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The Best Custom Plantation Shutters for Your Home or Business

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Plantation Shutters: Who Loves Them the Most?

Interior plantation shutters continue to be a favorite craze – long after specialists predicted the fad would fade. Google analytics provides invaluable information about internet search engine tendencies.  Information that can assist you when looking for strongest shutter market – in a near real time fashion. While I don’t profess to be an expert with this tool I will tell you that even a layman will get invaluable information in short order.

Simple and to the point.

  • Utah
  • Florida
  • Louisiana
  • South Carolina
  • Virginia

Who is talking about “plantation shutters” ?


Virginia comes in a strong fifth, suggesting continuing interest in interior shutters.

Using this term we see that the strongest interest in Virginia is in the Hampton Roads region.

Using terms to try to understand how they are playing out according to Google analytics can get a bit tricky… especially when dealing with plantation shutters. One major thing I have noticed is that plantation shutters are not called plantation shutters everywhere.  IN fact as you start going north up the eastern seaboard and into the Ohio Valley they are referred to as interior shutters.  This change in terminology would obviously make a difference when researching terminology related to a product.

By example, use the term “plantation shutters” and then check out the heat map. While Virginia stays in the top-five, signaling a fluid use of both terms, three NEW states break into the top- five when using “interior shutters”:  Arizona, Massachusetts and North Carolina – which comes in number one, when this term is used.

Virginia is Split

In Virginia the term begins to change as you approach the DC metropolitan area.

The northern area of the state is the region that appears to be driving that data together with the Hampton Roads region not even registering when looking for the term “interior shutters.

None of this really matters unless you’re advertising your business. It’s clear that you must do the research to make ensure the keywords are the best keywords driving your customers to your on-line presence.  Better the keywords, better the SEO and chance for success.

Hardwood interior shutter prices in Virginia range from $25-$40.  Much of that depends on the brand and whether or not you can buy manufacturer direct. The best bargain can be found in a good manufacturer, like Show-Case Shutters.  The Virginia manufacturer provides a complete, full service package for one price.  That bundle should contain measurement consultation, custom manufacturing, installation, guarantee and any follow up service.

Be careful of dealers offering cheap shutters.  As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.”  A sentence so true in the shutter business. The best way to avoid that pitfall is to simply do your research.  If your shutter manufacturer has plenty of good online reviews you are probably in pretty good shape.

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History of Shutters Goes Back Centuries

Doors as well as windows are perfect matches for interior shutters.

To understand the history of shutters you have to realize the first shutters were in Ancient Greece. Not surprisingly shutters from that era were made of marble.  Designed for light control and ventilation, they also provided a modicum of privacy. However, as one would expect, they were heavy and immovable.

History of Shutters

Tudor England, in the 1500’s, saw the common use of solid timber shutters that covered the lower half of windows.  In those days glass was an expensive commodity; the lower classes only had glass panes on the top half of their windows. To let in air and light, one had to fold the shutter panel against the wall.  They provided security and protection from heat and cold.

Needless to say, the wealthier classes could afford glass and showed off their largesse by installing many small  windows in their homes (Tudor style).

A few hundred years later, shutters became full height on windows as the affordability of glass for the masses was more widespread. Walls were so thick, it was common to have internal shutters that could fold away into side cavities in the walls when not in use. Exterior shutters were too difficult to reach for closing.

Shutters in the 19th Century

From the early 1800’s shutters became attached to the exterior of houses and walls became thinner. In early Colonial times, shutters were widely used on all types of dwellings.  They provided successful protection against the harsh sun and heat of the colony.  Of course the wealth of the home owner dictated the elegance of the shutter; emancipated settlers had to make their own louvers, whereas the well to do could afford more tailored solutions.

The Industrial Revolution introduced new manufacturing techniques so that shutter panels could be made with flat louvers. These slats could be angled to filter light and assist ventilation. They also protected the windows themselves from the elements. Of course they were made of local timbers and were durable and very thermal.  In particular, big plantations in the southern US states actually led to the term, “plantation shutters”.  A term applied as shutters were commonly used on the grand style facades to protect the structure from the elements.

