If you’re considering purchasing shutters for your windows, you might consider investing your time and energy to find out the difference between 100% solid wood shutters compared to poly or vinyl. Many simply call the vinyl plastic, and that in itself turns many people away.
One hundred percent wood doesn’t always mean the same thing either. Solid wood does not include particleboard that consists of composites that are manufactured from wood shavings and then pressed together. If that doesn’t bother you, look up the process online.
Quality custom shutters, made from solid 100% wood, are not manufactured, and not glued together to create the look of 100% wood. However they will not stand up to the scrutiny of customers who demand high quality 100% wood.
Now that you know the wood to look for, check out the paint on the shutters. The top quality shutter will have 3 coats of base coat and 2 coats of topcoat. Many companies paint their shutters with the louvers closed together. When that happens, the paint is not even and moisture can penetrate the shutters. The correct way to paint the louvers is to paint them before they assemble them. Otherwise the paint does not seal totally so check the edges of the louvers. Staining should be done in similar ways.
The length of the staples used in construction should be 5/8” to 3/4” and when a company cuts corners on the staples, you end up with a product that will not last. Another way to cut corners is by using dowels instead of cutting a solid piece of wood and fit it together like a puzzle. The dowels are easier and faster to install, but will not stand up to the test of time.
Using catches is cheaper than using magnets that are normally recessed into the wood and placed on the backside of the shutter. You should check out the hinge. A quality hinge will not be a butterfly hinge that is cheaper and easier to install. Full panel hinges will be stronger and hold up much longer.
We could go into the making of the vinyl, or plastic shutters, but because of space, we’ll just mention the things that the salespeople claim make them better than wood. They say price is the biggest concern, and many would agree that their customers don’t demand quality, but are interested only in the price factor.
They also claim that the vinyl will not yellow, crack, and never need painting. Some of that may be true, but certainly not all. Some of the vinyl shutters are reinforced with aluminum, and that would make them stronger, but not all manufacturers use it.
So your best bet is to learn the facts before you decide. Check out the materials on both the 100% wood (not composites), and the vinyl. Another great modifier is to find out how long the company has been in business. You certainly don’t want a fly by night operator, but you do need to do your own homework.
Golden West Shutters Specializes in Lake Forest Shutters, Orange County Shutters, and Plantation Shutters Los Angeles.
Showing posts with label orange county shades. Show all posts
Showing posts with label orange county shades. Show all posts
Monday, October 8, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
Modern Plantation Shutters
When you think of plantation shutters, you, like many others, believe they date back before the Civil War. Plantation designates the homes built by slaves in the south during that period. Modern plantation shutters bear no resemblance and there are many more choices. The shutters add a permanent addition and the value of your property increases exponentially.
Your first choice would be the exterior or interior type of shutter. Now we’re going to write about the interior plantation shutter even though both types operate in the same way. However the exterior shutters can be permanently installed and have no function other than to add beauty and individualism to your property.
The interior shutter still provides privacy as well as protection when they are closed. They are easy to use and when you want more for your windows, you can add draperies or curtains without obstructing their use.
When you desire painted shutters to blend with the same color as the room where you install them, the choice would be wood. Vinyl shutters often come in white or off-white colors, but you can change the color of paint on vinyl modern plantation shutters as often as you paint your room. They may need a special paint to adhere.
Modern plantation shutters also give you the choice to control whether or not light enters your room. When you close the louvers tight the room becomes darker, and you can open the louvers while the shutter is still sitting against your window. So you choose from dark to light and all the way in between.
So besides privacy and protection you’ll find the modern plantation shutter comparatively easy to install. They are easy to use and they don’t just sit there collecting dust but when they do, they’re easy to clean. The modern dusters that don’t rely on feathers work well, and when they need extra cleaning a damp cloth works well especially on the vinyl shutters.
If you’re unsure about the installation of your shutters that will be permanently installed, you may want to call in a professional. One good thing about a professional installation, if they make a mistake while measuring, they will order new shutters and of course there will be no charge for the error.
