Tips for Buying and Maintaining Wooden Shutters

Curtains and blinds are the most common of all window coverings but the latest trend in modern and up market homes is the resurgence of the wooden plantation shutter, which is an excellent alternative to typical window treatments.

Although both shutters and curtains can dramatically reduce your energy bills, when doing a comparison it’s often the wooden shutter that provides the best solution. While many people would consider curtains to be the more economical alternative, to do a viable assessment of the two you would need to look at heavy duty curtains with a block out lining in order to compare similar properties. Having done the comparison you might be pleasantly surprised at just what you can buy for your shutter dollar.

Generally speaking curtains are highly prone to fading, especially when faced with the relentless Australian Sun. Curtains are also harder to maintain than shutters, gathering dust over time and resulting in sanitary problems if not washed on a semi-regular basis.

Wooden shutters on the other hand provide the following advantages:

• Elegance. They dramatically transform the look of a room adding a feeling of warmth or light depending upon the colour or finish selected.
• Low maintenance. One of the reasons homeowners are switching to shutters is because they are relatively easy to maintain compared to other window dressings. Shutters are generally resistant to stains, minor scratches and dents. Curtains need to be replaced and washed every once in a while, and blinds can harbor a lot of dust in hard to access areas. With a wooden shutter, all you need is a feather duster or soft cloth. For spot cleaning, a damp cloth is usually enough although proper cleaning and maintenance depends on the type of shutter product you choose.
• Insulation properties. Timber is a far better insulator than regular curtain fabric or blinds. This helps to keep the heat out in summer and keep the heat inside the house in winter.

When buying wooden shutters, you may want to consider these simple tips:

• Make sure you purchase from a reputable supplier that has been established for a number of years and preferably one that has a physical presence in Australia. This will provide peace of mind as well as a local point of contact if problems do occur. A warranty provided by a local company is much easier to collect that from an off-shore retailer.
• Save money and buy online – All the shutters displayed in a showroom are usually just as accessible on line so, if you’re good with the tape measure, and handy with basic tools such as a screwdriver and drill, then there is money to be saved by ordering online.
• Determine the placement – Where is your home located? In what part of the home will you be installing the shutters? This is very important as some faux wooden shutters are not ideal for high-moisture areas. One of the most economical shutters is manufactured from a Custom craft material which works tremendously well in all areas which are free from excessive moisture. However, opt for waterproof or water-resistant shutters if you plan on putting the shutters in the bathroom, over a sink in the kitchen or if you live in a coastal location.
• Know your theme – Wooden shutters are elegant and have a timeless charm. They look good in all types of homes—from traditional to modern. However, as with any form of internal design you should put some thought into your colour and texture selection. Matching the shutters to your current furniture might look good at this moment in time but a more neutral shade of white may provide the better long term option.
• Measure correctly – When buying via the internet, the best online retailers will guide you through the measuring process and often offer customer support through online instructions via FAQ’s of informative video guidance.

Robin Ziejka is the manager of Online Plantation Shutters an online platform of The Woodworkers Company - one of Australia's oldest and largest traditional joineries.