Historical vs. Modern

In the 21st Century, shutters are used worldwide both inside and outside.  The biggest difference is the materials used, which range from high tech plastics, to timbers and aluminium.  Heritage homes still cry out for the authenticity of timber panels, whilst the more modern home can accommodate wider panels in a variety of materials.

As the history of shutters show the benefits are far reaching: privacy, light control, ventilation, protection from the elements.  They also add another benefit: visual appeal. Correctly installed shutters can look spectacular and add huge value to your home, whether internal or external.

This article, by Lucia Van Gerwin, originally appeared in Sourcable in November, 2016. 

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American Made Shutters

American made shutters by Show-Case Shutters out of Christiansburg, Virginia.

“Made in the USA” is a big deal for a lot of people.  It is especially important when dealing with a high end product like interior plantation shutters.  Unfortunately, many people don’t realize there are American made shutter companies that offer some of the best products on the market.

American Made Shutters

When talking about interior plantation shutters there are not a whole lot of quality American made shutters to choose from.  Show-Case Shutters, based in Virginia, is one of the few exceptions. The company has turned out quality American made shutters for nearly 20 years.

Considering the company survived the great recession without compromising the product – it shows there are American made shutters that can be trusted.  In fact, the company guarantees they will price beat any comparable product!

In the central part of the country, another quality American made shutter comes from Kirtz Shutters.  Based in Oklahoma, this company also survived the test of time as proof of their quality.

Shutters NOT Made in America

The fact is, most of your major shutter brands are not American made shutters.  A fact those companies do not spend a lot of time talking about.

For example Graber shutters are, in part, assembled in the United States. However, they are not American made shutters. Their product comes from Mexico where labor costs are a fraction of the cost in the US.

Another top brand, Norman Shutters, are also not American made shutters.  This product, while a solid product, is manufactured in China.

The main exception is Hunter Douglas.  However, while they do offer American made shutters, you should know they contract their work to third party regional manufacturers.  While you are paying big money for the brand your product is coming from a smaller company that you likely have never heard of.

“So what”, you say?  While I am in no way suggesting the product is not quality, the fact is you are basically paying a premium price for a name.  There are plenty of competitors that have as good, or better, product lines.

Made in America vs. Assembled in America

Custom woodwork by American craftsman is a standard many customers are looking for.

There are all sorts of slick websites out there that infer they offer American-made shutters when in reality the product is just assembled stateside.

While I am not going to name these companies off, while doing your research ensure that you get your sales rep to distinguish between the two – if American-made is a big deal to you.

Two national shutter sites that offer American-made shutters are Horizon Shutters and Plantation Shutters Near Me. Both companies work with a “Made in America” product. Show-Case Shutters is their company of choice because of their commitment to quality and the local economy.

Why Does it Matter?

Why should people care about American made shutters?  A number of reasons make this decision an easy one for customers all over the country.

First, buying American made shutters supports your neighbors.  Take ShowCase Shutters for example.  The company employs more than a dozen Americans.  They purchase their parts from All American Components – which is based in Indiana.

“Are you going to support China or your own country?”, said AAC owner, Bill Featherston.

Featherston, who used to run his operation from China, moved it to Indiana after watching, first hand, the shady tactics of the Chinese government

AAC employs about 25 Americans in Indiana. The products AAC manufactures use wood from several states including Wisconsin and Kentucky.

It is a far cry from the Chinese, who Featherston said, uses wood almost exclusively from Russia.  Most of it illegal.

“I’d say more than 50% of it is black market,” said Featherston.

“I’ve actually seen money in suitcases exchanged.”

Featherston is hoping that playing field changes as the Trump-administration takes charge.

“Everything they do, they copy us and make it cheaper.  Why would anyone do business with China?”

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DiY – Plantation Shutters Near Me

Show-Case Shutters, an all-American interior shutter company in Virginia provides custom shutters for DiY clients across 37 states for Horizon Shutters of Kansas City.

Wondering how you can find affordable “plantation shutters near me”?

