Request Free Quote

Try “No Tilt Rod” Plantation Shutters for a Modern Upgrade to Your Windows

plantation shutters with no tilt rod

Try “No Tilt Rod” Plantation Shutters for a Modern Upgrade to Your Windows

Stanfield Shutter offers many different plantation shutter styles, including our popular plantation shutters with no tilt rod or no tilt bar. Having no visible tilt rod offers a clear view through the shutters, with no rod visible to break up your sight lines. Our plantation shutters with no tilt rod have also been called:

  • Rodless Shutters
  • Clearview Shutters
  • Rodless Plantation Shutters or Blinds
  • Clearview Plantation Blinds

Plantation-Style Shutters

Plantation shutters originated from plantation homes in the American South. Plantation owners initially placed shutters, usually with larger slats, on the outside of their windows to protect from heat and sun. Today, home owners across the United States use plantation-style shutter blinds as an interior window covering. The plantation style still offers protection from heat and sun, as well as complete privacy when closed. When open, plantation shutters allow plenty of natural light in as well as a good view to the outside world. They are easily operated by moving the slats or the tilt rod or tilt bar.

What is a Tilt Rod or Tilt Bar?

This rod is often a visible bar that runs lengthwise through the shutters and allows the blinds to open and close. Often, a split tilt rod is used to allow you to open half of the window’s shutters while allowing the other half to remain closed. Plantation shutters with no tilt rod or tilt bar actually have one, it is simply designed to be hidden from sight. The traditional tilt rod is professionally engineered to connect to the back end of each louver, or slat. The louvers are moveable, and when they are in the closed position, the tilt rod fits seamlessly into a specially-designed groove hidden from view. 

Plantation Style Shutters: No Tilt Rod Vs. Tilt Rod 

There are pros and cons to having plantation shutters with or without a tilt rod, which we explore more in depth below. For visual examples, please see our photo gallery.

No Tilt Rod Pros

  • Offers unimpaired views through the shutters
  • Provides a more modern, contemporary look
  • Offers both privacy and light control
  • Allows more light to come in
  • Is a cost effective way to increase energy efficiency in your home

No Tilt Rod Cons

  • Costs more than traditional blinds
  • Lacks a visual bar to open or close the blinds
  • Requires louvers to be closed by hand, resulting in more fingerprints on the slats

Tilt Rod Pros

  • Provides a more classic, traditional style
  • Offers both privacy and light control
  • Offers the best value
  • Minimizes fingerprints on the shutter slats
  • Is a cost effective way to increase energy efficiency in your home

Tilt Rod Cons

  • Can be more difficult to clean and dust around the rod
  • Creates an obstruction to outside views
  • Creates extra shadow lines inside your home
  • Can be visually distracting
  • Can be more easily damaged by children and pets

Are Stanfield Shutters Right for You?

Stanfield Shutters offers premium shutters in many different styles. We are the local shutter choice in the Salt Lake Valley and northern Utah. Our proven methods used to mill, assemble, finish and install shutters guarantees a long life for upscale window coverings, ensuring that this choice gives you the best value over time and gives your home the high-end, classy look that you want. 

As you consider your home’s shutter and blinds needs, make sure to ask yourself:

  • How long do I want my window coverings to last?
  • Do I have any custom shapes of windows that I may need covered?
  • How important is the ease of cleaning and maintenance for me?

Stanfield Shutters are built to last. In fact, we include  a limited lifetime warranty on your purchase. Our shutters are custom-built and can accomodate any unique shapes in your home, including arches, angles, circles, ovals, octagons, square- or rectangle-shaped windows, french doors, and doors with windows. We offer a variety of materials, including engineered wood, basswood, knotty alder, and vinyl.

If you think Stanfield Shutters may be right for your home, or you simply would like to know more, contact us. Our expert team can answer any questions you may have. Call Stanfield Shutter today for a quote on custom no tilt bar plantation shutters.

Blinds or Shutters?

Window Blinds or Plantation Shutters?

