Did you just move into a new home? Or are you planning a large scale renovation of your home? If yes, then chances are you’re planning to update your window coverings. And one such way is through the installation of partial or whole house custom plantation shutters or shutters as they’re popularly known. But before you jump with excitement and head straight to the stores, it’s advisable to ask yourself the following question; “are they really a great investment?”
“Be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of style.” – Billy Baldwin
I discuss the answers in today’s post. Read on!
Design Options and Details
Before we get into the details, it’s important to note that that are many plantation shutter design options available. Below are some of the design options and features that are customizable with most shutter offerings:
Materials:
The most commonly sold plantation shutters are hardwood and vinyl. Hardwood shutters are made from hardwood, and the vinyl shutters are made of plastic.
Color:
Most companies offer either a painted or stained option for their plantation shutters.
Size:
This includes the louver size and the width of the panels. The louver sizes range from 2 ½ to 4 ½ inches depending on your overall design style (smaller size for more traditional spaces and larger sizes for a more modern look and feel). The panel size will depend on the size of your windows.
Shape:
Most companies offer shutters for any unique window shape to include round, half-round, or plantation shutters for patio doors.
Other Options:
There are other options such as tilt rod and hinge locations, divider rails, and the number of panels, to name a few.
Benefits of Selecting Plantation Shutters
There are many benefits to selecting plantation shutters. Since they have become increasingly popular due to their durability, more homeowners are opting for plantation shutters as their window covering option. If you live in a hot climate and you do not have an energy-efficient home, plantation shutters can really help with blocking out the direct sunlight. The shutters prevent fading of your hardwood floors and furnishings.
In addition to the energy-saving aspect, plantation shutters also offer privacy for your home. If you’re like me and don’t particularly like people peeking into your home, then the wider shutters will allow you to adjust the louvers to keep even the nosiest UPS driver from seeing into your home. If you want blackout conditions, then plantation shutters will not provide that alone. If you’re just looking for total privacy, then you will get that with plantation shutters.
One of the best things about purchasing high-quality plantation shutters for your windows is the warranty on defective products. Most companies provide a limited lifetime warranty that either covers the product for life (for the original owner) or as long as the company continues to make the exact shutter. It is also possible that the warranty covers parts only, and the labor is not included. Most homeowners who have invested in plantation shutters can attest to the added benefit of the warranty, and this explains their additional cost. I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend a little bit more for excellent quality?
Furthermore, window shutters make a fantastic addition to interior decor. That means they can easily blend with the decor of your choice making your home appear incredibly welcoming. And when that happens, it automatically increases your home’s aesthetic value. If you consult any realtor, they will gladly tell you that properties with window shutters sale faster than those without (of course the other qualities must be equal).
Plantation Shutters as a Long Term Investment
Like any other product, the type of plantation shutters you select for your house entirely depends on your preference and budget. When considering the price, ensure to check the materials used and determine if it meets your expectations. Quality materials are more expensive, and so the shutter itself will have a higher cost. For instance, you shouldn’t expect a window shutter made out of real basswood to be competitively priced with that of vinyl or composite (faux wood). Apart from the fact that real wood lasts longer, these types of shutters tend to come pre-painted with quality paint, thus adding to their overall cost.
Plantation shutters do not come at a low price. While it’s possible to get affordable alternatives in today’s competitive market, you should know what you’re getting before spending your hard-earned money. If you decide to sell your home, potential buyers can easily pin-point low-quality shutters from durable ones, and that’s the last problem you would want during the home selling process. Well, not unless you are willing to lose potential buyers to your competitor.
On top of that, window shutters offer a lot of versatility. You get to dictate the amount of light/sunshine you want in, and that makes them an excellent investment that guarantees a good resale value. But even with all these pros, there are some few cons attached to plantation shutters and which include: limited color choices, access to the windows for cleaning, and of course the cost. Plantation shutters are mainly neutral (white, off-white, and medium to dark stains). Although these are considered cons, neither will disrupt the interior aesthetic of your home and be adapted to any décor style.
Back to our question. Are plantation shutters a good investment? Well, based on the above facts, it’s clear that yes, they are. They might be pricier than vinyl and composite shutters; however, the value proposition is worth the durability, energy conservation, and privacy they offer.
