Installing Your Plantation Shutter

We, like many retailers, provide full service installation with the sale of our plantation shutters.  Some online retailers will offer shutters for the do-it-yourself-er, but this is often fraught with issues.  As such, for the vast majority of plantation shutter consumers - professional installation is an absolute must.

So, would you like a peak behind the curtain of a typical shutter installer?  If so, then kindly read on.

Most of today's brand name shutters are made elsewhere, boxed, and shipped to an installer's location.  This may be one of the most valuable services which installers provide - receipt and warehousing of plantation shutter orders.  Why?  Shutters are shipped via long line freight companies and are generally transported on pallets and are heavy and bulky.  Most home owners do not want a long haul truck trying to navigate their neighborhood, nor do they want the trash bulk or storage hassle of palatalized shutters.  Especially, if it is a large order, say more than 5 windows.  If we are talking 10 or more windows, then it is probably unmanageable for 99% of homeowners.

Next the installer must transport the shutters to the customer's location.  Some installers unpack, build, and assemble the shutters at their warehouse and then transport them in a van or trailer fully assembled. Others build and assemble the shutters on-site.  Depending on the regional climate of your area, either process can be valid.

Next, windows are cleared at the customer location.  Old blinds are removed, and perhaps hauled-off, furniture and decor is cleared adequate for obtaining clearance for shutter panel maneuverability.

At this point the assembled frame is installed with a couple screws or nails, followed by hanging of the panel doors using hinge pins.

Now, the adjustment stage begins, one of the more difficult aspects of the job.  Assuming the installer is experienced, he or she will rack the shutter, meaning small side to side adjustments are made to ensure that the panel doors are even as they meet.  Additionally, adjustments are made to magnets or hinges depending on the windows individual "quarks"  This is a fairly tricky process, even though experienced craftsmen make it look easy.

Finally, the shutter joints are caulked, as needed.  The general area is policed for any trash.  The shutter is dusted with a soft rag - and any louver tension adjustments are made.  Furnishings and decor are returned to their previous location and our professional installer heads off to the next window or job to repeat the process again.

Bottom line - shutter installation is heavy, physically taxing work which requires knowledge and finesse.  Most professionals make it look easy, but what you are really seeing is how "experience matters."

Of course, we would love to help you with your plantation shutter project including professional installation. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.  Thanks for your interest in Latreia Blinds and Shutters!