Tuesday 11 September 2007

How To Easily Make And Install Interior Plantation Shutters

We will try to discuss, how to make and install plantation shutters yourself. When it comes to many home improvement projects a lot of people are fearful or apprehensive about doing them on their own just because they have never done it. When it comes to installing your own shutters this doesn't need to be the case, installing your shutters isn't a difficult process at all. The main thing to remember here is to work with shutters that are specifically built for each individual window opening in unison with the detailed instructions from the manufacturer.

The first thing you need to do is measure the window opening where you want to install the shutters. Depending on whether you will mount them on the inside or the outside this is where you will need to measure.

If you are going to mount them on the window jamb on the inside of the window opening, which is the preferred method, you will need to know the width and height across the inside of the window framing. The reason this is the preferred method is because it makes for a cleaner installation and doesn't require additional hang strips or frame strips, you just have to be sure the window you are working with is square and has a solid window jamb to screw into.

Next you need to determine the depth of the window by measuring from the front plane of the window back to the nearest obstruction that will obstruct the louvers and keep them from rotating. If you prefer, the manufacturer you bought your shutters from can also tell you the window depth for the style you ordered. Sometimes the manufacturer may suggest an alternative installation method to use in case the window is out of square or if it has a drywall opening without a solid wood jamb using rear hanging strips concealed behind the shutter panels that will allow adjustment up, down, left, and right for easier alignment.

If you choose to mount outside of the frame you will attaching to the wall or existing trim just to the outside of the opening of the window. Usually the frame will surround the shutter panels on three or four sides, depending on whether or not a lower sill exists.

Hanging strips are used if you decide to install a cafe type shutter style, the hanging strips will be screwed directly to the wall or trim, and the hinge of the shutters attached to the frame or the hanging strips.

The old adage of measure twice cut once applies here too, also be sure to use a steel tape for the most accurate measurement possible.

About the Author
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Shutters Plus at http://www.shutters-plus.com

Wednesday 25 April 2007

How To Make Plantation Shutters and Their History

Greeks new how to make plantation shutters. These shutters are a staple of Classic Greek Architecture. This structure in building design later inspired architecture throughout our Western world.

The basic historical uses of these shutters were much the same as windows are to you and I today. They keep out intruders, uncomfortable weather, and sunlight.

Elements of Greek architecture have influenced the style of many buildings and homes from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th century in the U.S. It was hugely common in banks, offices, and many public government buildings.

The plantation mansions from the South back in the day, were inspired heavily on the architecture of the Greeks. Mansions of the immense plantations from South Carolina all the way to the western edges of today’s Mississippi were also inspired from the architectural fundamentals of the Greeks.

A lot of these have been restored in certain areas of Mississippi.

Plantation owners followed the Greeks and used shutters for both their attractiveness and their functional aspect. These homeowners needed a level of protection to their homes.

In the time leading up to the Civil War, the widespread areas of the south were lightly populated, as well, the plantations were isolated – therefore leaving the plantation owner vulnerable to attacks from bands of robbers and/or revolting slaves.

You’re likely not in the market for Plantation shutters for any of the reason stated above, however they have caught on as a viable and beautiful addition to many homes.

There are some things to consider about choosing hurricane shutters, what they’re also known as. Here’s how to choose your plantation shutters:

· These shutters are heavier than your normal shutter, and some extra home repair may be needed. For instance, additional framing may be required if the window casings that are presently on the frame will not support the hinges of the heavier shutters.

· Be mindful of the louvers width. An extra wide louver will let more light and air in than you may be hoping for.

· You’ll have to decide whether you want vinyl or wood shutters. Vinyl shutters are much more efficient being that they are easier to clean and don’t warp. However, if you’re going for vanity, the wooden shutters will give your home a much warmer feeling overall.

· Your choice between fixed or movable louvers should be an easy one actually. If you like the freedom to open and shut easily your shutters, and let the light and ventilation come through, then the adjustable is the way to go for you.

· It’s always best to ask around before making any purchase, and your shutters are no different. Search around and read reviews online, and magazine articles to help you make the best decision.

· Always find a reputable company with a trustworthy warranty against defects in both materials and workmanship. Companies, which give such a warranty usually know how to make plantation shutters.

Though you’ll be using the Plantation Shutters primarily for home improvement, it’s always nice to know the history of interesting pieces of your home.

By: John Ca. Baker -
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Hurricane Shutters And Increased Safety

Plantation shutters have been around since ancient Greece. They serve a dual purpose as they can help in both weather protection as well as style for your home. Since they are located ion the inside of your home they can be used as a shade and can actually be functional as opposed to the shutters that many of us are accustomed to that simply attach next to windows on a home and do not move. These were the precursor to glass in windows and actually kept out the elements and were opened to allow the flow of air. Shutters were a way of regulating the environment of the home as opposed to simply relying on a door and no other means of air flow.

