6 Questions to Ask Before Buying Plantation Shutters
When it comes to selecting plantation shutters for your home, the options can be overwhelming. Before you make a purchase, consider asking these six crucial questions to ensure you're getting the best quality for your investment.
1. What Grade of Wood is Used?
Why It Matters: The type of wood used for your shutters plays a critical role in their quality and longevity. Hardwoods like basswood are often superior due to their durability and resistance to environmental factors like humidity and temperature changes.
The Artisan Difference:
We exclusively use Grade A, No. 1 Common furniture-grade basswood, known for its consistent straightness and minimal defects. Unlike other manufacturers who use hardwoods covered in a brittle Gesso coat, we believe in the intrinsic quality of hardwoods.
2. How are Defects in the Wood Handled?
Why It Matters: Many manufacturers use Gesso Coating to cover defects and imperfections in the wood. While this might give an initial impression of quality, gesso-coated wood is prone to brittleness and deterioration over time.
The Artisan Alternative:
Our basswood undergoes a meticulous finger-jointing and laminating process to maintain its straightness and structural integrity. We use two layers of durable lacquer primer, avoiding the use of Gesso entirely.
3. Are the Shutters Made of Solid Wood or Engineered Wood?
Why It Matters: Engineered products like particleboard are cheaper but less durable, heavy and harder to repair than solid wood.
Artisan's Approach:
We use solid basswood, offering the resilience and repairability that engineered alternatives cannot match.
5. What is the Manufacturing Process?
Why It Matters: A more detailed manufacturing process often indicates better quality. Aspects like the type of joinery used can significantly impact the longevity of your shutters.
Artisan's Precision:
Our manufacturing process involves multiple stages of quality checks, right from raw material to the final product. We employ advanced joinery methods like Hoffman Keys for superior durability.
6. How are the Shutters Finished?
Why It Matters: The finish impacts not just the appearance but also the durability of the shutters.
Artisan's Finishing Touch:
Our triple-coated, waterborne lacquer paint finish ensures a durable and aesthetically pleasing end result.
7. How are the Shutters Transported from the Manufacturer?
Why It Matters: The shipping method can affect your shutters' condition and environmental impact. Local vs. overseas shipping influences both product integrity and delivery time.
Artisan's Shipping Approach:
We believe in Local Manufacturing. When production is complete, each shutter is carefully wrapped with reusable eco-friendly materials and packing blankets. We then deliver your new shutters to your home on a local delivery truck.
By asking these questions, you're well on your way to making an informed choice for your window treatments. At Artisan, we are committed to delivering nothing but the best. Explore our range of premium plantation shutters to find your perfect match.
For over 30 years, Artisan Shutter has been a trusted name in the Carolinas, providing top-quality plantation shutters, blinds, and window treatments. Rooted in family values, we pride ourselves on offering tailored design and craftsmanship to suit our clients' needs. Alongside our sister company, we're a leading supplier of blinds and window coverings from top brands. Not sure what's right for your space? Visit our products in a showroom near you to explore options firsthand and get expert advice. Serving areas from Charlotte to Cornelius and beyond, we're your go-to for dependable and truly custom window coverings in NC and SC.
