The Essential Guide to Buying Shutters in Australia

Investing in shutters can greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and comfort of Australian homes. But navigating the process of selecting, purchasing, and installing shutters in Australia involves many choices and considerations. This essential guide covers key steps and insights to make shutter buying for your property smooth, informed, and successful.

Shutters Buying Process Overview

The typical process for purchasing quality custom shutters in Australia follows this general workflow:

Design Consultation

Discuss needs, options and get expert recommendations on the optimal shutters for your home’s architecture and rooms.

Measurements

Have precise measurements taken of all windows being outfitted with shutters. Verify window types fit recommended shutter types.

Product Selection

Review shutter materials, colors, hardware, and configuration options. Finalize design details.

Order Placement & Fabrication

Place order for shutters to be custom-manufactured based on specifications.

Installation

Have shutters professionally installed for proper fit, operation, and alignment.

Adjustments & Finishing Touches

Make any final adjustments or additions like holdbacks, ornamentation etc.

When buying shutters, allow time to thoughtfully move through each vital step.

Key Measurements Needed

In order for shutters to fit correctly when manufactured, extremely precise measurements must be taken of the windows receiving shutters:

Height – Exact height from the bottom of the window opening to the top is crucial. Measure height at left, center, and right. Use the shortest height.

Width – Width should be measured across the top, middle, and bottom of the window opening. Use the smallest width.

Reveal – The recess distance from the front window finish trim to the back of the window frame where shutters will mount.

Light Obstructions – Note any sills, handles, cranks, or other elements that would interfere with shutter operation or coverage.

Shape – For specialty windows, provide the radius of arched windows or angled measurements of uniquely shaped windows.

With proper measurements the shutters will seamlessly integrate over each window for a custom fit.

Interior vs. Exterior Shutters

A key choice is whether you want indoor or outdoor shutters. Key differences:

Interior Shutters

• Provide privacy, light/noise control, and division of interior spaces.
• Usually made of basswood, poplar, MDF or vinyl. Stained, painted or bare.
• Mount directly to window frames or walls beside windows.
• Less robust construction focused on appearance rather than weatherproofing.

Exterior Shutters

• Enhance curb appeal while protecting windows from weather.
• Made of Cedar, Mahogany, or synthetic materials like aluminum or vinyl.
• Mounted securely to exterior walls beside windows.
• Durable construction and hardware to withstand moisture, sun, wind.
• Limited color choice focused on UV resistance over aesthetics.

Consider where protection versus appearance ranks in importance.

Major Types of Shutters

Beyond interior or exterior setting, selecting a shutter style involves choices:

Plantation Shutters – Most versatile and popular option. Slatted panels tilt open. Combine privacy and adjustable light control.

Paneled Shutters – Hinged single panels that swing open. Simple & classic appearance. Board & batten is common traditional paneled style.

Bahama Shutters – Angled shutters to shield sun while allowing airflow. Popular for exterior porch settings.

Cafe-Style Shutters – Sleek modern design focused on unobstructed views. Panels slide open horizontally via overhead tracks.

Arched Shutters – Custom-cut curved shutters fabricated to fit circular, oval, and arched specialty windows.

Each major type lends itself better to certain aesthetics and functional needs.

Shutter System Elements

Beyond the shutter panels themselves, the overall system incorporates other important elements:

Frames – Interior plantation shutters are installed within window frames while exterior shutters mount onto frames or walls.

Tracks – Some styles like bypass and sliding shutters operate along overhead ceiling track systems.

Hardware – Hinges, lifts, rods, latches, and pulls enable shutter functionality. Pivoting versus fixed hardware affects use.

Insulation – Interior shutters can sandwich insulation layers between shutter and window.

Ornamentation – Decorative shutter features like cutouts and accent details.

Getting the right accompanying elements is vital for proper shutter installation and operation.

Wood Shutter Material Options

Wood is the most traditional and versatile shutter material:

Basswood

The most common wood for painted interior shutters. Lightweight, affordable softwood that takes paint well. Prone to dents/dings.

Poplar

Traditional painted interior wood option. Machine cuts cleanly. Stains okay but tends to blotchiness. Economical.

Red Oak

Mid-range stained interior shutter option. Nice visible grain and stain uptake. Dents resistance better than basswood.

Maple

Harder wood than oak used for uniform interior staining. Tight grain shows stain gradients wonderfully. Costs more.

Mahogany & Teak

Naturally weather-resistant woods ideal for unpainted exterior applications in sunny regions. Most expensive.

Cedar & Cypress

Best rot-resistant woods for exterior shutters in humid climates. Take paint or stain well. Moderate cost.

