Archive for October, 2010

1.
Determine the size of shutter you will need. By single panel I mean that you will have one shutter panel hinged on each side of the window. You can also get double panels that are hinged on each side and then again to themselves. This creates four panels. For the width of single panel shutters measure the distance between the two sides and divide by two and subtract 1/4″. This will give you two panels that, when added together are 1/2″ narrower than space between the sides.
The height should be the same or slightly higher ( no more than 1 inch) than the distance from the sill to the bottom of the top piece of casing. Get two hinges for each side. These can be 2″ to 2-1/2″ hinges.

2
Install the hinges on the edge of each panel about 3″ from the top and bottom. Place a 1/4″ shim on the sill and set the panel on the shim. You don’t want the panel to sit right on the sill because it will be hard to operate. Have a helper hold the panel perpendicular to the window on the shim. Put one screw in the top hinge to the inside (3/4″) of the casing with the barrel of the hinge facing towards the inside. Put one screw in the bottom hinge in the same way. Check that the shutter operates freely.

3
Install the other panel the same way as the first. Check that they are parallel to the sill and with each other in the center. There should be about a 1/4″ between them in the center.

4
If you want one you can install a hasp that locks the two panels to each other in the center. the hasp will mount to the inside of the panels roughly half way up.

For more information on DIY Shutter installation, please contact premiershutters.co.uk

source: EHOW

There are a lot of different shutters that you can choose from for your house. One specific shutter that many people enjoy is called the plantation shutter. Through wear and tear, though, plantation shutters need to be fixed. Normal tools can be used to repair plantation shutters.

Problem

One of the most common problems the plantation shutter encounters is that the staples fall out. In order to fix this problem, figure out what size staple you need to replace those staples. The louver must be moved in order to make sure that the staple goes in correctly. The tilt rod of the plantation shutter should stick out just like the staples found within the rod.

Louver

The louver may be part of the problem that needs to be fixed on a plantation shutter. At times, the louver may have a dislodged pin that needs to be fixed. Wire cutters can be used to snip the louver staple in the center of the crown. The staple should be separated so that you can separate the tilt rod easily. You should be able to remove the staple from the tilt rod as well. The shutter is removed and the pin that is dislodged in the louver is cut. Once the pin is replaced, the louver is put back on, and the shutter is put back on as well. Then the staple that was broken is replaced.

Source: EHOW

Plantation shutter blinds come in a variety of color, materials, and hanging options. Plantation shutters provide elegance to windows and also provide privacy. Standard plantation shutters are commonly placed inside window frames to prevent having to attach them to window moldings or trims. Unfortunately, sometimes existing plantation shutters become outdated or worn out and then need to be replaced. Like other types of similar window coverings, replacing plantation shutter blinds is not a difficult task.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You’ll Need:
Tape measure
Screwdriver
A helper
Level
Screws supplied from the packaging
1
Place the Z-frame of your blind so that it is centered inside the window frame. Insure that your shutter blinds are open while performing the task.
2
Mount the Z-frame to the window using screws that were provided in the packaging of your plantation shutter blinds. Start in the middle of the blind by inserting a screw with your screwdriver. Add screws to each corner and continue adding additional screws that are 20 inches apart from each other.
3
Adjust the base of the framing so that your panes line up properly. Secure the base of the framing to the casement. Insure that the screw pieces match up with the top part of the framing.
4
Attach the side framing to the casement. Place the screws in the holes that are pre-made on every hinge.
5
Attach in the filler strips and then secure the shutter magnets catches that are supplied with your product packaging. Place the supplied screw hole plugs into all screw holes.

Source: EHow

Plantation shutters are attached either to the wall outside of the window, the trim around the window or inside of the window trim close to the window. Removal of plantation shutters is the reverse process of installation. Remove each shutter before removing the hinges attached to the window trim or supports. This will prevent the screws from pulling out of the wood too quickly and creating a larger hole to be patched.

Locate the pin on the hinge of the plantation shutter. Insert a small finishing nail into the bottom of the hinge. Push the pin up and out of the hinge by tapping the finishing nail with a small hammer. Gently lift the shutter out of position by pulling them out of the hinge plates attached to the wooden supports. Remove the hinge plates from the wooden supports with a screwdriver by turning the screws in a counterclockwise direction.

