Common Mistakes to Avoid with Custom-Made DIY Plantation Shutters

Installing your own custom-made plantation shutters can be a satisfying DIY project. But without professional experience, it’s easy to make missteps resulting in poorly functioning or lackluster looking shutters. This guide covers common DIY plantation shutter mistakes and how to avoid pitfalls through smart planning and preparations. We’ll walk through both ordering and installation phases step-by-step highlighting areas ripe for trouble if not navigated carefully.

Ordering and Sourcing Mistakes

Errors made when ordering plantation shutters often stem from lack of knowledge on material variations or failure to provide the manufacturer proper specifications:

Cheaping Out on Quality

Don’t assume all plantation shutters or suppliers are equal in quality just because pricing is similar across many options. Cutting corners leads to disappointing results. Pitfalls include:

• Basing choice just on price rather than reputation, expertise, and sample quality.
• Sourcing no-name shutters from dubious pop-up suppliers lacking credentials.
• Accepting cheaper Basswood rather than more durable Maple wood species to cut costs.
• Opting for plastic composite without vetting durability and longevity claims.

Research material differences and brands thoroughly. Quality plantation shutters last for decades when made properly.

Ordering the Wrong Size

Inaccurate measurements result in improperly sized custom shutters requiring adjustments or remakes. Errors to avoid:

• Measuring from window casing rather than precisely from inside frame edge to edge.
• Taking just one width and height dimension rather than minimums across entire span.
• Not accounting for obstructions like cranks and sills interfering with shutters.
• Assuming windows are perfectly square rather than taking angled measurements.

Carefully measure inside window frames multiple times across entire spans to get sizes exactly right.

Misplanning Configurations

Insufficient planning regarding system components and arrangements creates problems:

• Not considering divider rails needed for wide spans requiring multiple shutter panels.
• No idea if mounting inside or outside window frames until panels arrive.
• Failure to select hinge type and quantities best suited for shutter sizes and weights.
• Not deciding on control rod or hidden wand operation until ordering.

Determine precise configurations needed through careful measurement and planning prior to ordering.

Installation Shortfalls

Even with quality shutters ordered, amateur installation can sabotage appearances and function:

Crooked Hanging

Unlevel hanging prevents proper operation and looks sloppy:

• Mounting shutters on crooked window frames rather than correcting frame first
• Using too few hinges leads to sagging under shutter’s own weight
• Failing to check panel alignment as hanging progresses causes creeping crookedness
• Approximating center divide on multiple panels rather than carefully measuring the true center

Continually check for level and plumb when marking hinge positions. Hanging each panel methodically prevents skewing.

Hardware Headaches

Improper hardware installation affects operation:

• Forcing tilt rod through misaligned holes tears panel material.
• Positioning wand or rod improperly results in failed tilt function.
• Using loose-pin hinges on tall/heavy panels leads to sagging and misalignment over time.
• Attaching hardware into drywall rather than structural framing results in pullout failure.

Follow hardware specifications precisely. Use heavy duty hardware on larger panels for durability.

Light Leakage

Gaps admit light around poorly sealed panels:

• Neglecting to shim out panels clearing protruding window cranks.
• Leaving unsightly large perimeter panel gaps afraid of restricting movement.
• Using inflexible caulk rather than soft foam weather strips between panels.
• Allowing gaps at tops of panels not cutting filler strips for odd-sized windows.

Take time to seal all perimeter cracks for light blockage, insulation, and noise control.

Limited Adjustability

Lack of provisions for tweaking alignments later leads to stability issues:

• Gluing in shims rather than leaving them floating leads to future inflexibility.
• Using basic butt hinges rather than adjustable loose pin hinges prevents realigning.
• Drilling oversized sloppy hinge screw holes prevents tightening joints over time.
• Failing to leave panel edges exposed for future sanding adjustments if needed.

Utilize specialty adjustable hardware and leave room for precision tweaks down the road.

Avoiding DIY Pitfalls

These common missteps often derail DIY shutter projects. Follow pro tips to stay on track:

Consult the Experts

Enlist an experienced shutter installation company during the planning and ordering phase for guidance on the right materials, configurations and specifications for your windows and home architecture.

Order Samples

When comparing suppliers, don’t rely just on website photos. Order actual material samples to make judgments on quality firsthand. Samples also aid in color selection.

Measure Multiple Times

Check and double check window measurements over the full spans. Have a second set of eyes verify numbers before submitting final order.

Dry Test Fit

Do a test run before installation day. Use cardboard panel mockups to preview positioning and address any fit issues.

Follow Best Practices

Adhere to manufacturer’s specific hardware instructions. Follow shutter hanging best practices for keeping panels level and properly spaced.

Careful planning and preparations helps DIYers avoid common mistakes that ruin custom plantation shutter results and longevity after considerable time and expense invested. Arm yourself with knowledge so you can install custom shutters successfully!