase a shutter, take time to know how to repair it; or better yet, learn how to maintain it.

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How to Install Vinyl Shutters and Functional Shutters

Learning how to install exterior shutters is straight forward. There are two popular but different ways to install exterior shutters, however. The first method is called "direct set" and is when you install the shutters directly to the house pinning it with 6 to 8 screws to the home. This method is popular for installing vinyl shutters. The second method is on hinges and is how to install exterior shutters when they need to be functional and open and close. This method is popular for installing wood shutters.

Before we begin, it's also a good idea to point out that depending on the surface you're installing on, siding, stucco, rock or brick, there are a few differences in the details.

Ok, let's begin with direct set installation. Direct set installation of shutters is used for installing vinyl shutters and sometimes also for installing wood shutters. There are no hinges or other hardware to mount the exterior shutters. The only hardware needed are 2 - 3 inches long screws and drywall anchors for the brick and rock installation. Drywall screws should also be used for stucco if there is not a rigid plywood backing for the screws to grab onto. For vinyl shutters there will normally be six holes and six accompanying plugs which will cover the screw heads. Step one is to hold the vinyl shutter up to the window in the desired location and to trace through the holes with a pencil transferring the mark to the house itself. Next, you want to predrill each hole to receive the screws. If you are on siding, a 1/8" pilot hole should do. Simply drill into the siding with this bit at each location. If you are installing shutters on brick or rock, you will want to predrill pilot holes with a 1/4" bit and slip a plastic drywall anchor into the brick. This will give the screw something to grab onto.

Next, hold the exterior shutters back up to the window to install the shutters with 2 - 3 inch screws. It's a good idea to place a plug over the screws to conceal them. For wooden shutters, sometimes you have to make your own install holes. The holes should be made with a countersink bit with one hole in each corner and a hole along each rail near the middle. You can also make your own plugs with a plug cutting bit that matches the countersink bit. The nice thing about wood plugs is that they can be made to flush out with the shutter and are concealed much better than the standard vinyl plugs.

If instead you need to install functional shutters atop hinges then the process differs slightly. Exterior shutters are installed on two hinges which sit atop "pintles" screwed into the window frame. A shutter pintle is the male part of the hinge that connects the hinge to the house, offsets the shutter from the trim, and provides a pivot point for the hinge to rotate. Pintles come in three sizes: siding, brick, and rock. Siding generally sticks out 1 1/8" from the home. Brick sticks out 2 1/4" from the home and rock sticks out 4 1/16 inches from the home. The wrong pintle will not allow the shutters to offset the right distance and may keep the shutters from laying flush on the house.

Usually two hinges are installed on a shutter, however, for longer shutters or PVC shutters 3 - 4 hinges are sometimes used to distribute the weight or to keep the shutter more thermally rigid. Hinges should be installed so that they are roughly 4 - 6 inches from the top and bottom.

The location of the pintles will determine where the shutter sits. If installed too low or too high, the shutter will not mirror the windows and look like a custom fit. Measure the distance from the bottom of the shutter to the bottom of where the hinge sits atop the pintle. This distance will determine the placement of the pintle. It's a good idea to make a jig for this distance. You can cut a scrap piece of wood to this length to easily repeat this measurement without using a tape measure on site. Let's call this a pintle jig, or "pin jig" for short.

Place the pin jig on the window sill over the window trim and mark the top of the jig. Next, place the pintle over the trim so that the bottom of the pintle where the hinge rests is aligned with your mark. This is where the pintle needs to be screwed into the trim so that the shutter mirrors the window. Only install the bottom pintle at this time. Afterwards, lift the shutter up and place it on the pintle. Have another pintle and a drill on hand so that you're ready for the next step. After you slip the bottom hinge over the pintle, you will install the second pintle by sliding it into place in the second hinge and on the window trim. Screw the second pintle in and you now know how to install functional exterior shutters on hinges. They will be able to open and close. An S-Shaped piece of hardware called a shutter dog is used to keep the shutter closed in the wind. It can be installed in the bottom opposite corner directly to the home as well. Use lag anchors instead of dry wall anchors to hold them for brick or rock. For siding, simply predrill a 1/4" hole and tighten the shutter dog in place. The shutter dog can be rotated to allow the shutter to open and close.

After you learn how to install shutters, the next step is to learn how to install window boxes. Add some decorative no rot window flower boxes under the window to add some extra curb appeal to your home.

Advice on Painting Wood Shutters

House shutters provide an exceptional curve appeal that can come in handy if you're ever going to try and sell. This is especially true of wood shutters. However, outside of aesthetics shutters need attention every few years as they are prone to damage from constantly being exposed to the elements whether wind, rain, or shine.

A good time to paint wood shutters is when you are painting your home. Either way, if you're just painting the shutters here's some tips on how to get the job done.

Tools: sand paper, outdoor latex or oil paint depending on what was previously used, wood horses (for propping up shutters during painting), paint brushes, paint pan, a sponge, dish detergent and water, a ladder. NOTE: When using a ladder its best to have someone assist you, especially if you are carrying the shutters down from a second story window. Also, you may need other items if repairs are necessary. These may include a paint scraper, wood filler, and primer.