Plantation shutters are often mounted on a wooden support or spacer that was attached to the wall or trim with screws or nails. Remove the wooden supports by turning the screws in a counterclockwise direction. If nails were used to install the supports, insert a flat pry bar between the supports and window. Gently pry the supports out of position. As the support lifts out of place, slide the flat pry bar further under the wooden support at the location of each nail and apply a little more force.
Repair the Screw or Nail Holes
The remaining screw or nail holes can be filled with wood putty so the wall or trim can be painted or stained to match the surrounding wall or trim. Fill the screw holes with wood putty by placing a little wood putty on your finger and pushing the putty into the hole. Allow the wood putty to dry overnight. Sand the wood putty in the screw holes with 220-grit sandpaper until it is flush with the window trim and paint or stain the area to match the rest of the trim around the window.

source: EHow

Old shutters, whether from your own home or purchased elsewhere, are ideal for creating a myriad of craft projects. Whether you need a storage solution or decoration, wood shutters can help to accent your style. Not only that, but repurposing old materials keeps them out of the landfills and reduces the environmental toll on our planet.

Mail Holder

One of the easiest ways to reuse an old wood shutter is to put it to use as a mail holder. Sand and paint the shutter to a color that compliments your room decor. Mount it on your wall, ensuring that the shutter slats are aimed up. You can label each slat for different kinds of mail or for the members of your family. Mail can be neatly tucked into the slats, helping your family to avoid the dreaded mail pile on the kitchen counter.

Shelving Unit

Sand and paint two tall shutters to match the color scheme in your home. Attach them together into a V-shape using regular L-brackets and wood screws. Purchase wood boards that can be run between the slats of the shutters to create shelves.

Backdrops

Sanded and painted shutters make ideal backdrops for plant displays. Attach the painted shutters to one another using a straight bracket and wood screws and then set them behind the potted plants in your home or garden.

Cabinet

Old wood shutters make great cabinets that can be used for books, toys or trinkets. Fasten three shutters together with brackets and wood screws and then fasten the fourth shutter using hinges so that it becomes a door. Cut two pieces of wood to size that can be screwed into the top and bottom of the cabinet. Shelves can be installed inside the cabinet using wood boards cut to size and screws to keep them in place.

Room Divider

Extra-tall wood shutters make excellent room dividers. Sand and paint them so that they match the decor in your room. Then, purchase large hinges and hinge them together. The hinges give you maximum control over how large your room divider is while unfolded, as well as the ability to fold the room divider portions onto one another for easy storage.

Source: ehow

Whether you’re a crafty, do-it-yourself type or you enjoy reusing common household materials and saying, “I made that!,” the thrill and enjoyment from creating something useful out of junk can be rewarding. Considering a few fun projects made out of window shutters will have your creative (and eco-friendly) juices flowing.

Game Table

If you’re replacing a shutter on your home, chances are you may be replacing both sides, so you may have a mirrored set. Repurpose the shutters into a fun and functional portable game table. First, clean off any dirt or residue on the shutters, and use a screwdriver to attach the two shutters together length-wise. Your next options vary depending on the type of games you enjoy. A fan of poker? Purchase some inexpensive green felt, cut to size slightly larger than the entire length of the shutters. Using super glue, glue the green felt onto the shutters. Next, use a white paint pen to section off the gaming table. Interested in backgammon? Cut foam core to the same length as the shutters and glue it over the top. Using a pattern from an old board game or found online, draw the two lines of inverted triangles, and make two boxes for players’ pips. Puzzle assembly is another use for the foam core board. If you’re a fan of puzzling, the shutter-backed board provides a solid and movable place for you to assemble your pieces.

Card Display

Clean and sand one shutter (or a pair), then select a paint color that matches a theme in your house. Paint the shutter, including the slats; don’t worry if the paint has a few blobs or imperfections as much of the color will be hidden. While the paint is still tacky, sprinkle glitter around the edges of the shutter (not the slats). Allow the shutter to dry outside. Using a level, hang two heavy picture frame anchors or holders on the wall at a length just short of the shutter width when it is standing upright. Hang the shutter on the wall, then place holiday, birthday and special occasion cards inside the slats. Let the front of the cards poke through as decoration.

