How to know what are the Types of Plantation Shutters

Transcription

2012
How to know what are the Types
of Plantation Shutters
Michael Schleider
Coni Mar Designs
1/1/2012
Contents
Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Poly-Vinyl Chloride (PVC) or Poly Resin Shutters.......................................................................................... 3
Description................................................................................................................................................ 3
Material Composition ............................................................................................................................... 3
Pros and Cons............................................................................................................................................ 3
Relative Price ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Faux Wood (Synthetic).................................................................................................................................. 4
Description................................................................................................................................................ 4
Epoxy Resin Core or Cellular PVC.............................................................................................................. 4
Poly Core ................................................................................................................................................... 4
Wood Composite ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Hardwood Shutter ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Description................................................................................................................................................ 5
Finishes ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
Material Composition ............................................................................................................................... 6
Pros and Cons............................................................................................................................................ 7
Relative Price ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Glass Block Shutter (Synthetic) ..................................................................................................................... 7
Description................................................................................................................................................ 7
Finish ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Material..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Pros and Cons............................................................................................................................................ 7
Relative Price ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Pictures and Diagrams .................................................................................................................................. 8
Feature-Benefit Comparison......................................................................................................................... 9
Frequently Asked Questions ....................................................................................................................... 10
2
Coni Mar Designs | Phone: 239-947-4882 Web: www.conimardesigns.com
Overview
Plantation Shutters are one of the most popular and attractive window treatments in the Florida Home.
The trend now is to larger Louvers 4 ½” (and larger). Gone from common view are the 1” Louver style
shutters that were called Café Shutters (still produced). This document will describe all the types of
commonly available shutters and more popular styles and finishes that are available. Any of the
shutters described here are available from Coni Mar Designs.
This document only addresses Factory Made Custom Shutters. All are now either painted or stained in a
multi-step finishing process. There are at least 30 to 40 major manufacturers of shutter and shutter
components suppliers. This provided a cottage industry for many “Garage Shop” operations that made
Custom Wood shutters and used local or home grown paint and finishing shops.
The advantage of any Shutter is the convenience and beauty of a product that controls the light and
reduces energy consumption. The investment made in Plantation Shutters has been shown to increase
perceived value of a home. The new shutters will give many years of trouble-free performance and look
just as good as new. Remember, you do not necessarily have to add any other window treatment along
with the Shutter. Although, fabric panels and top treatments always add some softness and personal
style to any room.
Poly-Vinyl Chloride (PVC) or Poly Resin Shutters
Description
This is a color-fast compound that is melted and pushed through a mold to make the various parts. The
color is part of the process not painted on. The shutters generally are available in 3 to 6 color variations
with 2 ½, 3 ½, 4 ½ lovers. They come with Traditional and “Hidden” (mounted on edge in the rear) tilt
bars. Attractive frames in addition the standard beaded frame are available. Most by code are fire
retardant and self extinguishing.
Material Composition
PVC is a form of Plastic. Its strength is due to the reinforced Aluminum Inserts in both the Frames and
Louvers.
Pros and Cons
Ideal for suited for wet applications near kitchen sinks, in showers and exposed areas in and around the
patio especially if ordered with Stainless Steel Hardware. They will not warp, crack or shrink, chip, peel
or fade and never need painting. Helps insulate against the heat. Structurally, are very strong and are
available in 36” panels with vertical spans up to 72” before a mid rail is required. Easy to clean with
soap and water. Due to durability will have one of the longest warranties.
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The shutters are very light because of the hollow structure and are pretty much limited to rectangular
windows. Sunburst Arches are available. Compared to Wood or other materials they appear to have a
shinier smoother surface and have a lighter feel to the touch.
Relative Price
PVC shutters used to be the lowest price shutter available. They still are but now with other imported
shutters the price difference is minimal. Stainless Steel Hardware, Hidden tilts bars and Arches add to
the price.
Faux Wood (Synthetic)
Description
These shutters, compared to a painted wood shutter are difficult to tell apart by looking at them. The
Wood composite shutter is nearly difficult to tell apart. The major difference is in the finish. A wood
shutter because it has a sanded finish does not have the same luster and finish as a Synthetic surface
which is much smoother before it is painted. The Faux Wood shutters tend to me more durable its
wood counterpart. The Epoxy Resin and Poly Core shutters like its PVC extruded cousin will hold up to
moisture just as well. Check some louvers sizes vary slightly by manufacturer. I.e. 2 3/8” vs. 2 ½”.
