Which plantation shutters are the best in Australia?

With their elegant horizontal louvers and rich architectural style, few window treatments rival the beauty of plantation shutters. But with so many brands and types available, how do savvy homeowners determine which plantation shutters are the best quality and value in Australia?

In this guide, we’ll examine what sets excellent plantation shutters apart from the rest. We’ll look at critical factors like materials, construction, hardware, durability, functionality, warranties and pricing. We’ll also overview some of Australia’s premier shutter manufacturers known for superior craftsmanship.

Let’s explore what hallmarks to look for when investing in exceptional plantation shutters for your home.

Hallmarks of Quality Plantation Shutters

Indicators that separate the very best plantation shutters from inferior options include:

Premium materials – Made from solid basswood, cedar, mahogany or composite woods versus lower grade pine. Reinforced with aluminum or sturdy polymers rather than plastic.

Handcrafted – Frames and louvers manually cut, planed and sanded by skilled artisans versus completely machine made.

Robust hardware – Thick durable hinges, rods and latches usually metal versus flimsy plastic.

Specialty coatings – Heat-cured UV resistant baked-on enamel finishes that won’t yellow or flake over time.

Precise louvers – Each louver cut and set to exactly match others for even spacing, minimal light gaps and smooth operation.

Customization – Shutters made individually for each window opening based on unique on-site measurements of the specific window.

Warranties – Exceptional shutter manufacturers offer 10-15 year guarantees covering materials and workmanship.

Taking the time to examine and understand these quality indicators helps ensure investing in shutters that truly last.

Where are the Best Shutters Manufactured?

In Australia, the highest caliber plantation shutters are generally crafted locally rather than imported overseas. Reasons include:

Local wood species – Aussie Basswood remains the gold standard for strength, stability and organic beauty. Imported woods introduce issues like cracking, splitting or fading.

Familiarity with climate conditions – Local manufacturers understand the demands of Australia’s varied environments from heat and humidity to sea air. Shutters are accordingly built to withstand extremes.

Stringent quality control – Manufacturing locally enables rigorous multi-stage quality assurance. Reviews at each step minimize imperfections.

Convenient service – Being based in Australia provides easier handling of warranty issues, replacements and servicing needs without shipping delays.

Supporting national economy – Utilizing local Australian craftsmanship and wood sources keeps dollars circulating closer to home.

The superior quality, durability and service from local shutter companies makes buying Australian an easy decision.

How are the Best Shutters Constructed?

Hallmarks of meticulous craftsmanship from the finest manufacturers include:

Wood Frames

• Mortise and tenon joinery for strong shutter panel integrity able to endure years of use. Avoid stapled butt joints which loosen over time.
• Wide mid-rails and lock rails to prevent sagging, warping and light gaps. Thin fragile rails distort easily.
• Back rails rabbeted to recess rear of panel for a clean finished look. Non-rabbeted panels seem rough.

Louvers

• Individually cut louvers planed smooth by hand for perfect uniformity. Machine molded louvers show obvious imperfections.
• Minimized space between louvers to improve rigidity and light obstruction when closed. Large light gaps appear unsightly.
• Hidden interlocking to strengthen lateral louver cohesion. Visible screws connecting louvers together cheapen the look.
• Fretwork cutouts allow louvers to pivot smoothly across the radius without binding.

Superior carpentry and hand craftsmanship separates the exceptional shutters from the mediocre.

Premium Materials Make the Best Shutters

Not all materials suit the demands of Australian conditions equally. The most resilient options include:

Basswood – Hardwood native to Australia makes solid yet light panels that resist warping. The top choice for strength, stability and beauty.

Cedar – Fragrant red cedar boasts natural water resistance. The preferred wood for wet regions from bathrooms to seasides.

Teak – This tropical hardwood offers incredible density and longevity. A luxury choice for ultimate durability.

Aluminum – Never rusts or rots making aluminum ideal for coastal and bushfire prone regions despite industrial aesthetic.

Polyresin composites – Moldable synthetics like Silica Polymer mimic wood while exceeding swell and shrink resistance.