Yarn Anchor

Stuffing balls of yarn into a box or bucket can get the lengths of yarn twisted up in each other, and you may spend more time unwinding than knitting. Consider a creative way to keep your yarn together by using a small window shutter. Use one from a widow’s peak or single window, not a large one from a bay window. Clean the shutter, and paint it a flattering color. Next, use each slat of the shutter to wind a single skein around; use complimentary colors, such as red and green, next to each other so as not to get them confused. When you’ve added all your yarn, you have an easy way to carry your yarn, a small table to prop in your lap for projects and a way to keep track of skeins and keep them sorted.

source:http://www.ehow.com/list_6182380_window-shutter-crafts.html

We recently received a call from a customer we had fitted window shutters for a couple of years ago. Louise had fitted wardrobes in her bedroom but had become increasingly tired of the mirrored door effect and all the polishing that came with it. She had a though that maybe the window shutters she had fitted in her bedroom would be a good look for her wardrobe doors, so contacted us immediately. She was indeed right! Window shutters are not just a great idea for your windows and doors and have many other uses. Shutters are great as room dividers, doors, cupboard doors and as in Louise’s case, wardrobe doors.

Louise opted for the same wood as we used on her window shutters, The Richmond Range in White.

The wardrobe door shutters were made in 1 large 4 sided frame with a T post running up the middle. The doors were fitted in 2 sections, as you specified by Louise, each with 4 panels, 2 opening left, 2 opening right. The T post in the middle of the frame is great as it allows the doors to be hinged this way.

Louise has been very happy with her new wardrobe shutters and has already contacted us to place an order for wardrobe shutters in her guest room, due to be fitted in 2 weeks time.

There are a lot ways to cover the windows of a house if you are also finding a best way to cover your windows of your house then the wooden shutter will be the right option for you as there are a lot of benefits of these window shutters. Usually these shutters are made of two or more framed panels of fixes louver and with the help of the louvers anyone can easily adjust the ventilation and light of the sun according to him if he want to full light of the sun then he open all the shutter of the window and if he don’t want so much sun light in his house or room then he can adjust the sun light according to him if he want to escape himself from the noise of outside the house then the window shutter will also help him in this.
Plantation shutter is always beneficial for all so you can also choose the window shutters to cover your windows of you house. The shutters are available in the market in different sizes and also in different colors so you can buy a type of shutters according to your requirement and budget.

Source: shutter news

1) It’s a cliché, but nothing beats a personal recommendation.

2) Look for traders that have been accepted on to local authority schemes such as Buy With Confidence, which covers 34 local authorities in the south, or the Government-approved TrustMark scheme (www.trustmark.org.uk). TrustMark means the firm has been vetted by the relevant trade body, passed trading record and financial checks, and is able to offer customers an optional insurance-backed warranty that covers certain problems if the firm goes out of business.

3) Look for members of the relevant association for their trade, such as the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the Electrical Contractors’ Association and the Glass and Glazing Federation.

4) Use online commercial directories of tradesmen with care (see Tradesmen websites compared below). Check any company that you’re planning to contact via the internet has a proper postal address and landline phone number, and ask who their insurer is.

5) Don’t be swayed by a professional-looking website, impressive-sounding logos on stationery or smart vans alone – anyone can buy these. Qualifications and legitimate glowing references from customers are far harder to come by.

6) Get at least three quotes before making your decision. Don’t just opt for the cheapest. Time spent now could save you money and hassle in the long run.

7) Get quotations in writing with timescales and what’s included in the price, taking into account VAT.

Have a contract. You can download one for free from the Federation of Master Builders’ site www.findabuilder.co.uk. The trader should give you details about your seven-day cancellation rights. If they don’t, they’re breaking the law.

9) Never pay in full for a job up front. Make part payments at key stages, using a credit card (if the job is over £100) for additional consumer protection.

Tradesmen websites compared by the Good Housekeeping Insitute

Websites are easily set up and aren’t always a good indicator for trusted builders, with many allowing anyone to join if they pay the subscription. Although not as good as a personal recommendation, these websites could help you in your search.

www.ratedpeople.com

You supply job details and up to three local firms contact you to quote. Website doesn’t vet traders. Previous customers give feedback, which you can only see once a trader has offered to supply you with a quote.

GHI VERDICT Good spread of companies and trades and an easy-to-follow website. But you will still need to check qualifications, experience and insurance yourself.

www.myhammer.co.uk

You can either provide job details and several traders will quote you, or you can search a directory that includes customer ratings. Not all companies are rated. The site will only display qualifications of traders who’ve paid for them to be verified.

GHI VERDICT Very complicated terms. We like that the directory displays reviews and information clearly. We don’t like the quote service, as prices have to be fixed up front.

www.vettedtradesmen.org.uk

You give job details and up to five members will quote you. Traders are vetted by the site and checked for credit-worthiness, county court judgments, public and employers’ liability insurance, and must agree to random site checks. They are also bound by a code of practice. No customer feedback.

