The timeless charm and unique functionality have contributed a lot towards making plantation shutters a highly versatile and popular window treatment solution. It is loved equally by homeowners, interior designers and architects, and since they come with wide louvres, they allow you to control the light, privacy and airflow better than any other solution. Different types are available at plantation shutter suppliers, and they are different in terms of quality, durability, and overall aesthetics. These main features depend on the material chosen for constructing these shutter installations. Manufacturers can use various materials, and we have come up with a guide to help you understand these materials and their features, etc.
HOW ARE PLANTATION SHUTTERS MADE?
Manufacturing plantation shutters installations is a complex process and requires skills, craftsmanship and experience. The process begins with selecting the right material for manufacturing, and the top materials are wood, vinyl, composite, MDF, etc. The material is chosen on the basis of the aesthetics and functionality that the manufacturer wants to infuse into the product.
Once the material is selected, the next step is to cut the slats or louvres in the desired size and form. Then, all these slats are assembled into the shutter frame, and sheer precision is the first requirement here. The manufacturer must ensure that the shutters operate smoothly, and the next step in manufacturing involves adding elements such as tilt roads to adjust the louvres. The final step involves applying a finish to these plantation shutter installations, and this could include applying paint, stain or lacquer. The finishing process is considered more decisive as it makes the plantation shutters resistant to warping, cracking, fading, etc.
WHICH IS THE BEST WOOD FOR MANUFACTURING PLANTATION SHUTTER INSTALLATIONS?
The ideal material for manufacturing plantation shutters is timber and the selection of the right type of wood is very important. This is because not all woods can be used for plantation shutters, as they have different levels of capability to withstand temperature and humidity. Among all types of wood, basswood is the top choice in terms of material for plantation shutters.
WHY IS BASSWOOD MORE PREFERRED?
Basswood is a member of the hardwood family and is known for its strength and flexibility. Both these features make it ideal for plantation shutter installations. This wood is extremely lightweight, yet very strong and these two features are always required in the wood used in plantation shutters manufacturing. Moreover, this wood has a fine uniform texture that gives these installations smooth and consistent finish with paint and stain as well.
Apart from basswood, other woods used in plantation shutters are cedar, alder and poplar. They come with unique characteristics that make plantation shutters aesthetically pleasing and more functional.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLANTATION SHUTTERS
These window installations are categorised based on the design and material used. The main design types offered by plantation shutter suppliers are full-height plantation shutters, tier-on-tier plantation shutters, café-style shutters and solid shutters. They are all different from each other because full-height shutters offer cover to the entire window, whereas tier-on-tier shutters have separate panels on top and bottom. Café-style shutters have arrangements to cover just half of the window, while solid shutters are without louvres at all. For constructing all these types of plantation shutters, manufacturers mainly use wood, vinyl, composite, and MDF as the primary materials. Wooden shutters, particularly those made from basswood, are the most popular and most recommended by plantation shutter suppliers due to their natural look and feel. They are durable and ideal for high moisture areas as they undergo treatment that prevents them from the impacts of dampness. Composite shutters mimic the look of wooden shutters, but they are more durable and cost-effective. MDF shutters are the most cost-effective solution available at plantation shutter suppliers.
