Things You Should Know Before Buying Plantation Shutters

Author: Geoff

Aug. 11, 2025

Things You Should Know Before Buying Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters are an outstanding addition to your home, giving a classic, timeless look. They’re also ideal for keeping the weather at bay, the sun out in summer and the warmth inside during the winter. But before you go all in and buy new plantation shutters, there are a few things you should consider first. Read on to learn more in this guide for Houston plantation shutter buyers.

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1. You can change the entire look with different louver sizes

Plantation shutters are available in three different louver sizes; 2½-inch, 3½-inch and 4½-inch. The size you select can change the entire look of your windows and is something you need to consider carefully. 3½-inch louvers are the most popular as they provide a balanced appearance on most windows. The larger the louver, the fewer cracks there are for light to creep through, but if they’re too big it will look off-balance with only a few louvers.

2½-inch louvers are ideal for small windows so may suit older styles of home and vintage buildings with their much smaller windows. Finally, 4½-inch louvers are perfect for large, tall windows and will provide a more open view, so they’re an excellent choice if you have a view that you want to see or a room that needs a lot of light. Talk to your Houston plantation shutter installer about the best option for your home.

2. Choosing the right materials makes a big difference

Most traditional plantation shutters are made from wood, but there are some circumstances where this might not be suitable. For example, moisture can warp and damage wooden plantation shutters, so fitting them in a bathroom, kitchen, loft or garage is not the best choice. Instead, there are more robust materials you can use, including:

  • Polyresin 3®. This is a type of plastic that, unlike many plastics, will not lose its color during prolonged exposure to sunlight. Shutters made from this material won’t warp, shrink, fade or peel and you won’t ever need to paint them.
  • Paulownia wood. As well as being a robust, fine-grained timber, this wood is beneficial for the environment. It absorbs far more carbon than most trees during its life, and the tree will even regrow from the stump once it’s been cut.
  • Basswood. An American hardwood that’s ideal for hand carving, basswood remains stiff after it’s been dried and remains very stable during its lifetime as your shutter. Its pale texture and fine grain also make it ideal for painting.

3. You can make big changes to the look with small upgrades

Although it might seem like a simple picture, there are many upgrades you can add to your plantation shutter. You can add hidden hinges, shutter locks, shutter pulls and more to attain the look and functionality that suits you best. Extra fittings come in a modern-looking brushed nickel finish and each one is usually relatively inexpensive. For example, if you have kids, you might want to add shutter locks to keep out prying small fingers. Hidden hinges can add a more contemporary look. Take the time to talk to your installer before you order and see exactly what’s available and how it will impact the overall look and functionality.

4. Professional installation matters — and here’s why

Plantation shutters are a significant investment, and you might be tempted to do some DIY installation to save a few bucks. However, there are a few reasons this is a bad idea. Firstly, you might void the manufacturer’s warranty; professional installers pay attention to every detail, and this is essential. Improperly installed plantation shutters might be prone to warping if they are not fitted true and square, as hinges can become pinched and extra stress will be placed on the shutter panels and louvers.

Remember that your plantation shutters will be covered by lengthy warranties and, if correctly installed, will last anywhere between 25 and 50 years. So hiring factory-certified installers is a small price to pay over having to replace warped and damaged plantation shutters after only a few years.

5. Consider motorized plantation shutters

Traditional plantation shutters can be fiddly to open and close and it might even take a bit of effort. But maybe that’s a small price to pay for something that looks authentic and classic. Motorized shutters used to be clunky affairs and quite noisy, as well as being expensive and difficult to install. However, advances in technology have made them much more accessible, quieter and easier to control. Battery technology has also moved on so that they last much longer on a single charge.

You will also be amazed at the level of control you can have over your motors. You can program them to open at certain times of the day, respond to light levels outside and react to temperature changes. If the hot sun is shining through your windows, plantation shutters that close automatically can save your carpets and furnishings from damaging UV rays, as well as keep your room a bit cooler. Programming is straightforward, with a remote control that can control one shutter or all of them with equal ease.

6. Plantation shutters are simple to clean and can keep allergies at bay

Drapes and Venetian blinds are two of the most common methods of controlling the light coming into your home. However, they both have one big disadvantage in common; they are not easy to clean, and they hold onto a lot of dust. If someone in your household suffers from allergies, this can be a major disadvantage, as that dust is certain to blow around your home and be breathed in.

