November 11, 2016 By Shan

Church Plantation Shutters Make Comeback

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.

Updating 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.”

August 23, 2016 By Shan Leave a Comment

Show-Case Shutters Featured on WSLS

Patrick McKee gets a lesson on plantation shutters from Show-Case Shutter President, Shan Carroll

Recently, WSLS-TV (Channel 10) in Roanoke, Virginia, highlighted Show-Case Shutters. It is part of their ongoing series, “Built in the Blue Ridge” hosted by morning anchor, Patrick McKee.

Show-Case Shutters made a perfect fit for the special series – highlighting unique businesses around central Virginia and the New River and Roanoke Valleys.

Show-Case Shutters, which began manufacturing in 2000, has produced high-quality, American-made shutters for thousands of customers around the country since.

Having survived the Great Recession of 2008, the company stands poised for more success in coming years. Employing more than a dozen workers, Show-Case Shutters has quickly becoming a top competitor among the growing list of shutter manufacturers across the country.

What sets Show-Case Shutters apart is the fact they are the manufacturer. Most companies simply assemble parts into a shutter or just act as a middle man. Show-Case Shutters offers a no liability option that takes the fear out of buying custom shutters.

The company also offers a retail direct service to ten states from Virginia to Chicago. It is done as an effort provide a top quality product to a customer looking to save money.

WSLS’s Patrick McKee’s Visited Show-Case Shutters

When you think about window treatments, you typically think of curtains and blinds. However, a Christiansburg-based company gives you a different option.

Plantation shutters give your home a different look. Furthermore, it’s an upgrade that is more luxurious.

That’s what drew Shan Carroll into the business. His company originally made cabinets before moving into shutters.

“We humans are more apt to pay for something rather then for something that we need,” said President Shan Carroll.

“This is a luxury item,” said Carroll.

“It’s a high end item and I left the cabinet business.”

Furthermore, the product is custom made to fit any opening – no matter the shape or the size.

Growth came to the company after… See the full story here.

June 28, 2016 By Shan Leave a Comment

Recent Interior Shutter Jobs

Hidden Tilt Shutter Job. McKee's Rocks, PA. — Hidden Tilt Shutter Job. McKee’s Rocks, PA.

Show-Case Shutters has been making shutter tracks all over the US for 17 years. This year is no different. During that time the company has showcased its hand made shutters through awesome projects like those shown below.

Making the shutter experience as easy as possible, Show-Case Shutters offers a full “no liability” service to retail customers in 10 states. The company also provides DiY (Do it Yourself) service to the remaining 40 states.

Shutter Boom Coming

All of this comes at a great time for the window treatment industry as interior shutters are making a big comeback. This is evident by the number of shutter dealers that have emerged around the country. Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Washington DC, especially, are seeing major jumps in interest and sales.

After solidifying position in Pittsburgh in 2016, Show-Case Shutters is now focused on the Ohio Valley. Currently the company has placed a representative as far west as Dayton, Ohio.

Wholesale, Retail and Shutter Designers Welcome

Show-Case Shutters also works with quality designers and builders across the same territory. These professionals take advantage of the company’s reduced “designer” rate. The rate, between wholesale and retail price points, allows any window treatment professional to be competitive in any market.

The company does not just focus on standard shutters either. Specials like raised panel shutters, barn wood shutters and drift wood shutters are also available. The company is a custom manufacturer that thrives on challenges that other companies cannot tackle. In fact, Show-Case Shutters is a go to manufacturer for other companies looking to fulfill custom requests.

Finally, here are the latest examples of what we are doing right as we have made our way into Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Washington DC in 2016.

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 Shutters So 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.”

March 29, 2016 By Shan Leave a Comment

Window Treatments With Beauty & Value

Plantation Shutters are the most beautiful architectural statement regarding window treatments you can add to your home’s windows

Show-Case Shutters being handmade in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia

Show-Case Shutters, located in Christiansburg, Virginia, handcraft their Plantation Shutters with quality and attention to detail. Our Plantation Shutters are American-made with solid wood components and come in a wide variety of stains and painted finishes. Options that allow you to be very creative with your window treatments.

Beyond that, when your window treatments include interior shutters your room will have an exclusive, stately look. You will also be better able to perfectly control the natural light. Plantation Shutters provide a range of benefits while enhancing the beauty and use of any room.

Benefits with Plantation Shutters as Window Treatments

Show-Case Shutters offers a full “no liability” service that takes the worry out of buying interior shutters.

Energy Savings – Minimize heat loss and gain. Control the amount of sunlight coming in by angling the blades to control the amount sunlight that enters the room.
UV Protection – Protect your valuable furniture and floor finish from harmful UV rays. Sunlight can fade and discolor your home décor investment. Simply by adjusting the angle of the shutter blades upward, you reflect the natural light towards the ceiling without directly impacting on your home’s décor. The plantation shutters allow you the filter or block up to 99% of the sunlight.
Increase Privacy and Security – Privacy with beauty. Show-Case Shutters offers a mid-rail design that allows to independently operate both halves of the shutter. This is done to control the natural light. This greatly enhances the use of any room day or night. For total privacy you can close both lower and upper sections.
Easy Maintenance and Health Benefits – Plantation Shutters require minimal cleaning. Regular dusting is all that is necessary to keep them looking new. Shutters are a perfect choice for those with allergies or asthma to keep dust levels to a minimum.
Home Value – Increase the value of your home with plantation shutters. Interior shutters are the only window treatments that can be included in your home mortgage or appraisal because they are permanently attached.
Controlling Natural Light – Finally, plantation shutters allow you to regulate the amount of sunlight that enters the room. This creates a pleasing glow of light instead of an annoying glare.