When you do the job yourself, you may be paying double and the increase in costs won’t be absorbed.
Unusual size windows will be no problem and the advice you receive from a professional will be well worth your efforts.
Golden West Shutters Specializes in Lake Forest Shutters, Orange County Shutters, and Plantation Shutters Los Angeles.
Your first choice would be the exterior or interior type of shutter. Now we’re going to write about the interior plantation shutter even though both types operate in the same way. However the exterior shutters can be permanently installed and have no function other than to add beauty and individualism to your property.
The interior shutter still provides privacy as well as protection when they are closed. They are easy to use and when you want more for your windows, you can add draperies or curtains without obstructing their use.
When you desire painted shutters to blend with the same color as the room where you install them, the choice would be wood. Vinyl shutters often come in white or off-white colors, but you can change the color of paint on vinyl modern plantation shutters as often as you paint your room. They may need a special paint to adhere.
Modern plantation shutters also give you the choice to control whether or not light enters your room. When you close the louvers tight the room becomes darker, and you can open the louvers while the shutter is still sitting against your window. So you choose from dark to light and all the way in between.
So besides privacy and protection you’ll find the modern plantation shutter comparatively easy to install. They are easy to use and they don’t just sit there collecting dust but when they do, they’re easy to clean. The modern dusters that don’t rely on feathers work well, and when they need extra cleaning a damp cloth works well especially on the vinyl shutters.
If you’re unsure about the installation of your shutters that will be permanently installed, you may want to call in a professional. One good thing about a professional installation, if they make a mistake while measuring, they will order new shutters and of course there will be no charge for the error.
When you do the job yourself, you may be paying double and the increase in costs won’t be absorbed.
Unusual size windows will be no problem and the advice you receive from a professional will be well worth your efforts.
Golden West Shutters Specializes in Lake Forest Shutters, Orange County Shutters, and Plantation Shutters Los Angeles.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Decorative Exterior Shutters
When you consider shutters old fashioned or long past their usefulness, think again. The new decorative exterior shutters that you open and close from the inside of your home are once again popular. Then when you add decorative to the exterior shutters, you have a totally new and attractive item to dress up your home both on the exterior and interior.
You can design your shutters so they are beautiful from both sides. Or you can have them permanently attached to your home. Then you can have sculpted or raised panels within the panels. There are also flat panels with carvings with many designs added to them. They also cut the panels in strips and install then in the open lattice style. Either way you can still have decorations that you’ll be proud to show off.
Functional exterior shutters can still be open or closed with the option of shutting out the harsh weather, keeping your home cooler, or securing the inside of your home from invaders. You’ll find them in areas where heavy winds assault your home; however they are popping up even in less severe climates and not only for looks. The decorative exterior shutters add a feature that is unique to your home, and your home stands out in contrast to the neighborhood.
The materials for exterior shutters are diverse as well. From the wooden, old- fashioned ordinary shutters to the wide array of styles that take on an entirely new look. There are metal and vinyl decorative shutters that stand up well against their wooden counterparts.
To see the variety of new shutters visit a company that specializes in shutters, both interior and exterior. Just make sure they also offer the decorative exterior shutters. Take your ideas to them to see if they can use your ideas as they design the shutters to fit your homes designs, whether traditional, conservative or rustic.
You’ll find many shutters offered at your local hardware store, but you won’t see the unique decorative shutters offered by a small business that is hungry for your business. They’ll work with you to construct and design them to your taste, and pocket book. Then they’ll install them, make sure they work as promised, and you’ll be having your neighbors knocking on your door to find out where you bought them.
Lead the crowd as you upgrade your own home and show them how easy it is to start a new fashion statement.
Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County shutters, Shutters in Los Angeles, and window treatments in San Diego.
You can design your shutters so they are beautiful from both sides. Or you can have them permanently attached to your home. Then you can have sculpted or raised panels within the panels. There are also flat panels with carvings with many designs added to them. They also cut the panels in strips and install then in the open lattice style. Either way you can still have decorations that you’ll be proud to show off.
