Making it Last

There are many options available when it comes to shutters for your home. One question we get often is what is better for a home? Do Vinyl Shutters last as long as Wood Shutters or is there a noticeable difference in quality?


While wooden shutters have been around far longer than their vinyl cousins, they aren't necessarily "better." A large percentage of homeowners stick with wooden shutters due to the age of their home and the desire to maintain the look of the home's era. An older home with a traditional look and feel can benefit from an authentic Exterior Shutter option, especially when paired with flower boxes. Interior homes that benefit from a more natural look or customers looking for a wood grain appearance might choose wooden shutters.

In today's difficult economic times, many homeowners are looking to save on the custom look their home deserves without sacrificing quality. Shutter Shack offers economical solutions and a few tips to get the look you want without breaking the bank:

Realistic Wood Grain

Knowing What You Want

So you've decided that you want the look of wood, but have heard that vinyl is the way to go to save and have your products last. Shutter Shack offers Exterior Vinyl Shutter options that are as realistic as natural wood with the most economic options.


Whether you choose wood or vinyl, the end decision is ultimately yours. Both vinyl and wood options have pros and cons, both for interior shutter and exterior shutter options. What should matter is that you can achieve the look you want without sacrificing quality. The look you put on your house makes it your home and can be there for quite a while.





Interior Vinyl Pros:

High Humidity Area

• Interior Vinyl Shutters are easier to clean.
• Virtually no maintenance.
• Humidity will cause damage to wood, making vinyl the better choice for bathrooms, kitchens and other high-humidity areas
• Vinyl Interior shutters will not crack, peel, fade or deteriorate.
• Vinyl is available in fire retardant materials that insulate better than wood.
• Vinyl is usually manufactured in half the time as wood and cost less.

Interior Vinyl Cons: 

Convinced vinyl shutters are the absolute solution for your home decor needs? Before you hop online and place an order with Shutter Shack, take into consideration that most interior vinyl shutter options offer less color choice than their wood counterparts. If you're looking for a shade of white or a more neutral appearance, this isn't an issue for you. If you're looking for a more colorful alternative, that is a factor to consider. Remember, Shutter Shack can always show you what your window will look like with different interior shutter options BEFORE you order- we have an application that can show you all the style choices and color choices you might want! Simply email us at shuttershk@gmail.com with a clear picture of your window (the bigger, the better) and measurements and we'll send it back with your options and a quote!


Exterior Vinyl Pros:

• More cost effective option
• Usually manufactured in less time
• Can achieve the look of natural wood 
• Less maintenance- perfect for today's busy lifestyle!
• Easier to clean

Exterior Vinyl Cons:

Faded Exterior Vinyl Shutters

Obviously, cost is a major reason why many homeowners choose to go with vinyl. White you CAN make vinyl shutters look realistic by using appropriate shutter hardware, some argue it just isn't the same as "the real thing." High quality basswood will also give you the option of wood cutouts and other decorative options vinyl simply won't.









Downsides to vinyl include:

• Shorter lifespan; Over a period of years, vinyl will crack and become brittle, especially when exposed to a lot of heat and sun. 
• Color Choices are more limited and painting is not recommended
• Some vinyl options are not sturdy enough to open and close, making them look less realistic
• Less lifetime value when considering the need to replace them more than wood options
• Cannot get cutouts

Regardless of personal preference, every option is going to have positives and negatives. For expert advice or information about local installation, consultation and measuring service, don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-877-913-3100 or send a message! We're here to help!

Celebration of Light Savings Event

April 3, 2012- June 17, 2012

 

Come in to Shutter Shack today and save big on Hunter Douglas products during our Celebration Of Light Spring Event! Not only do these window treatments save money on home cooling and heating, drastically reducing your energy bills, but they allow brilliant, natural light to flood your space while providing the one of a kind elegant look your home or office deserves. Come in to Shutter Shack today or call 516-367-6460 to learn more!

Buy 1 Luminette^® Privacy Sheer or 1 Luminette^® Modern Drapery,
save $100 plus save $100 off each additional unit Luminette^® 

Privacy Sheers marry the beauty of sheers with the privacy of soft draperies. Luminette Modern Draperies instantly create drama in a room with the refined, elegant look of beautifully consistent contoured fabric.

 Buy 2 Pirouette Window Shadings, save $100 plus $50 off each additional unit

Our innovative Pirouette window shadings combine the personality of a classic fabric shade with the ability to control light in an entirely new way.

