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Exterior Shutters
Frequently Asked Questions

Are your exterior shutters made of real wood?

​​Exterior Shutters are manufactured in the following materials:

• Cedar/Cypress Wood
• Composite Wood
• ​Aluminum
• Hybrid using both Composite and Aluminum for different components
• Each exterior shutter style will note what material it is available in

How do I know what style to get for my house?

There is no "right or wrong" answer to this.  We suggest browsing our galleries to see what appeals to you and what similar styled homes have used.

What colors are available?

• Paint - We primarliy use Sherwin Williams paint colors, but we can match most paint manufacturers for the color of your choice
  
• Powdercoating - is available in 185 colors 
  
• Stain - We recommend Sikkens colors for exterior staining of the Cedar/Cypress Products, as it is extremely durable.

How long will it take from order to installation of my exterior shutters? 

Exterior Shutters usually take 4-6 weeks from order to installation.

What about installation?  

We professionally install our exterior shutters, but you can DIY this to save a little money.

​I don't know what style options to choose, can you help?

Yes!  We will bring shutter sample panels, color selectors and many years of expertise to our measure and quote appointment and assist with best style and installation methods for your home's exterior.

​How do I know what hardware to choose?

The hardware required depends on the installation method you prefer.  You can see the installation/hardware options on our Installation page (click here) and the Hardware page (click here).  We can work with most hardware choices on any panel, but we will assist you with a hardware recommendation.  

What should I budget for authentic exterior shutters?

• The cost of exterior shutters varies by window size, style, hardware and choice of material.
• As a general rule, we recommend budgeting approximately --
• $300 - $450 for the Everwood Composite 
• $400 - 600 for the Cedar/Cypress Wood and the Hybrid Styles
• $450 - $750 for the Endurance 100% Aluminum Powdercoat 

​Will exterior shutters need to be repainted?

• While all finishes require some maintenance, we are proud to say that most of the materials we use greatly reduce the care & maintenance over any type wood or vinyl shutter!   Here is what we recommend to keep your color looking fresh!
  • Endurance Aluminum Powdercoated Shutters are approximately a 15+ year finish​
  • Everwood Composite Shutters are approximately a 5-10 year finish
  • Cedar / Cypress are real wood and will need to be re-stained or painted every 3 - 5 years
• These are general recommendations.  Lighter color finishes and the finish on shutters covered by porches or roof lines may last longer.  Note that things like gutter spill over, heavy tree or foliage cover or a salty environment may cause finish degradation and require more frequent maintenance.

What is the warranty on exterior shutters?

• The Endurance Aluminum has a structural lifetime warranty - Impervious to moisture, insects, or rot.
• The Everwood Composite has a structural 10 year warranty - Highly Resistant to moisture, insects or rot.
• The Cedar/Cypress Wood has a structural 3 year warranty - Very high quality exterior wood, but a natural product.  Very durable under porches and when the finish is rigourously maintained.
• Click here to view the warranty
• General Shutter & Installation Information
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    1.) Exterior shutters, unlike interior shutters, are made to be seen from one side. There is a front and a back…only the front is meant to be displayed. Even when they are made to close, they do not look the same from both sides. Understand, many people want “functional” shutters, yet never intend to close them over their windows. They are looking for the authentic look, they want to be able to easily clean or paint behind them, or close them briefly for a storm, but not close them for an extended time frame. If they need to look the same from the front and the back, this is a Special Order and needs to be noted up front to see if it can be done for the style you are requesting and for correct pricing and correct manufacturing.
    2.) Because they are only made to be displayed from the front, all manufacturing necessities are done from the back. For paneled shutters, the frames are different on the back, made to hold the panels in place. All fasteners enter through the back, and often the finish on the back does not look the same as the front. You can fill the fastener holes on the back with wood filler, sand them, and use the provided touch up paint to cover that if you feel it is necessary…on 99% of orders, this is never deemed necessary.
    3.) Exterior shutters are to be inspected from 6 feet away. This is the industry standard. Lean them against the house, step back 6 feet…if you see any flaws at that distance, please let us know. We generally inspect all of our product before it leaves our facility with this standard and if there is a problem, we take care of it before it ships or is installed. You will find most shutters are usually seen at far greater distances (from the road, the driveway, across the yard) and that 6 feet is considered a “close up” inspection with this product line. Many people will inspect with a magnifying glass at installation, kindly remember that the inspection should be done, after installation, at 6 feet away, about the closest the shutters will ever be seen.
    4.) Exterior paint finishes do not look the same as interior paint finishes. This is true for painted exterior trim, painted exterior houses, and painted exterior shutters…it does not look like interior painted surfaces. It is never going to be as smooth and flawless as interior finishing is. And, the finish needs 30 days to cure. Sometimes there appears to be a difference in the sheen if held in the right light...this almost has a "streaking" effect. Do not be concerned. This is part of the paint curing process and the sheen will unify as it cures over approximately 30 days.
    5.) Touch up paint is always provided for any scuffing that may occur during shipping, during transport to the installation location, or during the installation process itself. Unfortunately, no matter how well we pack them or how hard we try to prevent this, on occasion some place on the finish does need to be touched up. This is the purpose of the provided touch up paint, it is a very easy solution saving everybody time, shipping costs , and anxiety. Usually the installer takes care of any touch up after installing the shutters and dusting them off.  When you let it dry, you cannot tell where the touch up has been applied from six feet away. If there is any sheen difference, again a 30 day cure time will unify it.
    6.) Exterior shutters are often made up of individual components. Everything is fully primed and finished, but where these components meet, there will be a witness line in the paint. We do not caulk this witness line like you would for interior trim. Again, the standard is a 6 foot inspection.
    7.) Read the details for each shutter style and the shutter materials before you order. You will find detailed specifications for each shutter on our website so you know exactly what you are getting. It will pay off for you to take the time to review these details. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
    9.) Note that all Everwood Shutters 32" or greater require a center hinge. When direct mounted, it must be fastened at the top, bottom and center of the shutter panel on each side. The nature of the material requires it to be installed with good support. This prevents bowing of the material. We recommend the shutters be stored flat prior to installation. If any bowing of the material is noted, it will straighten out and hang perfectly when installed properly. A center hinge or fastener after installation will quickly straighten out any panel that needs it.
    10.) All shutters ordered with the intent of being closed or mounted into a fixed area need to be ordered 1/4" - 1/2" smaller in width and height than the opening measures in order to close properly or fit into a fixed area.
    
    

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