Questions to Ask before Purchasing Interior Shutters
Beautiful, sturdy interior shutters are a popular home improvement project. They are functional, but they also add dramatic aesthetics. These window coverings are classy, durable, safe, and energy efficient. Because they come in a wide range of styles, you can find shutters to match your needs and tastes. However, if you are considering indoor shutters, you know they can be a pricey investment compared to over window coverings in Cupertino, CA.
Whatever you decide to go with, you want to feel confident in your choice. To help, here are a few questions to ask to put your mind at ease before purchasing interior shutters from any company.
What kind of wood are the shutters made of?
For indoor shutters, you want something durable and long lasting, but also light weight that resists warping and decay. That’s why we use incense cedar at San Francisco Shutters. It has a straight, smooth grain and takes paint and finishes well. The locally grown wood does not splinter when cut and has excellent dimensional stability.
Is vinyl or composite better than the natural wood?
This depends on who you ask. If you are looking for the most affordable option, a man-made material might be better. However, we certainly recommend wood and more customers prefer it too. Wood shutters are lighter and stronger than those made with composite materials. You can paint them any color you choose. The material is easier to customize if you want a certain curve or shape to your shutters.
What styles do you offer?
Styling choices are important, especially when windows are often the focal point of any room. We offer functional board-and-batten, classic louvered, more traditional raised panel, and exotic Bahama shutter styles. Each has a unique look with a different appeal. And if none of these options are right, you can customize your shutters to suit your needs.
What louver size do you suggest for my windows?
We have options from 1 ¼” to 5 ½” in louver sizes. The thinner slats give you more light control and ventilation. The wider slats can block out more sunshine and give you better privacy. The most common width is 3 ½” for standard windows, and larger sizes for oversized windows or sliding glass doors.
Do I need to include a midrail?
The midrail is a fixed horizontal slat that allows the louvers above to operate independently of the louvers below. This option gives you a little more versatility. Say you want to open the top to let in light, but leave the bottom closed for privacy. With a midrail, you don’t have to open and close all the shutters every time you want to adjust them.
There are several other questions you should ask before making a big purchase like shutters. However, these are some good items to get you started in the right direction.
At San Francisco Shutters, we want you to feel completely confident in your decision to get interior window coverings. If there is anything you want to know about window shutters in Cupertino CA, don’t hesitate to ask. Call our office at (855) 538-8637 or come down and see us, 1676 Gilbreth Road, Burlingame, CA 94010.