GHI VERDICT While the checks it claims to do are useful, you’ll still need to get references and verify qualifications and experience before employing traders. Site appears to have a decent complaints procedure. Traders can vet customers via a credit check.

www.findabuilder.co.uk

You search a database of traders who have been vetted by the reputable Federation of Master Builders. For the lowest membership level, firms must have passed credit checks, been trading for a year, give six references, be insured and sign a code of practice.

GHI VERDICT No customer feedback, but it’s easy to search for local, approved builders.

www.checkatrade.co.uk

You search a database for traders by postcode or company and view previous customer feedback. Website checks firms’ references, qualifications and complaints made to Trading Standards. Traders must pledge to follow the site’s standard.

GHI VERDICT Clear website, good vetting process, easy for customers to leave feedback.

www.trustatrader.com

You search a database and view feedback on registered traders. To join, traders need proof of insurance, qualifications and any trade organisation membership, and must give references and sign a code of conduct.

GHI VERDICT Clear and easy to search. Only 10 traders of the same type can join in each area, so the choice may be limited.

Premiershutters.co.uk

For Professional advice on window shutters

This year’s must-have interior trend, shutters are both practical and beautiful. There are numerous benefits to investing in shutters. They offer light and privacy control; are child-friendly; are great for allergy sufferers as they can simply be wiped clean; act as an added reinforcement against unwanted visitors; and look wonderful. Here are ten top tips for choosing the shutters that’d suit you best…

1 Choosing a style

The most popular style is the plantation shutter, which has slats (also known as louvers) that rotate open and closed to control the light levels in the room. Because you can get really creative with the colour, slat sizes and type of rods, these sorts of shutters suit most rooms.

Solid shutters are ideal for those wanting to create a more traditional look. These are designed to be folded back during the day and closed at night, and work well in country cottages to add a quaint feel to the room.

With tier-on-tier shutters, you have two sets of shutters, one above the other. You can open each set individually, which gives you greater flexibility and light control – perfect for larger bay windows.

Solid shutters with a solid lower half and movable slats on top work well on French doors, and give a lovely Continental feel to the room.

2 Choosing the material

Wood remains the most popular material for shutters, but you can now choose from a whole host of other options such as MDF and plastic. Although MDF and plastic are cheaper, solid wood has greater durability, strength and flexibility. Yellow Poplar and Elm woods have proved most durable against warping and shrinking under rigorous testing. If you’re looking for shutters for a bathroom or wetroom, waterproof polyvinyl is ideal, suitable for harsher, wetter environments.

3 Design – keep it simple

Look at the window frame – what will match it best? Less is often more in shutter design. See how to design shutters video

Black walnut stain shutters4 Go complementary

Before you place your order, take a look at the colour scheme in the room (floor, skirting board, furniture and doors). Choosing a colour that complements and accentuates these existing elements is important. Generally lighter coloured shutters pull in more light, while darker coloured ones absorb more. So, if your room is filled with heavy furniture or a dark wood floor, a lighter coloured shutter might be more suitable for your room. The direction the room faces is also important; for instance a north facing room will naturally be darker, so again go for a lighter coloured shutter.

5 Don’t shy away from colour!

White shutters are extremely popular, but don’t be afraid to add a dash of colour to your room if white isn’t your thing. Neutral colours such as greys, blacks or browns also work well and are classic shutter colours. Radical colours can be fun and can make your shutters a talking point, but bear in mind that they may clash if you choose to redecorate.

6 Maximising light

Shutters are a great way to control the light levels in the room, and the larger the slat, the more light will be drawn in. The contemporary 89mm slat is very popular at the moment for this very reason.

7 Opening shutters

When designing your shutters, think about how often you will open and close them, and how often you will tilt the slats. Generally fewer panels are more effective if you’re planning on leaving the shutters closed during the day with the slats tilted open.

8 Size

One of the best things about shutters is their flexibility, not just in terms of the design but in their size too. Shutters can be fitted to very tall windows (up to about three metres) and generally there is no maximum width, as long as a track system can be put in place to open and close them.

Video how-to: measuring up for shutters

9 Awkward spaces

Shutters can be made to fit any awkward spaces; from ovals to triangles to hexagons, so you can really get creative and make a feature out of that unusual window.

10 Installing shutters

Installing your shutters is a very simple process; you’ll only need a screwdriver and a drill. For a neat finish, we recommend applying decorator’s caulk.

Source:
Sam Tamlyn, Operations Manager, The California Company.