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or have experience choosing window treatments, deciding between blinds and shutters can be a tough choice. However, knowing your options can simplify your decision-making process.

For instance, interior plantation shutters increase curb appeal, real estate value, and the energy efficiency of your home. On the other hand, window blinds can provide more affordability upfront. While many homeowners enjoy the initial economic difference, shutters typically offer the most value over time.

As you can see, choosing window coverings can be a challenge. To ensure you find the perfect option for your space, the experts at Stanfield Shutter created an easy-to-use window treatment guide.

From cost comparisons to materials and more, here is what you should know when asking, “Blinds or shutters?”

Differences Between Interior Plantation Shutters or Window Blinds

 

Stanfield Engineered Wood Shutters

Perfectly chosen shutters or blinds will enhance your home’s design while providing privacy and light control.

Both window treatments are a good choice for any space, but what makes interior plantation shutters and window blinds so different from one another? Let’s discuss.

Interior Shutters

Plantation shutters use a rod mechanism fastened to slats to create a fixed window treatment. These shutters are a popular choice that comes in various materials, including vinyl or natural wood.

Not only will interior plantation shutters provide the privacy you desire when installing window coverings, but the flexibility to adjust natural light throughout the day. In addition, whether you opt for faux wood, louvered, or another type of plantation shutter, your interior shades will be highly durable and provide superior protection against the elements.

The unique benefits of installing interior plantation shutters include:

  • Versatility
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Durability
  • Special Features

Versatility

Shutters are available in various materials, so you can find which works best for your home’s location, room type, and aesthetic preferences. Many homeowners choose these larger window treatments because they have an attractive appearance. While you can install shutters in every room of your house, many people prefer them in their dining rooms and bedrooms. You can also place them in kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms. Most areas of the home can benefit from the added style plantation shutters bring into a home.

Energy Efficiency

Interior shutters aren’t just versatile; they are a budget-friendly option long-term because the custom fit minimizes air leaks and improves energy efficiency.
Along with sealing your home from outside air, shutters help to shield the sun. If installed correctly, your home will stay nice and cool without placing unnecessary strain on your air conditioner.

Regardless of how you use your plantation shutters, they are one of the most cost-effective window treatments for reducing your energy bill.

Durability

Window shutters are the best option for homeowners who care about durability. With regular care and maintenance, your interior shutters can last anywhere from 20 to 25 years, depending on the material used in your window covering and its manufacturer.

Stanfield Shutter’s custom plantation shutters offer premium durability with proper maintenance. We use high-quality materials to reduce fading or deformities that usually develop over time. As a result, your shutters will look just as wonderful 20 years from now as they do today.

Window Blinds

Most experts distinguish blinds by their vertical and horizontal slats. This popular shade style comes in several styles and shapes, including genuine wood, faux wood, bamboo, vinyl, metal, and more.

The louvers incorporated in the design make blinds the closest comparison to shutters. However, shutters are stationary, while blinds drag across a window to stack when open.

This distinct difference affects the visual appearance, cost, and durability of the two window treatments.

The advantages of installing vertical blinds include:
Affordability
Easy Maintenance

Affordability

Window blinds are popular thanks to their low cost. Initially, you will pay less for blinds than plantation shutters. However, over time shutters will offer more economic benefits by providing greater durability and reducing energy costs.

Easy Maintenance

If you want a low-maintenance covering, window blinds might seem like your best choice. All you need to do is wipe them with a moist towel to keep them clean. Unlike shutters that offer long-term durability, you will eventually need to replace your blinds to keep them looking new.

Stanfield Shutter: Your Window Treatment Experts

 

kitchen window blinds

As you learn more about window treatments, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s no need to spend hours deciding between faux wood shutters or vertical blinds. The specialists at Stanfield Shutter have years of experience and knowledge advising Utah homeowners.

Shutters are our most popular product across the board. Along with offering versatility, energy efficiency, durability, and special features, we can customize your shutters to your exact liking.