When only the best longevity and performance will do, these robust shutter materials prove themselves over time.

Hidden Strengths: Premium Shutter Reinforcements

Advanced reinforcements also boost shutter resilience against sagging and damage:

Aluminum or composite mid-rails – Reinforces thick horizontal bands along taller shutters against bowing and adding critical structural rigidity.

Full length coped hinge joints – Hinge cutouts across full length rather than partial boosts durability. Prevents cracking around screw holes.

Wide lock rail construction – Added mass of thick lock rail prevents shutters pulling away from frames under heavy use.

Corner block reinforcements – Composite blocks at corners add strength to withstand years ofopening and closing without loosening.

High density composite louvers – Heavier and stronger than wood alone making them more dent and impact resistant.

The best shutters fortify trouble prone areas most prone to fail over decades of use.

Hallmark Hardware of Premium Shutters

Everyday use demands quality hardware able to withstand constant operation:

Hinges – Multiple large stainless steel hinges assure smooth motion over time without sagging. Avoid smaller single hinges which strain under weight.

Hinge pins – Thick non-deforming zinc or stainless steel hinge pins maintain hinge integrity without bending.

Tilt rods – Solid aluminum rods and cast zinc mechanisms enable smooth, durable louver pivoting. Avoid plastic.

Latches – Self-aligning magnetic latches allow snug closure and tight light sealing. No more fumbling with fragile cheap latches.

Spacers – Hidden composite spacers between louvers prevent light leaks and maintain even spacing despite wood movement.

Robust commercial grade hardware prevents premature breakdown or failure over decades of use.

Signs of Shutter Quality in Finishes and Coatings

A shutter’s final finish impacts both appearance and longevity:

Multi-layer hand sanded – Wood shutters sanded smooth between multiple coats prevents trapped imperfections under the surface that telegraph through over time.

Heat-cured baking – Ovens rapidly cure shutter finishes into an ultra hard, impervious surface that maintains its factory sheen vs. air dried finishes that gradually yellow and fade.

UV inhibitors – Powder coating and varnish formulas contain special additives that reflect ultraviolet rays to prevent premature fading.

Marine grade finishes – Exterior shutters and seaside installations benefit from yacht and boat grade varnish formulated to withstand harsh salt air without degrading.

Graffiti coatings – Clear top coats guard exterior shutters against vandalism while allowing easy soap and water removal if tagging does occur.

The pinnacle of craftsmanship shows in finishes able to preserve shutters’ beauty and function through years of wear.

Why Customization Matters for Superior Shutters

Trying to retrofit generic one-size-fits-all shutters often compromises quality:

• Warped panels from forcing oversized shutters to fit smaller windows
• Light gaps from using undersized shutters with window frames showing
• Misaligned uneven louvers when panels don’t precisely match openings
• Hardware holes poorly drilled for off-the-rack shutters rather than measured placements
• Visible hinges, tilts and pins positioned haphazardly rather than neatly hidden
• Poor operation from failures to account for window cranks, obtrusions and openings

Custom made-to-order from exact window measurements avoids these pitfalls.

How Custom Shutters Are Measured

Developing made-to-measure shutters starts with meticulous window measurements:

• Use digital calipers able to capture 1/16 inch increments precisely.
• Measure width at top, middle and bottom of frames – account for any variance.
• Measure height on left, center and right sides for consistency.
• Note deepest window casing depth for clearance allowances.
• Check plumb and level – compensate for any out of square windows.
• Document specialty issues like divided lights, hardware obstacles and openings.

With comprehensive precision window measurements, shutters fabricate tailored to your home’s exclusive dimensions for optimal function and appearance.

Key Benefits of DIY Shutter Kits

For handy homeowners, quality DIY shutter kits offer advantages:

Cost savings – DIY kits avoid professional installation labor costs.

Convenience – Kits ship pre-cut and pre-drilled for easier DIY assembly vs. raw materials.

Finishing control – Ability to stain, paint and customize at home.

Flexible schedule – Install shutters on your own timeframe rather than installer’s schedule.

However, DIY kits still require proper skills and tools:

Carpentry precision – Careful fine-tuning needed for light gaps and smooth operation.