Functional exterior shutters can still be open or closed with the option of shutting out the harsh weather, keeping your home cooler, or securing the inside of your home from invaders. You’ll find them in areas where heavy winds assault your home; however they are popping up even in less severe climates and not only for looks. The decorative exterior shutters add a feature that is unique to your home, and your home stands out in contrast to the neighborhood.
The materials for exterior shutters are diverse as well. From the wooden, old- fashioned ordinary shutters to the wide array of styles that take on an entirely new look. There are metal and vinyl decorative shutters that stand up well against their wooden counterparts.
To see the variety of new shutters visit a company that specializes in shutters, both interior and exterior. Just make sure they also offer the decorative exterior shutters. Take your ideas to them to see if they can use your ideas as they design the shutters to fit your homes designs, whether traditional, conservative or rustic.
You’ll find many shutters offered at your local hardware store, but you won’t see the unique decorative shutters offered by a small business that is hungry for your business. They’ll work with you to construct and design them to your taste, and pocket book. Then they’ll install them, make sure they work as promised, and you’ll be having your neighbors knocking on your door to find out where you bought them.
Lead the crowd as you upgrade your own home and show them how easy it is to start a new fashion statement.
Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County shutters, Shutters in Los Angeles, and window treatments in San Diego.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
How to Clean Drapes
Before you tackle the job of cleaning your draperies or curtains read the tag to see the best method of cleaning and follow the manufacturer recommendations. The tag should also tell you what the materials are in the fabric. It doesn’t have to be expensive to clean the window treatments, but these suggestions may be of help to get the job done.
Identify the fabric and when you clean curtains, the best method may be to put them in the washing machine. Wash on hand-wash or delicate cycle with cold temperatures and a gentle cleanser. If your washer does not have the hand-wash cycle, you can always wash the curtains by hand in the sink or tub. Don’t scrub them or agitate them for any length of time. When they are clean, don’t dry them in the dryer unless the manufacturer suggests it. You can hang dry them outside but bring them in as soon as they are dry and return them to the window.
Heavy draperies are harder to clean and you should never put them in the washing machine or the dryer. You can use the vacuum attachment after you gently shake the fabric to remove some of the dust. Then vacuum them paying special attention to the folds and edges of the fabric. Work from top down, front and back, and be cautious as small spiders may live within the folds. Much will depend on the fabric of your draper-ies.
Many refuse to tackle the job themselves especially the heavy draperies. There are companies who will come to your home and pre-vacuum the draperies to remove the dust. They then spray the fabric with a dry cleaning solution before they install them in their machine that will remove ground in the dirt, pollen, allergens and even smoke.
They will then re-install them and your draperies will be clean and fresh.
Most companies will also remove your window treatments and while protecting them, dry-clean them in their establishment. They will then press the drapes and re-hang them to make sure they hang evenly and work properly.
Dust collects on the fabrics of draperies and curtains, and if you clean them regularly by vacuuming them at least every six months you prevent the allergens from entering your home. You should also prepare the area around the drapes and curtains to keep from getting any soil on the floor.
Golden West Shutters Specializes Orange County Shutters, Los Angeles Shutters, San Diego Shutters
Identify the fabric and when you clean curtains, the best method may be to put them in the washing machine. Wash on hand-wash or delicate cycle with cold temperatures and a gentle cleanser. If your washer does not have the hand-wash cycle, you can always wash the curtains by hand in the sink or tub. Don’t scrub them or agitate them for any length of time. When they are clean, don’t dry them in the dryer unless the manufacturer suggests it. You can hang dry them outside but bring them in as soon as they are dry and return them to the window.
Heavy draperies are harder to clean and you should never put them in the washing machine or the dryer. You can use the vacuum attachment after you gently shake the fabric to remove some of the dust. Then vacuum them paying special attention to the folds and edges of the fabric. Work from top down, front and back, and be cautious as small spiders may live within the folds. Much will depend on the fabric of your draper-ies.