Since window coverings come in various textures, designs, and materials, our team works with customers to make a custom choice. We can provide options based on your style preferences and home’s location.

As you discover that interior plantation shutters are your preferred window treatment, rely on Stanfield for your custom fit. For over 70 years, we have provided Utah homeowners with a custom design and installation process that ensures our customers enjoy their experience and shutters for years to come.

Contact us today to learn more about our product offerings.

Request A Free Quote at Stanfield Shutter

Three Ways Interior and Exterior Window Shutters Will Lower Your Energy Bills

Three Ways Plantation Shutters Will Lower Your Energy Bills

While homeowners usually install plantation shutters to improve the overall look of their home and increase privacy, they may unknowingly be reducing their energy bills.

When the weather warms up, insulated interior window shutters help block and absorb solar heat. This feature allows homeowners to decrease their use of their cooling system, which lowers the energy bills.

On the flip side, installing plantation shutters and window trims also helps keep heat in during the colder months. The ability to keep the warm air in and cold air out is a major benefit, especially during those months when energy bills skyrocket.

Plantation shutters will help you keep the harsh sunlight and heat out of your home during the summer. These insulated interior window shutters will also keep you and your family warm and comfortable throughout the winter without straining your heating system.

Plus, you can easily alter airflow and the direction of your shutters during more moderate seasons to regulate your home’s temperature.

No matter what season it is, installing plantation shutters on all your windows will help save money by reducing your heating and cooling expenses and making your home more energy-efficient.

custom plantation shutters to insulate your house

How Shutters Insulate Your Windows Better

Shutters, plantation shutters, blinds, and other window treatments affect the look and feel of your home, but they can also affect your monthly utility bills. The right window treatment can make a big difference during the winter months to keep your energy bills from skyrocketing when there is a chill in the air.

The perfect window treatment looks beautiful and provides significant benefits to your home. Stanfield Shutter incorporates designs to do exactly that. Insulated interior window shutters from Stanfield provide a custom look that are excellent sealants, insulators, and barriers, which will help reduce your monthly energy bills.

Installing plantation shutters is a cost-effective way to update the look and feel of your home while also giving your home the extra insulation, privacy, and weather barricade you need to reduce your monthly bills. 

To ensure that your shutters provide the maximum energy efficiency possible, you need custom insulated interior window shutters installed by a professional. This personalized process will place the shutters as close to the glass and wall as possible.

If the shutters are tightly fit to your windows, there will be a tight seal without any gaps to allow outside air indoors. As a result, your air conditioner and heating appliances won’t need to work as hard to keep your home at an appropriate temperature.

How Insulated Interior Window Shutters Provide a Sealant for Your Windows

Interior shutters are possibly the best possible window insulation system because they fasten to the window jam itself, which seals off the window, keeps heat in, and keeps the cold out.

Plantation shutters custom-fit to the window space form a barrier by leaving some gap between the shutter and the window. The shutter design will prevent hot air from leaving your home’s interior and cold air from entering it during the long winter months.

The longer your home holds onto heat, the less energy it will take to keep the space warm. This consequence also eliminates the need to increase heating during the chilly winter months and lowers energy use. Plantation shutters can also help keep heat out in the summer.

On average, well-fitted insulated plantation shutters can minimize heat loss by up to 30%. Imagine how much cost savings you can earn using shutters during both the cold and warm seasons.

When installed correctly and tightly against a window frame, solid insulated interior window shutters provide an additional layer of insulation all year-round. Around 21% to 30% of the heat in a home exits through windows because warm air travels towards colder surfaces.

When this occurs, the air cools and falls to the floor as it touches the glass, causing a cold draught as it circulates back into the room. Then the warm air combines with colder air, making the room colder over time.

Shutters customized to fit tight-fitting frames help reduce the amount of warm air escaping the home by assisting insulated windows and preventing heat loss. Their thick material prevents heat from escaping and traveling between the window covering and the glass, resulting in up to a 50% reduction in heat loss.