Consider climate, budget, and stain versus paint finishes when selecting woods.

Alternative Shutter Materials

While wood remains popular, other materials have advantages:

Vinyl – Durability and color-retention. Resists moisture, rot, and insects. painted interior option with woodgrain look.

Aluminum – Strong, dent-resistant painted metal. Thin slat profiles. Best for coastal or industrial regions. Can dent.

Composites – Wood fibers mixed with resins create durable water-resistant painted material. Combines strengths.

Polyresin – Manmade polymer/resin exterior material. Flexible and fade resistant. Fewer size limitations than wood.

PVC – Common white plastic used for affordable exterior shutters. Heat and moisture warp resistance.

If wood isn’t ideal for application or preference, quality alternatives are available.

Additional Shutter Elements

Beyond the main panels, additional elements support shutter function and appearance:

Frames – Interior plantation shutter frames anchor panels and improve light sealing.

Insulation – Interior foam or fiberglass insulation blocks noise, improves insulation.

Mullions – Vertical divider bars separating shutter sections. Provide individual control of multiple units on one window.

Cutouts & Shapes – Custom openings and outlines for a unique look matching architecture.

Ornamentation – Decorative hardware like hinge straps, shutter ties, and holdbacks.

Extra details make shutters align with home character or serve specialized privacy functions.

Interior Shutter Color and Finish Options

Interior shutters present abundant aesthetic possibilities:

Paint Finishes – Any color works from bright whites to deep bold hues. Semi-gloss most common. Match or contrast home decor.

Stained Wood – Natural wood grain shows through translucent stains in light to dark wood tones. Multiple coats.

Whitewashed – Pickled antiqued look where white paint is applied over wood grain. On-trend rustic appearance.

Distressed – Simulates aged vintage appearance with intentionally cracked paint and visible worn wood.

Metallics – Shimmer modern effect applying silver, gold, copper metal-effect paints. More for accent shutters.

Wrapped – Real wood veneer laminated onto shutter slats provides natural wood look with cost savings.

Interior shutters present abundant aesthetic possibilities for personalized looks.

Hardware and Accessory Options

The hardware selected affects functionality and controls:

Hinges – Concealed, decorative, heavy duty, special self-closing options. Affects pivot style.

Latches – Hidden internal latches keep shutters closed vs. exterior mounted manual latches or bolts.

Tilt Rod – Solid rods rotate panels vs. hollow rods allowing hidden opening wands or remote operation.

Hinge Pins – Exposed barrel hinge pins allow slat-by-slat adjustment. Not child safe.

Holdbacks– Limit shutter swing when open. Options like magnets, hooks, catches, and shutter ties.

Many customizable hardware varieties to enable shutters to operate according to needs.

Specialty Shutters

Unique needs demand specialty shutter options:

Motorized Shutters – Interior shutters opened and closed via remote controls, keypads, or smart home automation.

Storm Shutters – Heavy-duty exterior storm protection. Withstand impacts from debris/projectiles in high winds.

Security Shutters – Exterior shutters reinforce windows from burglary and vandalism when locked closed.

Blackout Shutters – For total light blockage, especially for media rooms. Offer room darkening.

noise Reduction Shutters – Insulated shutters specifically made to dampen exterior noise when closed.

These shutter varieties serve specific protective and functional problems around the home.

Freestanding Shutters

Shutters need not be installed over windows. Freestanding options create flexible decorative privacy:

Room Dividers – Interior shutter panels used similarly to folding screens to partition large spaces.

Closet Doors – Full height shutters that slide or fold closed to conceal closets elegantly.

Patio Shutters – Vinyl panels section off patios and decks while allowing airflow when open.

Freestanding shutters enable creative applications apart from windows

Getting the Right Professional Help

To ensure an ideal shutter purchase and installation process:

Shutter Specialists – Seek retailers focused specifically on window shutters over generic blinds companies. You want seasoned shutter experts.

Design Consultation – Have an in-home visit to discuss needs and get expert recommendations for your exact windows and rooms.

Precision Measurement – Hire technicians experienced in measuring specifically for shutters to get every fraction right the first time.

Local Manufacturing – Custom fabricated in Australia provides quicker turnaround, easy adjustments, and no hidden import fees.

The right specialists make purchasing and installation smooth, successful, and satisfying.

Conclusion

With all the options and steps involved, buying shutters demands due diligence. Maximizing the value shutters offer your property requires getting the specifics right. We hope this guide provided insights to make the buying process efficient and clear. Please reach out to our team of experts anytime for personalized guidance tailored to your project requirements.