Many refuse to tackle the job themselves especially the heavy draperies. There are companies who will come to your home and pre-vacuum the draperies to remove the dust. They then spray the fabric with a dry cleaning solution before they install them in their machine that will remove ground in the dirt, pollen, allergens and even smoke.
They will then re-install them and your draperies will be clean and fresh.
Most companies will also remove your window treatments and while protecting them, dry-clean them in their establishment. They will then press the drapes and re-hang them to make sure they hang evenly and work properly.
Dust collects on the fabrics of draperies and curtains, and if you clean them regularly by vacuuming them at least every six months you prevent the allergens from entering your home. You should also prepare the area around the drapes and curtains to keep from getting any soil on the floor.
Golden West Shutters Specializes Orange County Shutters, Los Angeles Shutters, San Diego Shutters
Monday, May 28, 2012
Fauxwood Shutters?
Fauxwood shutters? Yes, fauxwood. I learn something new every day. Fauxwood shutters are for those people who love real wood, but don’t want the cost or the problems that you get from real wood. Things like cracking, warping, splitting and you won’t have to re-seal, re-oil or re-paint them either.
Fauxwood shutters are normally made from synthetic recycled materials like vinyl or a mixture of wood pulp with resins. Another advantage, you’ll be able to use them in your bathroom and kitchen where moisture gathers, but it won’t faze the fauxwood shutters. They’re cheaper too and they’re environmentally friendly, and when you tire of them they can be recycled again. What more could you want?
No one will be able to tell that they’re not real wood, and they’re more durable and more flexible than wood. They won’t fade in the harsh sun, and if you have kids who like to draw on walls or on shutters, the fauxwood shutters won’t be easy for them because the crayons won’t adhere to the fauxwood. Your pets with sharp claws will do them no harm.
When you’re looking for luxury, you’ll find it in the fauxwood shutters, and they last for years. The options vary just like the real wood shutters, and they come in a variety of colors and even imitate the popular types of wood and wood colors to match your interior motif. They’re easy to clean with a simple damp cloth or a duster to remove clinging dust.
They have all the advantages of regular wood or vinyl shutters without the high costs or high maintenance. They open to adjust the light during the day, or close to allow privacy at night.
The fauxwood shutters come in premade designs and sizes or you can have them custom made to your qualifications. You can buy them and hang them yourself or if you prefer, you can hire a professional who will install them for you.
When you search for a contractor who specializes in custom shutters, ask them if they also provide fauxwood shutters. You will be surprised at the difference in cost while keeping the look of luxury in your home. With a professional’s touch, your home will stand out and have that curb appeal that everyone’s talking about. Just remember fauxwood is not actually new, the product has been around for a long time and is now very serviceable for use as shutters.
Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County fauxwood shutters, Shutters in Orange County, and window treatments in Orange County.
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Fauxwood shutters are normally made from synthetic recycled materials like vinyl or a mixture of wood pulp with resins. Another advantage, you’ll be able to use them in your bathroom and kitchen where moisture gathers, but it won’t faze the fauxwood shutters. They’re cheaper too and they’re environmentally friendly, and when you tire of them they can be recycled again. What more could you want?
No one will be able to tell that they’re not real wood, and they’re more durable and more flexible than wood. They won’t fade in the harsh sun, and if you have kids who like to draw on walls or on shutters, the fauxwood shutters won’t be easy for them because the crayons won’t adhere to the fauxwood. Your pets with sharp claws will do them no harm.
When you’re looking for luxury, you’ll find it in the fauxwood shutters, and they last for years. The options vary just like the real wood shutters, and they come in a variety of colors and even imitate the popular types of wood and wood colors to match your interior motif. They’re easy to clean with a simple damp cloth or a duster to remove clinging dust.
They have all the advantages of regular wood or vinyl shutters without the high costs or high maintenance. They open to adjust the light during the day, or close to allow privacy at night.
The fauxwood shutters come in premade designs and sizes or you can have them custom made to your qualifications. You can buy them and hang them yourself or if you prefer, you can hire a professional who will install them for you.