All in all, insulated window shutters will improve the efficiency of your home’s heating system, allowing you to save money on your electric bill.

living room custom wood window shutters

Materials Used in Insulated Window Coverings and Window Shutters

Wood itself is an excellent insulator. A window covered with wood blinds is better than fabric drapes, but adding interior and exterior shutters will provide the best insulation.

The insulated window shutters typically incorporate thicker materials than a wood blind, which makes them more efficient than other window insulation covering options.

This design provides energy efficiency in both cold and hot months. In the summer, this additional insulation provides more efficient shade inside the home, which reduces the costs of air conditioning.

We recommend choosing insulated window shutters with a high R-value. The R-value of the material used in plantation shutters directly measures its ability to resist heat transmission. In general, the higher the R-value, the better the material’s ability to provide insulation and withstand heat loss.

If you have a basic, single-glazed window, you only have an insulation value of R-1. However, installing a window shutter could double or triple its R-value.

Most plantation shutters come equipped with high-quality materials, resulting in an R-3 rating. This value is similar to that of double-glazed windows. So, you can only imagine how much insulation you will have by installing plantation shutters on a double or triple-glazed window.

Investing in insulated window coverings on the interior or exterior window shutters with more advanced insulation characteristics can be all the difference you need to keep your home comfortable.

Window Shutters Create a Barrier for Better Window Insulation

When you install interior or exterior window shutters, there is space between the shutter and the window.

Typically, the air inside a room is constantly moving between this space and losing value. The structure of an interior or exterior shutter helps reduce these effects by creating a barrier that makes it harder for hot air to escape and cold air to get in.

The longer you can hold heat inside, the less heat you use to keep the home at a comfortable temperature, saving you money during cold winter months. Insulated window shutters help create a barrier between your home and the outside air by adding a layer of insulation over your windows.

Right now, your old and drafty windows and entry doors could be costing you. These outdated windows lose as much as 40% of a home’s heat and cold air due to poor insulation. The more you can reduce these gaps, the more money you will save on your heating and cooling bills in the summer and winter.

Our window shutters use a specialized design to keep out both the summer heat and the winter chill, so your home maintains a comfortable temperature all year round. You can install plantation shutters on standard windows and odd-shaped shutters with arches, angles, ovals, and circles.

You can even combine insulated window coverings with other window treatments for a custom look to match the style of your home. No matter what you need, Stanfield Shutter offers various interior window shutter styles in various materials, including plantation shutters, vertical shutters, sliding door shutters, and more.

bi-fold shutters for interior side of sliding doors

Why You Should Insulate Windows

Along with the money you lose on your total energy cost by not having proper window insulation, you also negatively affect the environment. Not only do you lose the air you generate through your powered HVAC unit, but you expend more energy trying to make up for the loss.

If you want to make an environmentally friendly choice, install insulated window shutters. These plantation shutters are extremely low-energy, with R-values ranging from 2.77 to 3.17.

This rating directly reflects exterior window shutters and interior shutters’ ability to insulate your windows without harming the environment. Plus, you will save money on your energy bill by making this energy-conscious choice.

How to Better Insulate Windows

In addition to installing insulated window shutters, here are some additional tips to help you improve your window insulation and improve your energy bills.

  • Follow correct installation procedures to guarantee that less heat escapes or passes through any window openings.
  • Increase insulation by adding dual-fabric shades to block heat.
  • To maximize energy savings, choose a custom window treatment that fits the exact window opening measurements throughout your home.

Do Shutters Help Insulate Windows?

Installing plantation shutters helps insulate your windows. Whether installing interior window shutters, these window treatments improve insulation. Shutters made from a thicker material than blinds will also aid in energy efficiency.

Interior window shutters insulate a home by preventing the heat from inside the home from escaping through the windows. By installing plantation shutters, you will help maintain your home’s temperature through improved insulation in both the cold and hot seasons. This barrier can even reduce radiant heat transfer by up to 50%.

