Custom & Ready-Made Shutters

When shopping for shutters you may either buy ready-made shutters or purchase custom shutters. There are advantages and disadvantages for each. Custom shutters are used primarily as decorative elements and can be made using a variety of woods, metals, and other design elements, but are relatively expensive. Ready-made shutters are more affordable and easier to find and can provide similar decorative qualities.

Custom Exterior Shutters

Custom made exterior shutters are a popular option for decorative purposes. Shutters can be custom made in a variety of colors, styles, and materials. Some shutters incorporate a variety of woods or even metal and sometimes feature detailed cutouts. They can add a unique and distinctive touch to a home or building.

Custom Made Shutters

Custom made shutters are a popular option for outdoor decorative purposes. Shutters can be custom made in a variety of colors, styles, and materials. Some shutters incorporate a variety of woods or even metal and sometimes feature detailed cutouts.

Custom Plantation Shutters

Custom plantation shutters are most often made with flat slats as opposed to the now more popular elliptical shape. Customizing plantation shutters also allow the width of the louvers to be changed, whether or not to include a divider rail, and many other options.

Custom Vinyl Shutters

Vinyl shutter are the least expensive shutters on the market today and are semi-customizable. The colors available are very limited and vinyl shutters are only available in plantation style.

Exterior Shutter Hardware

Installing exterior shutters give an added dimension to the outside of a house or building and, while they can be attached directly to the house, there are a number of hardware pieces available. The most recommended of these is the shutter cap which is installed across the top of the shutter to protect against moisture. Other exterior shutter hardware includes shutter dogs, or "tie backs", and shutter bolts to keep the shutters closed.

Painting Vinyl Shutters

Vinyl shutters usually come in white or off-white and cannot be stained. However, they can be painted by washing them thoroughly with soap and water and using a paint with a blend of acrylic and urethane resins. This paint is available in most home-improvement stores.

Panel Shutters

Panel shutters are a very traditional type of shutter, these shutters do not have the horizontal louvers that allow light to enter through the shutters.

Stock Shutters

Stock shutters are lower quality shutters that were developed as an inexpensive alternative to more expensive models. Usually made out of poplar or alder, stock shutters sometimes offer a Fauxwood treatment to recreate the look and feel of real wood.