All About Shutters

The Window Shutters Authority

How to Purchase a Quality Interior Shutter

What to Look for When Buying Interior Window Shutters

1. Interior Shutters have proper louver tension

The interior shutters louvers should be smooth and stay in the desired position throughout the lifetime of the window shutters. Various tension techniques are discussed on our louver tension page.

2. Interior Shutters are built from a quality material

Wood is the most preferable material for building interior shutters. Most all materials for building window shutters are discussed on our shutter material page.

3. Shutters are purchased from reliable company

You should research the company from which you plan to purchase your custom interior shutters. The shutter company need to be a reputable, knowledgeable, support oriented, and accessible. We recommend you test their knowledge by asking questions about interior shutters. Check out their credibility with an organization such as the Better Business Bureau, and check to see if they have a list of customer comments or references. The shutter company needs to be prepared to communicate all of the necessary information to you about purchasing interior shutters. They need to have a staff who is experienced with measring and installing window shutters and available for technical questions. It is frustrating when the only knowledgeable person is always "in the field".

4. Shutters are mortised for hinges

Mortised shutter hinges are important to achieve a tight fit within your window opening. Without a mortised custom shutter panel, a gap appears on the hanging side that allows light to break between the shutter panel and the window jamb. It should not be necessary to mortise the window jamb.

5. Shutters use rabbeted stiles between panels

Rabbeted stiles between interior shutter panels reduces light breaks between panels. A significant gap is created in between shutter panels that are simply butted up against one another.

6. View a shutter sample

The custom shutter company should be able to supply you with a finished sample interior shutter. This way you can view the quality of construction and finish first-hand. It is beneficial for you also to hold the shutter in the window to visualize how the shutters will attach and look in your house.

7. Shutters should have quality finish

A quality paint or stain finish is essential to the overall satisfaction with your interior 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.

8. Custom built for each individual window

There are no standard windows. A proper custom interior shutter unit needs to be built for each individual window opening to the 1/16 inch. Any more will result in possible unnecessary gaps in the interior 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.

Horizon Interior Shutters offers custom interior wood plantation shutters and traditional shutters painted or stained sold online and shipped nationwide.