How to Install Insulated Window Shutters with Stanfield Shutters

Stanfield Shutter is Utah’s premier interior shutter manufacturer since the 1950s. For over 70 years, our team has been perfecting our customization process to get what you need. Our Utah family company commits to quality, reliability, reputation, and customer satisfaction, including standard shutters and custom creations.

At Stanfield, we offer several different styles of custom shutters, including plantation shutters, insulated wood shutters, and more. 

If you would like to lower your energy bills and install insulated interior window shutters or plantation shutters, request a quote from Stanfield Shutter today! 

How Investing in Custom Shutters Is More Valuable Than You Think

How Investing in Custom Shutters Is More Valuable Than You Think

One of the questions that customers ask us time and time again is, “Will custom window shutters increase the value of my home?” Fortunately for you and us, we can answer with a resounding, “Yes!”

Not only can custom plantation shutters add real estate value, but it is a smart investment that can save you money right away. These shutters offer a precise fit that looks great, increases curb appeal, blocks out the sun, and makes your home more energy-efficient.

For example, if you were a buyer looking at two homes in the same neighborhood, would you prefer a home with custom plantation shutters or without? The classic look of custom-built shutters provides that one-of-a-kind look that potential buyers are searching for in a new home. They are beautiful, boast robust construction and smooth, clean lines.

Shutters are also attractive from the outside, increasing curb appeal and making a home stand out from others on the street. What’s the real kicker? When the next buyer moves in, they won’t have to buy window treatments, either.

It is the smart investment you should make if you want to save money now and in the future.

How Much Are Plantation Shutters & Custom Shutters?

The cost of custom plantation shutters depends on the location of your home, design materials, and the scale of the project. On average, you can expect to spend between two to three times the cost of horizontal blinds (eliminate the square foot costs).

Despite the upfront cost, custom window shutters are a smart investment every time. Thanks to a range of benefits, homeowners who install custom shutters won’t regret their choice. Not only do they pay themselves over time because of improved energy efficiency, but they are durable, add privacy, increase curb appeal, and are easy to maintain.

Benefits of Installing Custom Shutters

When installing window coverings in your home, there is only one option—custom window shutters. Unlike drapes or blinds, custom plantation shutters are a long-term solution that is both beautiful and a smart investment. Along with raising the value of your home, they reduce the cost of running air conditioning and heating month-to-month.

While some homeowners complain that shutters are more expensive than other interior window treatments, it is important to remember that this investment will last longer than the other options and help pay for itself over time.

One of the most obvious advantages of installing custom shutters is that it provides privacy from outside of your home, which is an immediate benefit to those who reside on a busy street or in a city. Besides privacy, custom plantation shutters offer a range of other benefits.

Let’s look at a few of the other advantages of installing custom window shutters in your home.  

Sliding Door Shutter

Privacy

As mentioned earlier, privacy is the most obvious benefit homeowners enjoy when installing custom-built shutters. While most window coverings will provide some degree of privacy, custom window shutters don’t leave any question of whether someone can see you from the outside of your home.

Installing plantation shutters will keep what occurs inside your home private rather than leaving windows wide open for neighbors and outsiders to see. You can adjust your shutters depending on the time of day and your needs, too. Simple flip the plantation shutter closed for additional privacy or leave it open to capture a view of the outside world.

Whichever option you choose, having options will make your home life comfortable and private.

Increased Home Value 

Another benefit of installing custom plantation shutters is that they can help you sell your home quicker and at a higher price. But why? When buying a new house, the first impression is one of the most crucial parts of the sales process. 

Well-made plantation shutters will go a long way toward making your home more comfortable and appealing to future buyers. Homebuyers appreciate the look that plantation shutters add to a home, as well as their ability to lower energy bills.

Another reason is that custom shutters are far more durable than other window treatments. Compared to other window treatments on the market, buyers understand that the superior craftsmanship of these blinds will outlast the life of blinds, drapes, and pre-fabricated shutters.