When you search for a contractor who specializes in custom shutters, ask them if they also provide fauxwood shutters. You will be surprised at the difference in cost while keeping the look of luxury in your home. With a professional’s touch, your home will stand out and have that curb appeal that everyone’s talking about. Just remember fauxwood is not actually new, the product has been around for a long time and is now very serviceable for use as shutters.
Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County fauxwood shutters, Shutters in Orange County, and window treatments in Orange County.
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Roller Shutters for Homes
For years and years they installed roller shutters mainly on industrial buildings and shop fronts. They improved security and when closed were unsightly to say the least. Now there are companies that make roller shutters for private homes, and just as the industrial shutters, they not only provide security, but protect the interior of your home to prevent the transfer of heat in the summer and cold in the winter.The roller shutters operate from the inside of the home with either a motorized remote or manual control. The material used is normally steel or aluminum and they mount the shutters in an attractive cassette that they build above the frame of the window or door.
In addition to the top cassette, the essential components on all types of roller shutters are the side guides and bottom rails. The components are available in many assorted colors, but the standard colors are white, black, brown, sand, gray, cream, red, beige and green. There are some manufacturers who offer hundreds of custom colors for the roller shutters to their customers. Often the manufacturers suggest that you match your roof color.
Most people hesitated to install the roller shutters because of the aesthetics until recently when the new and improved models became available. The roller shutters no longer look cold and foreboding. Now they have a new look that blends with the rest of the home’s exterior and even interior designs. New colors give the shutters an added benefit for the homeowner.
Bars added to homes actually splashed a message to undesirables. They must have something of value in there, and the crooks easily invaded the property through the barred windows. Roller shutters offer something new to the homeowner; a product that increases their security when lowered but when raised allows the window to become visually attractive. They bolt the frame to the house and the entire shutter runs inside this frame that is almost impossible to break.
Just one of the advantages of the roller shutters is to protect the home from noise, and the peaceful interior becomes secure from the outside world. The modern roller shutters are engineered with gearing systems that are silent and roll up easily.
Find a company that is familiar with roller shutters, and they will answer all of your questions, give you a fair price, and they may even be able to frame the roller shutters onto your garage door opening.
Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County shutters, Shutters in Orange County, and window treatments in Orange County.
orange county shutters, plantation shutters orange county, window treatments orange county, lake forest shutters, orange county blinds, orange county shades, orange county window treatments, interior shutters orange county, exterior shutters orange county
In addition to the top cassette, the essential components on all types of roller shutters are the side guides and bottom rails. The components are available in many assorted colors, but the standard colors are white, black, brown, sand, gray, cream, red, beige and green. There are some manufacturers who offer hundreds of custom colors for the roller shutters to their customers. Often the manufacturers suggest that you match your roof color.
Most people hesitated to install the roller shutters because of the aesthetics until recently when the new and improved models became available. The roller shutters no longer look cold and foreboding. Now they have a new look that blends with the rest of the home’s exterior and even interior designs. New colors give the shutters an added benefit for the homeowner.
Bars added to homes actually splashed a message to undesirables. They must have something of value in there, and the crooks easily invaded the property through the barred windows. Roller shutters offer something new to the homeowner; a product that increases their security when lowered but when raised allows the window to become visually attractive. They bolt the frame to the house and the entire shutter runs inside this frame that is almost impossible to break.
Just one of the advantages of the roller shutters is to protect the home from noise, and the peaceful interior becomes secure from the outside world. The modern roller shutters are engineered with gearing systems that are silent and roll up easily.
Find a company that is familiar with roller shutters, and they will answer all of your questions, give you a fair price, and they may even be able to frame the roller shutters onto your garage door opening.
Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County shutters, Shutters in Orange County, and window treatments in Orange County.
orange county shutters, plantation shutters orange county, window treatments orange county, lake forest shutters, orange county blinds, orange county shades, orange county window treatments, interior shutters orange county, exterior shutters orange county
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