PLANTATION SHUTTERS IN LEEDS & WAKEFIELD

What Is The Difference Between Traditional Shutters And Plantation Shutters?

Traditional shutters are usually solid and are there to ensure no light gets through and to add an extra layer of security. Unlike Plantation Shutters, they don’t allow you to control the amount of light entering the room.

Plantation shutters, on the other hand, are louvred, meaning they feature adjustable slats which allow you to control the amount of light coming into the room.

What Are The Benefits Of Plantation Shutters?

• We custom-make your chosen plantation shutters for your window. No matter the shape or size, you can rest assured knowing that the plantation shutters you choose will fit perfectly.
• Our Plantation Shutters are available in over 50 different colours, finishes and styles.
• In just one installation Plantation Shutters provide your home, apartment or flat with an up-market, stylish aesthetic that really refines the room.
• Plantation Shutters insulate and ventilate your home when necessary and thanks to their versatility, save you money on heating and air conditioning bills.
• They’re great for controlling sound, light and privacy control.
• They’re easy to clean and maintain, as well as to use.
• They are weather-resistant, waterproof and therefore built to last, making them a great investment.

Seattle

The always affordable and popular Seattle is made from MDF coated with polymer making it strong, durable, smooth and gives it that elegant aesthetic. The Seattle is available in five shades of white together with some creams and greys and is perfect for children’s bedrooms, living rooms and patio doors to cater for potential knocks.

Boston

The multi-purpose Boston is made from hardwood panels with engineered core to prevent the possibility of warping. They are easy to maintain, stylish and strong. The Boston is available in 45 shades of whites, creams, greys and stains and work well in all rooms and windows throughout the house as they provide extra durability.

Montana

The customisable Montana is made from premium hardwood with an engineered core to prevent the possibility of warping and is available in 45 stains and colours and can even have a custom colour finish. When stained, the wood keeps its marvellous texture and is especially great for shaped windows.

Georgia

The sophisticated Georgia is made from materials including polymer louvres and MDF panels and frames ensuring it is lightweight yet tough. It looks as good as a real wood shutter but has more durability. Available in 24 painted colours and works well over patio and bi-fold doors.

Hollywood

The water-resistant Hollywood is made from ABS and is as adaptable as it is resistant. The Hollywood has superior strength to prevent warping, denting and chipping and has a beautiful matte finish. This robust shutter works just as well in the bathroom as in the kitchen and is available in 23 stunning colours.

Why Are They Called Plantation Shutters?

It’s an unusual name, so just why are they called plantation shutters? Well, the Ancient Greeks invented what we now know as plantation shutters back in 800 B.C. In those times, window coverings consisted of mainly wood and cloth. More recently, it is the Southern United States that gave plantation shutters their name. There is a huge clue in the name too. Large farms or estates in the American South (known as plantations) grew things like tobacco, coffee, sugar or cotton. 

The climate in this part of the world is subtropical, meaning the winters are mild, but the summertime is exceptionally hot and humid. Traditional window furnishings like curtains were not favoured due to their heaviness and stifling nature. As with the Ancient Greeks, wooden shutters were adopted instead and the name ‘plantation shutters’ was introduced to the world – and stuck!

How Plantation Shutters Are Installed

The overall process of how plantation shutters are installed can be summarised in five easy steps, whether you’re installing them in your home, or at your commercial property.

Firstly, you must install the frame. Shutter frames are usually constructed of four pieces, two sides and two ends. Depending on access to the window, your frame could be assembled beforehand, and installed in one piece, or assembled within the recess itself. If you build the frame beforehand, make sure to tap the sides into each connector piece until they are flush against each other. Once the frame is installed you can then attach the panels. Attaching the panels is relatively straightforward. This is a simple case of dropping the hinge pins into place. Ensure there are no gaps and then open and close the panels, checking for clearance and correct alignment. 

Attaching the button catch to the top of the frame, at the halfway point from the inner edge of the stile is step three. Place the strike plate onto the catch and close the panel to determine the correct location for it. Before completing the job, test and check the operation. The panels and louvres should move freely and easily, without any obstruction or friction. Finally, make any adjustments or amendments if required. For example, you may need to reposition the button catch or adjust how the frame sits within the recess of the window.

How Plantation Shutters Open

The shutter panels are usually held in place by magnets in the button catches. Each shutter panel is hinged into the shutter frame, so they may swing open the same way you would open a cupboard door. Simply pull on a panel and let the light, and air, flow into the room. When closing two shutter panels in one frame, one panel may need to close before the other one can, depending on the design.

What Do Plantation Shutters Cost?

The plantation shutters we create here at Solaire Blinds are completely bespoke and made to order. This makes it difficult to provide a specific or definitive answer to the question – what do plantation shutters cost? The price will fluctuate depending on the scale of the job, your specific requirements, and the amount of time and materials needed to complete the job. The best way to find out for sure is to get in touch and book a consultation, so we can get an accurate idea of your needs and give a tailored quotation. 

Can Plantation Shutters Be Painted?

A common question we hear quite a lot is ‘can plantation shutters be painted?’ The simple answer is yes, they can be painted or stained. When you choose a set of plantation shutters from us, you can choose from a range of different colours and shades that will fit perfectly in your home or on your business premises.

Will Plantation Shutters Increase Home Value?

When it comes to adding value, plantation shutters offer a lot more than just charming aesthetics. They also offer financial value too, adding potential sale value to your property. These are a unique and marvellous selling point for any home, offering a stylish and energy-efficient alternative to more traditional window coverings with up to 62% reduction in heat loss. A home that is more energy efficient is one that spends less on utilities and becomes more attractive to potential buyers, allowing you to perhaps raise the asking price.

Homebuyers will be looking for strong window shutters that they feel will last a very long time. Prospective purchasers will notice poor quality or badly fitted shutters almost immediately and may push for a discounted asking price as a result. Our plantation shutters are of the highest quality, offering years’ worth of aesthetic value, thermal qualities and durability.

How Much Are Plantation Shutters?

Each set of plantation shutters we make are bespoke and unique to you. Therefore, the cost fluctuates depending on the scale of the job, the materials needed and the amount of time it takes our team to finish them.

Check Out Our Customer Reviews

We’ve been fitting Plantation Blinds for the people of Leeds, Wakefield, Dewsbury, Morley and other surrounding areas for years. In case you need a bit of extra convincing why not look at a few of our customer reviews or head down to our showroom in Wakefield to chat with one of our team.