First, shutters need to have the correct louver tension. They should be smooth and hold the position you set them in. Some shutters require tension screws at the side of each panel. The problem with tension screws is noticed over time, when tightening the screws becomes necessary on a regular basis. Eventually, the louvers within a single shutter unit will not have uniform tension because the louver sections adapt to each tension screw differently. It is then difficult to put the louvers exactly in the desired location, and the rotation of the louvers will become difficult.
Your shutters should be made from quality materials. Wood is the best material for constructing shutters but not all wood is created equal. Basswood is a superior wood because it is among the straightest of hardwoods with a uniform texture and indistinct grain. It can be sanded and stained to a smooth finish, and is lightweight yet very strong.
Be sure you get your shutters from a reliable, reputable company. You should research the company where you plan to purchase your shutters. They should be a reputable, knowledgeable, support oriented, and accessible company. We recommend you test their knowledge by asking questions. The company should be prepared to communicate all of the necessary information to you about purchasing interior shutters. They should also have staff that is experienced and available for technical questions. Call us anytime, we’ll answer any questions and are always available.
You want your shutters to have the right finish. Not just any old paint or stain finish is good enough; quality is essential to the overall satisfaction with your shutter purchase. A paint finish should be smooth, thick, and complete. You should be unable to feel the wood grain and it should show through the paint. A stain finish should be even with a proper top protective coat.
Work with a real shutter manufacturer and have each shutter custom built for each individual window. While there are standard window sizes, construction and installation changes everything. A proper custom shutter unit needs to be built for each individual window opening down to 1/16 of an inch. Any more space and there may be unnecessary gaps in the shutter unit. Do not assume that because two or more windows look the same, that they are the same. Many times proper measuring will show that each window is unique.