Show-Case Shutters is going DiY by  teaming up with Horizon Shutters – a Do it Yourself (DiY) help center designed to save the right client a lot of money!

Interior shutter costs are basically broken down like this:  1. Base Price  2. Shipping  3. Installation

Plantation shutters are a big investment but if you are good with a measuring tape, and know how to use a drill, the journey can be a lot easier, and cheaper, than expected.

That’s because installation can cost you anywhere from $4-$7 per square foot!!  Take that out of the equation and you can easily see where you save money. A typical front elevation on a home runs about 150 square feet.  Do the math!

Additionally, since we are the manufacturer, you do not have to pay a middle man to get you the quality product you deserve.  In fact, when you use a company like Budget Blinds – which does not manufacture their own products – you pay a hefty price as they buy wholesale and then mark up the product.  That isn’t the case when you go DiY.

So, in areas where we do not offer full “no liability” service, or regions where we do not have distribution partners, you can still get premium Show-Case Shutters if you have the right know how!

Plantation Shutters Near Me

Currently, Show-Case Shutters offers its premium American-made product to full service customers in several states. In Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, North Carolina and Washington DC.  This offering can be done through Show-Case Shutters itself or through one of several authorized dealers at Plantation Shutters Near Me!!

Customers in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Connecticut (NYC) should contact us for the nearest distributor.

For DiY clients:  Horizon Shutters stretches to the remaining 37 states and Canada!!

Interior mount shutters with mid-rail. Bracey, Virginia.

How DiY Works

To start, simply take pictures of the windows and doors you are interested in having shutters made for.  Then, take some simple measurements:  Take three for the width and three for the height; sending your representative the smallest measurement of the three.  That’s it!!

You can find a video on how to complete a basic measurement here: Measure Video.  There is also step-by-step help on the Horizon Shutters website.

From there we will work up a rough estimate for you to consider while our representative works with you to customize your needs.

30 Days Later

Once your shutters arrive (either Fed Ex or UPS Freight) our representatives will be available for questions, via phone and email, to help you complete the installation (client must pay shipping).  There are also a variety of videos available to help you with this process.  We can also help you locate a professional installer in your area.

Interested in learning more?  Contact Sales and Marketing Manager, David Tate at (540)206-7479.  He is available seven-days a week from 7am – 10pm EST.

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Church Plantation Shutters Make Comeback

showcase-collinsville-church

Shutters in Church

When you think of church, think of plantation shutters.

From the outside looking in it would appear that  interior shutters would look good in many church settings. However, the actual question is: Are plantation shutters a good investment of a congregation’s money?

All things considered, quality wood interior shutters aren’t inexpensive and most congregations aren’t able to easily consider them. One great spot to get an idea as to why a church congregation would make such a decision is High Bridge Presbyterian Church in Natural Bridge, Virginia.

showcase-high-bridge-1Updating History

Dating back to the Civil War-era you can imagine the history this church has probably seen – if your imagination can erase a modern out building and the playground.

The church is just a few miles from historic Natural Bridge – which was surveyed by George Washington and once owned by Thomas Jefferson.

So how did this historic church congregation come to this conclusion?

It all started with an anonymous donation earmarked to restore the church’s stained glass windows.  That project came in under budget leaving some extra funds.

“It seemed brilliant. We got a lot of feedback that was great.”

John McCoy, project manager, said this was as demanding an endeavor as any.  Everyone in the congregation appearing had something to say or guidance to offer.

In the end, the best advice came from Christiansburg-based manufacturer, Show-Case Shutters.  “It’s all we do.  That’s why we do it so well,” said Shan Carroll, President.

It is something we like to do because churches, usually, are a great fit for interior shutters,” said Show-Case Shutters marketing director, David Tate.

“In fact, we offer some nice discounts to houses of worship because we understand their financial constraints.”

Constraints that often times make changing out window treatments a rare event.

“We had blinds from the sixties up there before,” said McCoy.

“This gives three options we didn’t have to us: the shutters can fully open, we can close them all together or we can open some of the louvers and make some of them shut.”

“The toughest thing you can do is make an effort to make everyone in a congregation happy. I think we may have simply done that with this project.”

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