Epoxy Resin Core or Cellular PVC
This formulation of plastic base is a solid extruded shutter. The extrusion is 100% Resin and with a
neutral White color and the final color is a baked on paint.
Pros and Cons
This product is very strong and can be made up to 36” panels. Due to its weight will most likely need a
mid-rail over 60” heights. With Louvers of 4 ½” will require aluminum inserts to keep them from bowing
on panels over 28”. Maximum heights and arched configurations are limited. Bi-Fold configurations may
be limited due to the extreme weight.
Relative Price
This product tends to be priced slight higher than PVC extruded and less than the Poly core type
described below.
Poly Core
This formulation of plastic base is a solid extruded shutter. The extrusion is 100% Resin and with a
neutral White color and the final color is a baked on paint. Generally, the extrusion has a fused
aluminum core to give it added strength and stability.
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Pros and Cons
The strongest shutter, therefore the most durable shutter on the market. These are vailable with the
same shapes and types as a wood shutter. They will not warp, crack or shrink, chip. The paint can be
scratched and they can be painted. Because of its weight compared to a wood shutter Bi-Fold and
Bypass shutters are heavier to operate.
Relative Price
Pricing will depend on the configuration. Generally, it will be slightly more expensive than its wood
counterpart.
Wood Composite
These tend to be Hybrid shutters with some wood components with Frames and Louvers made of a
wood by product known as Low Density Fiber (LDF). This is a compressed wood pulp product that has
hardeners in it that make it stronger and moister resistant.
Pros and Cons
Very attractive shutter available in most shapes and colors. Can only be painted. They look and feel like
wood shutters and will retain their good looks. They are as light as a wood shutter. They have size
limitations because the material can not handle the mechanical strength of a screw to hold large
sections together. This means that the largest width panel is limited to 24” and Bi-fold applications have
further limitations. The material is more brittle than others and a sharp blow by an object can cause it to
fracture. Abuse can cause the lovers to break easier than either PVC or Wood.
Relative Price
This product is generally manufactured in the United States or Canada (or Canadian Supplied material).
This means relatively shore manufacturing times with excellent pricing comparable to other lower
priced shutters.
Hardwood Shutter
Description
Painted or Stained Shutters are available in endless colors and finishes. Most offer a standard color mix
with options for color matching and special stains.
Finishes
Painted
Generally, all factory painted have several layers. After each layer the shutter is sanded smooth to
remove the raised grain. The shutters are sealed and painted with several coats that are baked in drying
ovens. Paints are UV protected and are water borne paint compounds that have low emissions and
meet the Green standards of today. Each manufacturer has its own specific claim to its finish.
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Stained
Stained shutters have the additional cost involved in selecting woods without knots or color variations in
the wood that will make the stained product have color variations. Again the staining process is involves
many steps to achieve the look of finished furniture. Bass Wood is best for Stained shutters/
Shutters generally will use either Basswood or Poplar. Because of its color and characteristics the more
expensive Basswood is the experts choice for Stained Wood shutters. Poplar is excellent for painted
wood shutters. Approximately, 5% waste is expected when selecting wood for stained shutters and
adds to the cost of the shutter price.
Basswood General Description (Association, 2001)
The sapwood of basswood is usually quite large and creamy white in color,
merging into the heartwood which is pale to reddish brown, sometimes with
darker streaks. The wood has a fine uniform texture and indistinct grain that
is straight.
Working Properties
Basswood machines well and is easy to work with hand tools making it a
premier carving wood. It nails, screws, and glues fairly well and can be
sanded and stained to a good smooth finish. It dries fairly rapidly with little
distortion or degrade. It has fairly high shrinkage but good dimensional
stability when dry.
Physical Properties
The wood is light and soft with generally low strength properties and a poor
steam-bending classification.
Poplar General Description (Association, 2001)
The sapwood is creamy white and may be streaked, with the heartwood
varying from pale yellowish brown to olive green. The green color in the
heartwood will tend to darken on exposure to light and turn brown. The wood
has a medium to fine texture and is straight-grained; has a comparatively
uniform texture.
Working Properties
A versatile wood that is easy to machine, plane, turn, glue and bore. It dries
easily with minimal movement in performance and has little tendency to split
when nailed. It takes and holds paint, enamel and stain exceptionally well.
Physical Properties
A medium density wood with low bending, shock resistance, stiffness and
compression values, with a medium steam-bending classification. Excellent
strength and stability.