Much of the architecture of the Southern US is drawn from the works of the ancient Greeks. This is evident not only in the use of shutters but in the use of columns in the structure and design of many of the homes. Much of this is a dual purpose service though. These columns are simply covers for supports throughout the home and the shutters are used for various protections and services. Some of these shutters that are used are known as hurricane shutters and with good reason. Their primary purpose is to protect windows from being blown out during a heavy storm or hurricane. Once again these are based on Greek architecture for both functionality and beauty.


Make sure that when you are selecting shutters for a home repair or improvement project that you consult with someone before doing so. You want to make sure that the shutters that you are going to install will not only meet your needs, but will match, fit and perform as needed. If you are simply purchasing your shutters to make your home more attractive then you will not have as much to worry about, however if you are looking for both performance and function then it will take more consideration and research to find what is the best fit for you and your home. You do not want to get something that is not very strong or sturdy if it is to be hurricane protection. You also do not want to get a shutter that will not look right when installed on or in your home as well. So be wise and consult with someone to make sure you are getting what is best for both you and your home.

By: John Ca. Baker -
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Classic Line Plantation Shutters are beautiful, unique, and versatile!

Classic Line Plantation Shutters are a beautiful, traditional shutter. They are also extremely high quality. Made from solid cottonwood with a traditional flat louver, these plantation shutters are an excellent choice for the discriminating buyer! Major features of Classic Line Plantation Shutters include:

Solid cottonwood construction.
Louvers available in 2-1/2, 3-1/2, and 4-1/2 widths for a spacious plantation shutters look.
Can be done as raised panel shutters as well! For an old-world look, you can even have part of your shutters as raised panels and part louvered.
Traditional flat louver profile.
Louvers, Rails, and Stiles fabricated to be highly warp resistant.
Reinforced tilt rod highly wear resistant and impervious to pull-out.
Fully framed if desired. You have your choice of Classic Line frames and inside or outside mount to ensure best look and fit for your windows. All frames come mitered and predrilled for mounting screws.
Includes all mounting hardware, hinges, and magnet sets to keep shutters closed.
Manufacturer's Limited Lifetime Warranty
Options (NC indicates a No Charge option):

Classic Line Plantation Shutters are our most versatile shutter, offering the most no-cost options of any of our lines.

Available in on-line ordering system:

Choice of standard colors and stains (NC)
Custom color matching available
Smooth or Embossed (textured) finish (NC)
Choice of shutter panel configuration - including bi-fold! (NC)
Divider rails (NC)
Choice of 5 standard framing and mounting options (NC)
Choice of four hinge colors (Bright White, Polished Brass, Antiqued Brass, Chrome, Satin Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze) (NC)
Available by call-in order only:

Raised Panels, Fixed Louvers, or Combination (NC)
All specialty shapes available with horizontal louvers
Arches available in radial style louvers (sunburst style louvers)
Overhead track available for sliding glass doors, room dividers, or very wide windows
Non-standard framing (sometimes NC)
Non-standard hinge colors (sometimes NC)
Louvers: Different louver sizes are no-cost options for our Classic Line Plantation Shutters. In general, the larger the louver, the less obstructed the views. The flat louver profile is great for both traditional and contemporary settings.

Embossed Finish: One other great no-cost option with Classic Line Plantation Shutters is that they can be ordered with either a smooth or an embossed finish. The embossed finish is a way of revealing the wood texture in your shutters. It is achieved by taking normal plantation shutter parts and running them through a machine that removes a slight bit of the softer wood between the wood grains. Although noticeable in both painted and stained, the embossed finish is most noticeable when used on painted plantation shutters.


Quality:


Classic Line Plantation Shutters are made from solid cottonwood. Cottonwood takes paint very well, producing a fine, hard finish. Even more, stained cottonwood produces a beautiful wood grain finish. Take a look at the stain samples and you will see what we mean.



Classic Line Plantation Shutters have a metal reinforced tilt rod. This prevents tilt rod staples from bending over time and thus scratching the louvers. It also prevents staples from pulling out of the tilt rod altogether.



All Classic Line Plantation Shutters louvers, rails, and stiles are constructed of multiple pieces of wood to make bowing and warping almost impossible. Because of cottonwood’s heavier grain pattern, you have to look closely to ever notice the wood seam which only runs lengthwise the grain (never crosswise). Many times the same piece of wood will be used for a single shutter component. The wood is simply cut in half lengthwise, then one half of it is flipped over and is glued to itself. In this manner, if one piece of the shutter part wants to bend one way, the exact opposite force is in play in the other piece. This is a more expensive way to make plantation shutters, but also the mark of high quality millwork.



This is probably more detail than most of you want, but it should be sufficient to say that we take many extra steps to ensure that our Classic Line Plantation Shutters are truly versatile while being manufactured in the highest quality manner. You will be hard pressed to find more unique or versatile plantation shutters than our Classic Line Plantation Shutters.

http://www.shutterclassic.com/cl_details.html