On the other hand, plantation shutters are incredibly easy to clean, especially if you have the largest 4½-inch louvers. You can run a feather duster along the louvers in the open and closed positions for a quick clean. Alternatively, use a cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, but avoid polyester cloths as they can attract more dust. If there are some particularly tough stains, use a damp cloth. However, you should never immerse your shutters in water or use strong chemical cleaners as this can cause the wood to warp.

7. Plantation shutters appear on your home appraisal as a hard fixture upgrade

When fitting plantation shutters, you might only be thinking of their utility and visual improvement as something to improve your own day-to-day life. However, most of us move home several times during our lives, so any permanent changes to your home should be done with an eye toward how they will affect the future price of your property.

Fortunately, plantation shutters are an excellent investment in both regards. When realtors appraise your property, plantation shutters are the only window covering that they will include on their report. Quality plantation shutters that are correctly installed with a full warranty can actually add to the value of your property and help you get the asking price more quickly when it does come to the time to sell up.

8. Check your estimates to ensure you get quality plantation shutters at a good price

When you do a search, you will find plenty of Houston plantation shutter installers, and it can be difficult to know which to choose. Not all installers are reputable, and not all will be factory-certified. So you need to choose one that offers value for money, quality plantation shutters and the assurance that your investment is safely covered by a warranty for years to come.

First, do some research. Check companies for positive reviews on independent websites such as Yelp or Google. This should narrow down your choices and rule out the more disreputable companies. If you find a make of plantation shutters, you can then check to see that they are factory-certified to install them. There should be a certificate on the installer’s website which you can check with the manufacturer. Next, it’s time to get your estimate. This shutter cost calculator from HomeWyse can give you an indication of a fair price for your area to compare your estimate against.

9. Know what you’re getting — manufacture quality of plantation shutters varies a lot

Plantation shutters are made to varying levels of quality in locations worldwide, from here in Houston, to American factories across the 50 states, to factories overseas. So, when buying your shutters, it’s best to know how and where they are manufactured and what materials are used.

When ordering, ask how your plantation shutters are made; do they use dowels or mortise and tenon joints? How is the wood cured? Different wood curing treatments lead to massively different outcomes and can affect how long your shutters will last. The paint and finish options are also crucial in determining how long they will last.

Often, shutters made in overseas factories are made to standard sizes and may not work well with your windows, especially if you own an older property. At Blind Design, we custom make all our plantation shutters here in Texas, made to measure to fit your windows perfectly.

10. Hidden tilt or invisible tilt?

The tilt rod is the part of your plantation shutter that enables your louvers to move in unison, and there are two ways to remove it. The first is an established, traditional method known as hidden tilt. The hidden tilt rod has a steel connector on the street side of the connector which is very thin and barely visible, no matter which side you look from. This is attached to each louver by a small steel screw so that all the slats move when you move one.

The hidden tilt system has been around for a long time, but premium plantation shutter manufacturers have begun using a new upgrade in recent years. The invisible tilt moves the louvers using an internal gear and completely removes all rods from view. It’s a very reliable system that provides a sleek modern look and can be incorporated into a broad range of designs.

11. Which rooms are you covering?

Each room of your home may require a different approach when it comes to letting in light. As mentioned earlier, bathrooms and kitchens will require a material that can resist moisture adequately. But there are other considerations, too; for example, you might want to choose smaller louver sizes in more intimate rooms such as your bedrooms, while having larger ones in an open living room where you want more light.

Want more information on Paulownia Wood Plantation Shutters Manufacturer? Feel free to contact us.

Of course, the decor in some rooms might not fit with the look of plantation shutters. For example, if you have a sliding glass door, blinds will fit better. And if you want a softer, more diffuse light effect, some elegant shades might do the trick. Before you consider all these options, you also need to think about how it will look from the outside; some windows with plantation shutters and some without may give your home an unbalanced look that’s unpleasing to the eye.

Blind Design Houston for Top Quality Plantation Shutters

Top-quality plantation blinds are a real investment in your home that can complete the look you want and give a boost to its valuation on sale. Now you’re armed with all the information to make an informed choice when purchasing them, it’s time to consider a reputable, experienced company to supply and fit them for you.