Buy 2, save $100 plus $50 off each additional unit. Also, receive a free LiteRise^® cordless lifting system with your purchase of Silhouette^® window shadings

Featuring a celebrated design that suspends fabric vanes between two sheer fabric facings, our popular Silhouette window shadings are a versatile and elegant choice. The LiteRise^® cordless system makes raising and lowering blinds and shades easier than ever.

Buy 2, save $100 plus $50 off each additional unit

Offering greater energy efficiency, greater sound absorption and a radiant color palette, Architella is the next generation of honeycomb shades to enhance your home. The top-down/bottom-up option allows you to operate window treatments from the top down or the bottom. Honeycomb shades were part of the 2011 Federal Tax Credit of up to $1500!

                                                  

Buy 1, save $50 plus $50 off each additional unit

Featuring a wide array of fabrics, pleat sizes, colors and textures, these popular honeycomb shades deliver excellent energy efficiency and energy savings. The Duolite design option features two separate fabric panels for two levels of privacy and light control.

Seven Tips for Great Window Treatments

1. 1. Try Some Texture: Roman shades are one of the most popular window trends around, especially when made of bamboo, rattan or other natural fibers. They add visual appeal with their textures, but still roll up smoothly like traditional Romans. 

2. Go Green: Energy efficiency is all the rage, both from an environmental standpoint and in today’s economy. Options like Cellular Honeycomb shades, sheerweaves and solar shades drastically reduce home heating in the winter and keep you cooler longer in the summer while giving you additional daytime privacy.
  




3. Less is more: Try replacing your heavy window coverings with simple shades. Sue Pelley, national spokesperson for Interiors by Decorating Den suggests using an upholstered cornice or flap valance to reduce fabric.

4. Lighten the mood: Using natural light in your kitchen is essential. Pleated shades not only allow more light, but still give you privacy.

5. Soften light: While natural lighting is a must, sometimes the sun’s rays can hit your space a little too hard. Too much direct sunlight can cause heat buildup and prove to be an obstacle in your workspace. One solution in this case is using simple wood blinds or woven wood shades. Provenance, by Hunter Douglas, is a great choice to filter out an abundance of light without sacrificing style.


6.Incorporating Curves: From a design standpoint, having nothing but straight lines in your kitchen or workspace can be rather boring. While cabinets and appliances fit together ergonomically, your windows don’t have to match their square pattern! If you’re looking to open up your space, consider an arching valance or a curved cornice.

7. Pair Colors: Colors can make all the difference in your room. Contemporary tones in fabric help set the mood of your room and can offer solutions, such as making a small space look larger. Dark warm colors can make your large kitchen more inviting while cooler, lighter combinations create the illusion of space.

Save Energy & Save Money With Window Treatments

When it comes to reducing expenses on home heating, people try everything from doubling up on sweaters to blocking the bottoms of their front doors to avoid cranking up that thermostat, especially in this tough economic climate. One thing often overlooked is how an investment in window treatments can actually save a great deal AND give your home the new look it deserves!


Believe it or not, 50% of Solar Heat enters through your window and 40% of heat escapes through it. That means while 50% of your heat gain is through your open windows, your heating system has to provide 50% of the workload!

An option like solar shades, honeycomb shades or  other window treatment option can reject incoming heat in the summer and retain heat in the winter, drastically cutting your energy bills. Changes in temperature results in energy spikes and, therefore, higher energy use. In fact, from 2009-2011, purchasing custom window coverings allowed up to a $1500 tax credit from the federal government, thanks to a stimulus bill, to encourage Americans to "go green" and consume less.

Aside from Federal Tax Credits and reducing your energy costs, having an energy efficient window treatment installed can:

• Reduce fading of interior furniture 
• Reduce Glare by 90%
• Result in more consistent temperatures
• Give your home an updated, elegant look
• Be motorized to provide convenience

Fashion can meet energy efficiency. Let's take a quick look at different options!


Sheerweave:  Sheerweave Shades are yarns that are coated with vinyl and woven into an inconspicuous mesh fabric. They reduce glare and help control solar heat making any room a comfortable environment. The "difussed" look is more decorative than solar shades.

• Undistorted Vision.
• Washable.
• Daytime Privacy!
• One Way Vision Lets You See Outside!
• Reduces Glare!
• Filters 95% of the Sun Load.
• Blocks Ultra Violet Light.
• Clutch System Makes Operation Easy.
• Designer colors to meet any decorating requirement.

Solar Shades:  Solar Shades are the best energy saving option! Mylar Film Solar Shades are available in a wide selection of colors. These shades have an aluminum coating laminated between two glare-reducing sheets of Mylar Film. 99% of ultraviolet rays are rejected, heat is reduced by 74%, and glare is reduced by 90%. They provide daytime privacy, eliminating vision from the street side.