All in all, custom window shutters are a smart investment now and will be when it comes time to put your home on the market. 

Tailor-Made

Custom plantation shutters are exactly as the name implies—custom. This benefit allows you to design shutters according to your preferences, from the style down to the last detail. 

Along with using a custom design, manufacturers will customize the window shutters according to the measurements of your home. You won’t need to worry about filling gaps or light bleeding through the shutters. Everything will fit perfectly and precisely.

The custom-fit will also provide an additional layer of protection from harsh temperatures, helping to keep your home comfortable and safe from the outside elements.

Custom window shutters’ tailor-made fit looks good while saving you energy expenditures all year long. These plantation shutters prevent air from entering your home during the cooler seasons because they match each window’s specific size.

Plantation shutters also trap cool air during the summer, so you don’t have to rely on your air conditioner as much. These tailor-made measurements will help insulate your home and reduce the amount of gas and electricity it consumes.

Ultimately, it is this custom fit that will make all the difference.

Reduced Energy Bills

Unlike other window treatments, custom-built shutters fit your windows as closely as possible. This custom-fit ensures that the plantation shutters block out glare and direct sunlight better than any other window covering. By keeping the sunlight out or modifying the amount of sunshine that enters your home, you will help reduce the cost of your monthly energy bills. 

Plantation shutters help keep the warmth of natural sunshine out and the chilly or warm air from your HVAC system inside your home because the design matches your windows. This function will help you keep your house pleasant while also saving money. Then, if you need more heat, you can either open your blinds or close them for better A/C control.

At Stanfield Shutter, our custom® plantation shutters improve the energy efficiency of your property by limiting heat transfer through your windows. They help insulate 70 percent better than conventional wood shutters, which allows your home to cool or heat more efficiently without costing you any extra money. As a result, you (and any future buyers) will save money on energy expenses. And it adds up to a lot of money saved over time, which offsets the initial cost of the investment.

Last A Lifetime

When it comes to durability, custom window shutters are the top choice. Plantation shutters are one of the most cost-effective and low-maintenance window treatments available.

Depending on the type of window shutter material and manufacturer, you can expect your custom plantation shutter to last anywhere from 20 to 25 years with proper care and maintenance.

With attentive care, custom window shutters from Stanfield Shutter can outlast even those staggering numbers. We construct our plantation shutters from high-quality materials that won’t fade or deform over time. As a result, you will enjoy shutters that look just as good in 20 years as they do when you install them.

Potential homebuyers won’t have to worry about installing new plantation shutters when they close, either. They will enjoy the beauty and energy savings of your investment as soon as they move in and for years afterward.

Window Treatments for Parade of Homes in Utah

Are Shutters Worth the Cost?

Custom window shutters are worth the cost. Although these window treatments are typically more expensive than curtains or blinds, they offer a distinct experience that outperforms the rest.

These shutters feature a custom-built design tailored to your windows or doors, made to size and crafted from the highest quality, long-lasting materials. Along with enjoying these benefits, you can also design your shutters using a wide range of styles, materials, and colors.

However you customize your plantation shutters, they will be an excellent addition to your space. Whether you plan to sell or hope to live in your home for as long as you can, these shutters will benefit your pocketbook, comfortability, and lifestyle. Not only will you appreciate your shutter’s improved aesthetics but the ease of maintenance and increased property value.  

Do Shutters Add Home Value? 

Yes, custom-built shutters may increase the value of your home thanks to their energy efficiency, durability, and appealing aesthetics. In comparison to curtains and drapes, shutters are also more cost-effective because they require little upkeep and reduce energy costs. For these reasons and more, custom window shutters are a great investment if you are hoping to increase your property value.

How Much Do I Save On Energy Bills with Custom Shutters? 

The amount of money you save on energy bills depends on how you use them. However, custom-built shutters will do wonders to save you money. These window treatments are incredibly energy efficient because of their custom fit, making them a great budget-friendly home improvement solution.