Framework repairs – Any window frame remediation adds time and cost.

Staining and sealing – Achieving professional looking finishes still requires practice.

If you possess patience and carpentry skills, shutter kits prove rewarding DIY projects that create custom shutters personalized to your home’s one-of-a-kind needs and style.

Why Warranties Matter When Buying Shutters

You want peace of mind that your major shutter investment will deliver lasting performance and beauty over decades:

Materials warranty – Multi-year guarantee covers shutter materials against defects like delaminating, excessive fading or cracking. Makes durability defects right.

Installation warranty – 1+ year workmanship warranty covers any flaws in original shutter hanging for remediation.

Hardware warranty – Ensures shutters operation hardware performs properly with replacement coverage.

Manufacturer warranty – Provides backup assurance directly from the shutter company if retailer warranties lapse.

Lifetime warranties – Top manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on materials like Basswood and aluminum.

Don’t settle for scant warranties on premium shutters meant to endure. Insist on clear durable guarantees.

How Much Do Quality Shutters Cost?

In Australia, pricing for superior custom-made shutters averages:

Basswood or Ash wood – $400 to $800 per window

Cedar and Mahogany – $700 to $1200 per window

Aluminum – $600 to $1000 per window

Polyresin composites – $500 to $900 per window

Bulk discounts often apply for outfitting multiple windows.

Pricing depends on factors like:

• Material grades and species
• Operating style – hinged, sliding, bi-folding
• Tilt rod type – hidden or standard
• Size and design complexity
• Accessibility and installation ease

Top value requires assessing shutter quality holistically, not just price alone.

Where to Buy the Best Shutters in Australia

Fortunately for Aussies, many leading shutter manufacturers producing top notch products call Australia home:

Bailey’s Shutters – Family owned company manufacturing fine basswood shutters for over 35 years. Operate their own local mill and kiln.

Executive Shutters – Providing premium Australian Basswood shutters since 1990. Feature integrated fly screens.

Exquisite Shutters – Specialists in Basswood, aluminum and cedar shutters made locally in Queensland.

ShutterLock – Innovative shatterproof transparent shutters ideal for storm and bushfire regions.

Aus shutter company – Local company focused on composite shutters built to stand up to harsh Aussie conditions.

The thriving local shutter industry provides plenty of quality choices to suit any project scope and budget.

Warning Signs of Lower Grade Shutters

While usually less expensive upfront, some red flags indicate inferior shutters prone to problems:

• Made from cheaper woods like pine rather than solid Australian basswood.
• Excessively narrow louvers spaced far apart let light bleed through gaps.
• Thin fragile plastic hardware components that easily break under load.
• Limited or non-existent warranty coverage.
• Vague specs without indicating wood species, hardware brands and other details.
• High-pressure sales tactics pushing for immediate full payment upfront.

Carefully vet materials, craftsmanship warranties and seller reputation to avoid disappointments from substandard shutters.

Key Plantation Shutter Benefits Summary

To recap, quality Australian plantation shutters offer:

• Stylish aesthetic appeal that enhances interior design
• Ability to filter and control incoming light pleasantly
• Excellent insulation against heat/cold loss when closed
• Substantial noise reduction for quieter interiors
• Added privacy over windows for discretion
• Protection against UV fading of furnishings
• Framed architectural accents complementing rooms
• Customized sizing to flawlessly fit openings
• Durable strength to last through decades of use

With so many practical and aesthetic benefits over the long run, plantation shutters prove well worth the initial investment.

Conclusion

The Empire Shutters difference meticulous Aussie craftsmanship makes in longevity, performance and overall customer satisfaction quickly becomes evident once you experience quality plantation shutters firsthand.

From robust solid Australian Basswood construction to hand finished detailing, the finest plantation shutters incorporate materials and workmanship proven to stand the test of time while beautifying homes for generations.

With so many outstanding local manufacturers to choose from, discerning homeowners seeking excellence can certainly find plantation shutters suited to fulfill theirAustraliandreams. Contact our team to determine which plantation shutter solutions are best suited to meet your unique needs and style.