6
Association, H. M. (2001, August 2). hardwoodinfo.com Retrieved August 2, 2009, from American Hardwood Information
Center:
http//www.hardwoodinfo.com/species_guide/display_species.asp?=poplar
Pros and Cons
Wood Shutters represent in many people’s minds the world class look of yester year. From an aesthetic
point of view the classic look of wood is all that some people want. Quality varies as well as where the
Shutter is manufactured. Good looking shutters are available in many price ranges. Stained shutters are
always more expensive. Wood shutters are lighter and have more flexible and creative installation
capabilities. They can be made into large arched windows and by-pass configurations with long
expected wear cycles. However, it subject to shorter life due to the potential of splitting and warping if
exposed to a humid (not air conditioned) environment. Wood shutters can be painted.
Relative Price
With today’s automated manufacturing processes the price of wood shutters are very inexpensively
priced as compared to years past. Stained wood shutters are still the most expensive. Depending on
the manufacturer and country of origin. Painted wood shutters can be purchased for the same price as
the synthetic shutter. However, many shutter brands are priced at twice the price of the Synthetics.
Glass Block Shutter (Synthetic)
Description
Glass-Block shutters are an innovative window covering providing privacy while allowing light into the
room. The shutters mount in minutes right over existing windows; they are perfect for existing gardentub windows or any window where privacy is an issue without blocking light. For varied privacy, the
blocks come in two patterns: Clear or Diffused. These sturdy materials will not warp, chip or flake.
Panels are simple to remove allowing for easy cleaning.
Finish
The Shutter Frame is a specially designed PVC extruded
Material
The specially designed Shutter Frame is extruded PVC. The Glass-Blocks are a patented Lucite (non
breakable) two pane block.
Pros and Cons
This is a light weight durable product. It provides complete privacy and lots of light and never has to be
opened or closed. Will block 99% of the UV rays and is impervious to moisture and never needs any
painting. Great in Showers and Garages.
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Relative Price
This is a more expensive product than other shutters. It is very durable long lasting product.
Pictures and Diagrams
French Doors and Sunburst Arch (Graber Products)
Stained Wood Shutters (Hunter Douglas, 2009)
Stained Arch Shutters
Standard Shutter (Coni Mar Designs, 2009)
Bi-Fold Shutters (Hunter Douglas, 2009)
(Hunter Douglas, 2009)
(Coni Mar Designs, 2009)
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Glass Block Shutter (US Block)
Traditional Shutter Parts (Unique Wholsale, 2009)
Poly Core Shutter Components (End View displaying the core) (Unique Wholsale, 2009)
Feature-Benefit Comparison
Type
PVC/Poly
Resin
Faux-Epoxy
Resin
Faux-Poly
Core
Faux- Wood
Composite
Hard Wood
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Glass Block
Price
Range(per
Sq. Ft.)*
$19-$24
Specialty
Shapes
Widest
Panel 1,**
Maximum**
Panel Height
Water
Resistant
120”
Maximum
Height –No
divider rail**
60”
Limited
36”
$21-$26
Some
24-36”
120”
60”
Yes
$22-$28
Many
36”-40”
120”
60” or 84”
Yes
$24-$32
Limited
30”
114”
60”
$22-$60
Un- Limited
36”
72” or 84”
$28- $36
None
30”
114” – 120”
Painted
94-140”
Stained
60”
Minor
spills
Minor
Spills
N/A
Yes
Yes
Notes (Features- Benefit table):
1
depends on Louver size 2 ½” minimum, 4 ½” maximum
* Price depends on options and feature selections, and mounting requirements.
**restrictions apply, depends upon manufacturer
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I know which Shutter is right for me?
Determine the style of your home- Traditional or Contemporary. Then based on your budget
do you want stained or White Shutters. Is it necessary to have a shutter that must be
waterproof? The rest is what you like the best and can afford.
Is one brand better than another?
Yes, but it is not always price. First make sure it is a Custom Factory Shutter, not a “Garage
shop”. Then find out the largest span a single panel will cover. This will tell you how strong it
is. Then make sure the paints or stains meet the new low VOC specifications and are water
borne. Your better brands will meet the best standards.
How Do I select a company?
No matter how good the shutter is, the installation is key as is the service after the sale. Is your
installer a certified installer. Does the company have a good reputation. Do they have quality
products. Ask for a referral.
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How to know what are the Types of Plantation Shutters

Transcription

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