The custom design and measurements help keep inside air from escaping and outside air from getting into your home. Plus, blocking the sun will allow you to stay cool without relying on your A/C unit.

No matter how well you use your custom plantation shutters, they are one of the greatest window treatments to use if you are trying to save money on your energy bills.

Office Space White Shutters

Where Can I Find Custom Shutters Near Me?

The first step to finding custom shutters near you is finding the right manufacturer to work with throughout the design and installation process. While many custom shutter companies might offer pre-fabricated shutter options, 

As you decide which custom shutters to install, we recommend meeting with a few different companies before making your final choice. Read reviews to discover which custom shutter manufacturers provide five-star customer experiences.

Whichever company you decide to work with, be transparent about your wants and needs. Together, you can design custom window shutters that you not only love but that will last for years to come. Plus, keeping clear lines of communication open will ensure no problems arise that you can’t overcome. 

About Stanfield Shutter

You deserve a personalized touch no matter which window shutters you choose to install in your home. Stanfield Shutter provides customization services to ensure that your custom plantation shutters perfectly fit your windows. Thanks to our unique design and installation process and over 70 years of experience, we can ensure that you will enjoy your experience and shutters for years to come.

We also offer a limited lifetime warranty on all our custom window shutters and products. You can browse our collection of custom-built shutters, including plantation shutters, wood shutters, vinyl shutters, and engineered wood shutters.

Whatever window treatment you need, Stanfield Shutter is the company you can rely on to ensure you made the right choice. Our experts will work hard to design the perfect custom shutters for your home. Along with our custom-design process, each of our shutters undergoes milling, assembling, finishing, and installation.   

Whether you want custom plantation shutters, wood shutters, or another custom option, we have everything you need to make a smart investment. Contact us today to learn more about our products.

Request A Free Quote at Stanfield Shutter

Everything You Need to Know When Purchasing Plantation Shutters

Everything You Should Know About Plantation Shutters

Of all window treatments, plantation shutters are a longtime favorite among homeowners. Also referred to as wooden window shutters, interior plantation shutters provide functionality, privacy, and a stunning traditional appearance for contemporary and traditional homes. They can also increase a home’s value since many homeowners prefer interior plantation shutters over drapes, blinds, or curtains. 

Interior plantation shutters received their name due to their wide louver size and look, which is reminiscent of the large shutters used on antebellum plantations in the southeast of the United States. 

Current home design trends toward expansive outdoor views make plantation shutters the optimal choice. These interior shutters work well throughout the home, especially in the dining room and bedrooms. But the versatility of plantation shutters also translates to kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms. 

Today’s shutters come in several material types to match your space perfectly. Working with a shutter specialist, you can determine the best material to use for your home’s location, room type, and style preferences. 

While most people prefer the look of plantation shutters, they don’t know the nuances to consider when buying theirs. That is why Stanfield Shutter put together a plantation shutter buying guide.  

Here is everything you need to know when purchasing your new window treatment.  

What to Consider When Purchasing Plantation Shutters

The Cost of Interior Plantation Shutters

Homeowners typically spend a total of around $3,000 – $5,000 on plantation shutters for the windows of their home, according to HomeAdvisor. However, for long-lasting, custom plantation shutters, your best option is to work with a specialty store. On average, for a standard-size window, shutters can range from $400 to $800 per window. While that may seem like a steep price to pay, interior plantation shutters also offer increased cost savings over the long term due to improved energy efficiency. 

Since a specialty store customizes the plantation shutters to fit each window’s unique size, the wood shutters will better prevent air from entering or leaving your home. Likewise, when closed, plantation shutters will also block sunlight to keep your home cool during warmer months, so you won’t need to depend on your air conditioner as much. But the benefits don’t stop there. 

You won’t need to use your furnace as much, either, as it will help keep your home insulated during the colder months. All of these measures will help reduce your immediate and long-term energy costs.

To get a better idea of how much plantation shutters will cost, use the “Shutter Cost Calculator” from HomeWyse. Simply enter your zip code and the approximate size of your windows and select various other specifics like real wood or vinyl. It will then provide a fairly accurate cost estimate. 