Cheap Paulownia Shutters Wholesale

Product Details

  • Wood Species: Paulownia (Origin: China)
  • Finishes & Colors: Available in 13 different paint colors and 27 stain options, Custom Matching.
  • Louver Size: 4.5 for maximum view and minimum cleaning, 3.5 traditional plantation size, 2.5 colonial styles.
  • Tilt Rods: Traditional, hidden tilt rods, and clear view.
  • Frame Styles: Inside Mounted L Frame, Outside Mounted L Frame, Z Frame, Z Frame With Sill Piece, Decorative Outside Mount Frame, Decorative Outside Mount Frame With Sill Piece.
  • Loading Quantity: 20GP/40GP/40HQ: 270/560/630 m2.

Description

Plantation shutters made of paulownia wood are becoming increasingly popular due to the unique properties and benefits of this particular type of wood. Here are some advantages of plantation shutters made of paulownia:

  • Lightweight: Paulownia wood is exceptionally lightweight, making installing and operating the shutters easy. This characteristic also reduces the strain on hinges and other hardware, enhancing the longevity and functionality of the shutters.
  • Stability: Despite its lightweight nature, paulownia wood offers good stability, making it less likely to warp or deform over time. This stability ensures the shutters maintain shape and structure, even in fluctuating humidity and temperature conditions.
  • Insulation: Paulownia wood has natural insulating properties. Plantation shutters made of this wood can help regulate the temperature inside a room, providing thermal insulation and potentially contributing to energy efficiency.
  • Resistance to Moisture: Paulownia wood has inherent moisture resistance, which makes it suitable for humid environments such as bathrooms or kitchens. It is less prone to warping or rotting when exposed to moisture, making it a durable choice for plantation shutters.
  • Natural Beauty: Paulownia wood exhibits a beautiful grain pattern, often featuring a light, pale color with subtle variations. The wood’s appearance adds an elegant and natural touch to any interior décor, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the shutters.
  • Versatility: Paulownia wood is known for its versatility. It can be easily stained, painted, or finished to match design styles and color schemes. This allows customers to customize their plantation shutters according to their preferences and complement their existing interior décor.
  • Sustainable and Renewable: Paulownia wood is considered a sustainable and renewable resource. It grows rapidly and can be harvested relatively quickly, making it an environmentally friendly choice for plantation shutters.

The Production Process of Wood Plantation Shutters

This is what we do when it comes to making wood plantation shutters:

01.

Material Selection

Choose high-quality wood plantation components that are durable and aesthetically pleasing.

02.

Milling

Cut the components into the appropriate sizes according to the measurements of the windows or doors.

03.

Assembly

Assemble the components using woodworking joinery techniques, such as mortise and tenon or dowel joints.

04.

Sanding

Sand the assembled shutters to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces. Prepare them for painting.

05.

Surface Treatment

Apply stains, paints, or clear coats to the shutters to enhance their appearance and protect them from moisture and UV damage.

06.

Drying

Let the shutters dry completely. Depending on the type of treatment and the weather conditions, it may take several hours or days.

07.

Quality Control

Implement stringent quality control measures throughout manufacturing to uphold strength, durability, and appearance standards.

08.

Packaging

Cushion the shutters with bubble wrap, cardboard, or foam. Label the packages with the order number, customer name, and address.

The Inspection of Plantation Shutter Manufacturing

We maintain a precise and thorough process at every stage, from meticulous material selection to rigorous final inspections. Our dedicated team ensures that each product meets our exceptionally high standards before it reaches your hands – partner with us to provide your customers with superior plantation shutters and experience the ultimate quality assurance.

Visual Inspection

The shutters are visually inspected to ensure that there are no visible defects such as cracks, chips, or dents.

Functionality Check

The shutters are checked for the movement of the louvers, the opening and closing, and the locking mechanisms.

Dimensional Check

The shutters are checked for proper dimensions, including the overall size, louvers' width, and spacing.

Finish Check

Shutters undergo rigorous inspections to ensure a smooth and uniform finish on the painted or stained surfaces.

Packaging Check

Carefully inspect our shutters to ensure they are packaged correctly and include all necessary accessories.

Shipping Check

Ensure the shutters are loaded onto the shipping truck safely and securely for worry-free transportation.

Get Started with Goodwood Shutters

With a proven history of delivering value to our partners, Goodwood Shutters collaborates with top brands in the US, UK, and Australia to offer various premium plantation shutters and components. You can enjoy the benefits of importing plantation shutters from us, whether you are involved in shutter importing, branding, distributing, wholesaling, or retailing.

The company is the world’s best Round plantation shutters Manufacturer supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

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