1. Remove the shutters from the house. It's a good idea to remove them all at once and plan to paint them together as this will save time. If you go in this direction make sure you mark which window they came from and which side, as some may have 'settled' differently than others and only fit back in their original spot.

2. Assess the shutters and make repairs:
• Use a paint scraper to remove chipped or pealing paint.
• Test if any part of the shutter is rotting.
• If so clean out the rotting wood and purchase a product at your local hardware store and follow instructions for filling the hole.
• Lightly sand of the rest of the shutter, which will give the top coat of paint better sticking power. There are products on the market that will do the same thing as sanding but with less effort.

3. Cleaning: After you've made repairs wash the shutters with dish detergent and water scrubbing with a sponge on all sides. Rinsing with a garden hose will expedite the process.

4. Use an out door primer on any spots exposed from repairs. Prime the rest of the shutter.

5. Painting:

• Consider lighter colors as the sun will affect darker shades more.
• When painting its important to keep the top coat even and make sure you reach every nook and cranny. If not the elements could damage the shutter sooner than you like.
• You may need more than one coat. More than one will add to their shine and effect on your home.
• Turn shutters over periodically to make sure paint isn't dripping and leaving streaks or marks.
• Stand each shudder up to dry and reset them on the house.
• NOTE: In place of painting, consider spraying as this will save a lot of time and painstaking work with a brush.

Good luck!

"Plantation" Shutter Blind Painting

If your home has prefinished "Plantation" style shutter blinds that are weathering and need refinishing there are a few things to consider. Many of these blinds come prefinished with a lacquer based paint finish from the factory. Due to the abundant sunlight and moisture (lacquer based paints worst enemy) that these blinds have to endure, eventually they will start to flake and peel and need refinished. My advice being a paint contractor is to hire a professional to take on this task.

You basically have two options. One is to remove them from the windows and doors and find a place to spray them (my recommended option), two is to paint them in place by hand with a brush (not recommened ). Either way they will need properly prepared before painting. If you have a garage or unfinshed area in your home that can be utilized for setting up a spray booth, or if you hire a contractor that has a shop for that can be used, option 1 will bring the best results. With a sprayed on finish they will retain the factory finish appearance.

If you decided to go with the spray method you will first need to sand any flaking areas with a medium grit sanding sponge or 150 grit sandpaper. I also recommend dusting and wiping them down with a tack cloth after this. Next it is best to prime them with an oil base primer like Zinsser Cover Stain or equal to ensure proper adhesion. After allowing to dry I recommend sanding again with a fine grit sanding sponge or 220 grit sandpaper. For a finish coat you will need a high quality paint that doesn't stick when touching another surface that has the finish coat on it also ( like where the shutter closes to the frame ).

I recommend Valspar Signature series paint which you can purchase at Lowe's and is priced reasonibly. After applying the finish coat you will need to wait at least 24 hours before handling and reinstalling the shutter blinds. If you decide to paint them in place ( which I have done by request but don't recommend ) you will need to follow the same preparation instructions as above.

You may decide to skip the priming with the oil for the reason of the smell of the fumes from the oil base product going through the house. If so you will to wipe down the shutters with a bonding agent such as Wil-Bond to help adhesion. This will still have a strong smell but will not linger as long or be as strong as the primer method. You will then need to brush the finish on with a small angle brush such as a 2-1/2 inch Purdy or similar. Depending on your brushing skills and color of the paint this may take two coats of finish or more.

If done correctly your blinds should then hold up for far longer than the factory finish lacquer coat that was used at the factory. For more information on this you may visit our website at http://Dennardbloss.com.

Written by Michael Bloss / Dennard-Bloss Inc. Professional Painting

How to Choose and Buy Shutter Blinds

Shutter blinds are the perfect solution for making your home more private. They can provide many benefits along with privacy. Interior versions can add privacy to your home and a unique look as well. Therefore, you can have the privacy that you have been seeking and your house guests will love the look of them.

If you need a bit of airflow, they can be adjusted slightly to let in the air and still maintain the privacy that you need. They come in all different sorts of colors and designs so that you will have no problem finding ones that match whatever scheme that you may need. You and your visitors will highly enjoy shutter blinds in your home.

They are also very easy to clean. A dampened cloth or dry cloth will easily clean them. As long as you keep up on the dusting of them from time to time, there should be no problems with cleanliness. They can also increase the value of your property just as exterior shutters can.

Once they are installed, the value of your property will raise and the look of your home will also be improved upon. They help to maintain the functionality of your windows and add their own attractive look to your home. They will also help you to save money because they are very cost effective.

They will prevent cold air from entering your house and will prevent the heat of the summer from entering your house. This will save you from having to use expensive heaters and air conditioners during the different seasons. Because shutter blinds block most direct sunlight, it will help to maintain the natural colors of woods in your home that may fade from the sunlight in time.

If you are interested purchasing some, the best place to start looking is the internet. The internet manufacturers will be able to offer you special deals that other retailers cannot. Many of these manufacturers will also offer you free shipping as part of a package deal.

Professional installation will also be an option for internet retailers as well. Of course, you do not have to take part in the professional installation, but it is a nice option if that is what you are looking for. Be sure to search the internet thoroughly to find the best shutter blind deals.