 

Cellular Shades: From 2009-2011, manufacturers of these energy efficient options promoted them as a way to get a Federal Tax Credit.  Honeycomb shades are available in both vertical and horizontal pleats and come in a variety of fabric and color choices. Blackout shades are ideal for an infant's room, light sensitive areas, home theaters,  and offices where privacy is key. Also known as "privacy shades," these are a great option for those looking for optimal control over the amount of light entering a room.


Wooden/Vinyl Blinds: Even something as simple as blinds can offer insulation, light filtering, and the ability to block out heat when the weather becomes warm. Granted, these options don't offer quite the same look or efficiency that other products can provide, but they are still an option some people might choose to go with. 


No matter what option you choose to go with, you can find a wide variety of options through Shutter Shack. With over 40 years of experience, we can help you solve your heating, lighting or other issues without compromising style. You can even e-mail us shuttershk@gmail.com with a picture of your window and we'll show you before ordering what your window will look like with various interior and exterior shutter options! 

See it BEFORE you buy it!



 Shutter Shack is proud to introduce our "see it BEFORE you buy it" option for shutters!

A difficult problem for our customers has always been the decision process since there are so many options with Custom Interior Shutters.

What size Louver do I choose?, How many Panels should I treat the window with? Should I do a Paint or Stain Finish? etc.



Now with our state of the art program you can see just how your window will look like in numerous configurations, finishes, and louver sizes.

option 1

 Just email us with a picture of the window you are considering covering with shutters and we can provide you with a picture of your exact window with the different scenarios!


Option 2

  This customer knew she only wanted to  cover the lower half of the window area, commonly know as "Cafe Style". But What size Louver? How many? Color? These were all choices that in the past had to be "visualized" in the customers mind. 

Option 3

After the customer was able to actually view all of the possibilities, the decision process was a snap!



Completed Project

Making It Look Real

When it comes to modern homes, most outdoor shutters are not functional. While the look of functional shutters is appealing, since the advent of glass windows, there’s no longer a need for the shutters commonly seen in the movies and cartoons. Rather, most homes tend to have decorative shutters, whether wood, vinyl, or vinyl that looks like natural wood . What most people don’t realize is that one very important feature of decorative shutters is to make them look like they’re operational.

Clearly for Decoration, these shutters add an elegant, traditional look.

It can often be a challenge to properly size a pair of shutters to have them properly close over a window and achieve the proper look. Equally important to the look of your shutters is shutter hardware.Even the slightest measurements being off can result in your shutters not properly fitting. While there are a wide range of do-it-yourself options available for interior shutters, as well as interior shutter hardware, it’s often a much better investment to have a local professional,  measure, install and assess your window treatments.



Let’s take a look at the hardware that makes operational shutters functional and can also be used on economical, decorative vinyl shutters as well:



Shutter Stays: Also known as “S Hold Backs,” these are what keep your shutters from slamming shut in the wind. They hold shutters open and away from the window. “S” stays are most popular for non-functional decorative shutters and are placed on the bottoms and sides of the units.




Faux functionality: Strap hinges and "S" shutter stays add a realistic touch to these cutouts.



Shutter Ring Pulls: Ring pulls are what allow you to easily close your shutters from the inside, should you so choose to do so. They allow you something to hold on to.

Shutter Hinges: Obviously, a shutter can’t open or close without hinges. Functional hinges come in a wide variety of styles, but most commonly, “strap hinges” are most commonly used on decorative shutters.




All hardware works together to give your home the unique look it deserves. It’s important not to overdo it with hardware; a little hardware goes a long way in giving your shutters a more realistic appearance. Purchasing a shutter hardware kit specially designed for use with decorative shutters is highly recommended.



There’s no need to settle for a bland look when it comes to your outdoor shutters. There are many customization options available for functionality, as well as decor. Can’t decide? The Shutter Shack can show you what your windows will look like before you order! Just email a photo to our experts!

Shack News

We've been quite busy with both past projects, as well as working on enhancing our product line! Here are a few examples of some recent  Exterior Shutter projects.

                  

This project included real wood shutters with a Combo-panel and cut out configuration. The burgundy constrast with the home worked well. Please visit our Before and After gallery to see just how much these shutters finished the exterior of this beautiful home.

Another product we have been

proud to introduce is our

Custom Wood Radiator Covers

These Covers are made of real

wood come unassembled, but

they are a snap to put together.
All that is required is a phillips
head screw driver.

Take a look how much these covers can enhance and update your home.

Be sure to check us out on fiverr.com where you can purchase $50 gift cards for just $5!

"Like" us on Facebook for EXCLUSIVE additional discounts