Frequently asked questions

How much will my shutters cost?

Please refer to the How to Get a Quote section of our website.

What is the difference between your product and the product of your competitors?

A. Some shutter retailers have the same fine quality product as ours; however the companies lack both our passion for shutters, and more importantly over 30 years combined measuring and fitting experience.  It is therefore our service, product, passion and expertise that sets us apart from the rest.

B. Other companies may have different products.  The questions you should ask the competition are as follows:
Are all the joints mortice and tenon, not pencil dowels?
Is fitting in-house or sub-contracted out?
How long have they been established?
Are all fixing screws hidden?
Are the panels rebated?
Do they have an array of frame options?

You must bear in mind that no matter how good the product, if it is fitted badly you will not achieve the desired look.

How long is the lead-time for my order?

The lead time is approximately 5-6 weeks from the date of order confirmation/receipt of deposit for standard shutters. Special shapes and custom colour matches will add to the lead time. Lead times can be confirmed by the office once your order is placed.

Can the lead-time be speeded up?

The shutters are made in China within 2 or 3 days of order, however they have to be shipped back to the UK and it is this that takes the time.  Shutters can be sent by airfreight if necessary, which considerably cuts down the lead-time, but the price starts at £70 per sq m + VAT.

Can I put your shutters in a bedroom, as a form of blackout?

Shutters are not blackout due to tolerances required for slat movement and the opening and closing of panels.
Due to the advanced technology of our shutters (i.e. rebated side style and clever frame options) our panels keep more light out when closed than most others on the market.

We have fitted many bedrooms and nurseries and have never had cause for complaint.

Can shutters be fitted onto UPVC windows?

On flat windows (not bay windows) this is very feasible as we side fix into the plaster of the recess, thus not affecting the PVC.  However, on bay windows there are two problems:

  1. The handles on UPVC windows usually protrude too far to achieve a neat fixing.  Although it may be possible, in our professional opinion the overall appearance is unsightly and therefore not to be recommended.
  2. If it is possible to fix them, your warranty for your PVC window may become void when we fix the shutters due to drilling into the PVC.

What is the payment system?

A. Terms - For SUPPLY, MEASURE AND FIT SERVICE 50% of the balance on day of measure, before the order is put through, and the balance on day of installation.

B: Terms – For SUPPLY ONLY 100% up front, on placement of the order.

How do I measure my window?

Please refer to the How to Measure section of our website.  Mail Order shutters require very accurate measurements in order to be installed properly.  We therefore recommend that you call us so that one of our experienced team can talk you through your order.

All orders once placed are not changeable.

How do I place an order?

Please refer to the How to Order section of our website.

Do you offer a Measure and Installation Service?

Yes.  Usually we like to quantify and qualify rough requirements and cost prior to the site visit, but on acceptance of this we pride ourselves in our knowledgeable and experienced in-house measuring and fitting team.  We offer an onsite survey, measure and installation service for a reasonable additional cost, depending on where you are based.  We will do everything for you from start to finish - all you will have to do is choose the style and colour of your shutters from the selection of samples that the measurer brings to your house.

Can I fit the shutters myself?

Yes.  We offer a SUPPLY ONLY mail order service (see How to Order), whereby the shutters are made based on your measurements, and then sent directly to you for self-fitting. 

All orders once placed are not changeable.

How do I fit them?

You will find fitting instructions on our website under How to Fit. However, if you have any questions please do call us on 020 8871 9222/9333.

What can I do if my window is too wide to support the weight of the shutters?

A track system can be installed along which the shutters run, which supports the weight of the shutters.  See picture of full height shutters under ‘Shutter Styles’ for an example of a track system.

What is Cedarwood?

A premium wood with a strong grain and warm reddish/brown undertones, Western Red Cedarwood produces beautiful shutters.

What is Basswood?

Premium Grade A North American Basswood is an exceptional and renewable natural wood chosen for its stability, its uniform colouring and proven resistance to warping.

What is Pearlwood?

Pearlwood is a hardwood, very light in weight with a distinctive grain. It is ideal for painting and staining.

What is Shaker Basswood?

Shaker Basswood is manufactured by combining the qualities of Craftwood frames with Basswood panels. It offers great value for money with fantastic build quality.

How are MDF shutters made?

MDF shutters are made of Medium Density Fibre, and coated using a first-class, innovative manufacturing process and the world’s most advanced (patented) coating technology developed in the US.  This unique combination of materials make MDF shutters durable and sturdy, resistant to chipping, cracking, fading and warping. 

What are the pros and cons of MDF?

Pros - 25% cheaper while almost identical in appearance.
Cons - MDF is heavier than Basswood so they are less suited to wide windows and doors.
  - MDF is only available in a limited range of colours, frame options and designs.

Can I have my shutters painted in a colour of my choice?

Plantation Shutters can paint your Basswood or Pearlwood shutters (but not Shaker Basswood or MDF shutters), at point of manufacture, to match any of the Dulux trade colours or in the Farrow & Ball range. Other colours can be matched too. This will cost £150 exc. VAT per special colour match required.

Can my shutters be re-sprayed if I don’t like the colour?

Yes they can.  However, it is an expensive process, and can only be done on wooden shutters, not on MDF.

How do I clean my shutters?

  1. Dust the panels with a clean soft cloth.
  2. For light cleaning, use a damp soft cloth (water only).
  3. For heavy cleaning (grease marks etc) wipe the panels with a damp cloth and a mild soap.
  4. Do not use any lemon oils, furniture polish or Old English moisturizing polish.

How do I order samples?

Please call us on 020 8871 9222 / 9333 to order a sample colour.  Sample panels can be sent out at a cost of £25 including postage, which is refundable on order.

Whom shall I call if I have technical questions?

Please contact Plantation Shutters on 020 8871 9222 / 9333 if you have any technical questions.

Do the pins between the tilt rod and the slat fall out?

No, unless subject to misuse..

How long will my shutters last?

Shutters that we installed 20 years ago (manufactured to a lower quality in comparison to the product that we now sell) are still in perfect working order.

If they break during normal use we would like to know.

What is my warranty?

See the Warranty section of our website.