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December 22, 2016 By David Tate Leave a Comment

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. 

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: custom shutters, history of shutters, hunter douglas, interior plantation shutters, interior shutters, norman shutters, plantation shutters, plantation shutters near me

December 20, 2016 By David Tate Leave a Comment

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?”

Filed Under: Blog, News, Uncategorized Tagged With: american made, custom shutters, interior plantation shutters, interior shutters, made in america, made in the usa, norman shutters, plantation shutters, plantation shutters near me, show-case shutters, shutters

May 1, 2016 By Shan Leave a Comment

Unique Barn Wood Shutters

Barn wood plantation shutters are nearly impossible to find.  When you do, they can be extremely expensive as re-purposing vintage distressed barn wood can be quit the challenge.

Driftwood shutters adorn a door and two windows in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Barn Wood Shutters

“I got asked one day if I could make barn wood shutters.  That is where the idea came from,” said Show-Case Shutters owner, Shan Carroll.

That inquiry would set Carroll and his engineer team off on a mission to make reproduction distressed barn wood shutters.  A shutter that would have the desired look as well as the quality manufacturing needed for a product expected to last a lifetime.

“The process is a multi-stepped process that is almost entirely done by hand,” said Carroll.

It’s a process that includes grooving the wood, multiple stages of sanding plus a stain finish that is as unique as the shutter.

“Our standard offering is a smoke gray and driftwood white.  But, in all actuality, we custom stain to the client’s needs,” said Show-Case’s marketing manager, David Tate.

Homestead Collection by Show-Case ShuttersSo far, the unique finish is slowly getting noticed.  Recently, Show-Case Shutters added a dealer in Daytona Beach, Florida that is the exclusive distributor in the Sunshine State.

Tropical View Shutters owner, Mike Bono, thinks the finish – especially the drift wood, will do well in the state.

“I am really excited about this product.  Everyone I show really likes it.  It is very unique,” said Bono.

The company uses red alderwood as the standard for the special finish.  No other company makes barn wood shutters; a finish Show-Case Shutters hopes will put them on the map as the supplier of unique, quality shutter finishes.

“It’s all part of our “Homestead Collection”, which also includes a special antique distressed look as well as a knotty stained “rustic” look,” said Tate

“This collection is how we expect to stand out in this competitive market.  That and the fact that we are American-made quality really makes a statement.”

Filed Under: Blog, Shutter Designs Tagged With: Barn Wood, custom shutters, graber, hunter douglas, indiana, interior shutters, kentucky, maryland, norman shutters, North Carolina, ohio, pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, plantation shutters, re-purposed barn wood, roanoke, tennessee, virginia, west virginia, window treatments

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