This range of cost is accurate enough to give you an idea of your project’s budget, but nothing is as good as requesting a free quote from our experts at Stanfield Shutter.

Plantation Shutter Style Options 

You can customize your interior plantation shutters to fit any size and style you choose. Working with our specialty story, you can decide which material fits your home best, such as wood shutters or vinyl. 

Wooden Window Shutters

Wooden shutters are the optimal plantation shutter. These shutters work well in homes and commercial spaces alike. While these shutters can last more than 25 years, the biggest draw is their timeless look.  

But even after you decide to use wood plantation shutters, there are several varieties of wood that you can to choose between, including engineered wood, Basswood, and Knotty Alder. 

– Engineered Wood

Engineered wood shutters are some of the most durable products on the market. The latest HDF (High Density Fiberboard) engineering process ensures strength, durability, smoothness, and a warp-free finish. However, engineered wood does not offer the natural grain look that real wooden shutters do.

– Basswood

Basswood is one of the most versatile hardwoods because of its natural creamy-white color. These shutters adapt well to any application or shape, depending on your needs and desires. Most homeowners do not use a painted finish. Instead, Basswood’s smooth, clear grain structure and light, natural color make it the perfect wood to stain. 

– Knotty Alder

Knotty Alder shutters have a unique and beautiful grain structure that many homeowners love. It also comes in at a lower cost when compared to other high-priced natural hardwood shutters. They usually have a light brownish-red natural grain color which varies from very light to medium on the color scale. Our experts typically recommend choosing a stain color that is as dark or darker as the natural color of Knotty Alder wood. 

Vinyl Plantation Shutters

Vinyl shutters are an excellent choice for homeowners looking for an easy-to-clean option. The major advantage of vinyl is its waterproof abilities, making it a great choice for bathrooms and over the kitchen sink. There is also a range of vinyl shutter options, including composite and solid vinyl.

– Solid Vinyl 

Made from 100% solid extruded vinyl material, these vinyl plantation shutters are durable, waterproof, and high quality. We recommend using a solid vinyl shutter rather than a composite. While they are a little pricier than other vinyl varieties, they will last longer and do a better job than composite materials.

– Composite Vinyl 

Composite shutters are made from a mix of materials like wood and vinyl. Unfortunately, you won’t always know what variation you will get from one manufacturer to the next. You can test the quality of a composite vinyl shutter by determining if it is hollow. Hollow vinyl shutters are less durable and lower quality than those that are solid, so you will want to choose a solid vinyl quality version, if possible.  

The best choice when selecting a vinyl plantation shutter is a solid vinyl product. Solid vinyl shutters are more durable and will not discolor, crack, chip, or peel like a composite vinyl shutter. Vinyl, however, is not as strong and durable as HDF or natural hardwood, which is why our specialists limit the use of vinyl shutters to humid areas, such as shower stalls or above kitchen sinks.

Customizable Features 

Plantation shutters are customizable to the very last detail. From color to louver size, configuration to operation, you can optimize custom shutters to meet your functional and aesthetic goals. 

Along with tailoring your plantation shutters to fit your window space, our specialty store will outfit your custom shutters to perfection, from small upgrades to functional upgrades. A few of the changes you should consider: 

– Shutter Hinges

– Shutter Custom Color

– Rodless Style

– Split Tilt-Rods 

Shutter hinges, Custom Color, Rodless style and split tilt-rods are small details that you can easily add to your custom design.

Customize Plantation Shutters at Stanfield Shutter

Shutters are an investment that you don’t want to DIY. Our Utah specialty store has been perfecting our customization process for over 70 years. Whether you are looking for interior plantation shutters or something custom, we have all of the options you need to make your investment worthwhile.  

No matter which features or materials you prefer, your plantation shutters deserve a custom touch. Contact Stanfield Shutter to receive a free quote on your plantation shutter package.