DIY Shutters: How are Plantation Shutters Installed?

Modern bay window shutters in neutral-toned living space

Although we do not usually recommend fitting your shutters yourself, in these uncertain and worrying times, we understand you may feel more at ease measuring and installing your plantation shutters yourself.

Unfortunately, installing plantation shutters can be a very tricky process. To get a product that fits perfectly and operates smoothly, you’ll need to make sure that you have the skills in DIY required, but also an attention to detail in both measuring and installation.

What you will need:

  • Exact measurements
  • Totally Shutters phone number
  • Correct tools for the fitting
  • More than one person for larger installs

How to measure for plantation shutters

We advise to measure in at least three places for every side of the window, to check that the window is square and the dimensions are consistent. Always use the largest measurements, as they can be reduced via a sander if needed.

For a standard rectangular window, you will need to:

  • Measure the width and height of the window – this will need to be inside or outside the recess depending on how you are planning to fit your plantation shutters.
  • Measure at least three different points for the height and width.
  • Note the dimensions you find.

For other types of windows, such as special shapes and bays, other steps will be required. We advise in speak with one of our shutter specialists to ensure you get the measurements right.

Once you have the dimensions of your window, call Totally Shutters on 0203 960 6963 and we will craft and manufacture your made-to-measure shutters.

How to install plantation shutters

You will need the correct tools to install and fit shutters:

  • Power drill
  • Hammer drill
  • Electric planer
  • Spirit level
  • Screwdriver
  • Tape measure
  • Stanley knife
  • Masking tape
  • Silicone

The steps to install plantation shutters:

  • Assemble the frame – depending on the access to the window itself this could be in one piece or assembled within the recess itself
  • Install the frame – attach at a few fixing points inside/outside the recess as guided by the frame type
  • Attach the panels – drop the hinge pins into place
  • Check movement – panels and louvres should be able to move easily without any obstruction
  • Amend if necessary

 

To guarantee a perfect finish and correct operation, it is highly advisable to use a shutter expert to fit your made-to-measure plantation shutters. However, our shutter experts are on call to help you through each process. Call 0203 960 6963 to discuss your plantation shutters requirements.

What Does Our 5-Year Shutter Guarantee Cover?

fitted-shutters

At Totally Shutters, we understand that purchasing and installing made-to-measure plantation shutters in your home is a big decision. That’s why our shutter specialists are here for you from start to end, from initial quotation to installation.

What’s more, with our 5-year guarantee as standard with each of our plantation shutter options, we offer a no-hassle replacement in the rare case of any manufacturing defects.

Quality plantation shutters you can trust

One of the biggest concerns we often get asked is what if the material starts to crack or fall apart, and will the colour will fade over time.

At Totally Shutters, we only use the finest materials and the best techniques, so you can rest assured that this will not be the case. Our wooden plantation shutters are made from 100% solid hardwood that will never hollow or composite, and our polyvinyl plantation shutters are solid with a reinforced aluminium core that will last for years to come.

All our plantation shutters are treated with a UV protectant and sealant that’s applied in layers for a long-lasting beautiful finish that will not yellow, fade or peel, even in high heat and direct sunlight. Our polyvinyl plantation shutters are waterproof, withstanding warping in wet or humid conditions.

Your 5-year shutter guarantee

Your 5-year shutter guarantee starts from the day your window dressings are fitted and extends up to the fifth anniversary of your fitting date. For a nominal call-out fee, we promise to repair or replace any faulty shutters completely free of charge.

Our exclusions are:

  • Shutters are used for the purpose provide
  • Altered products are not covered
  • The shutters are for internal use
  • Normal wear and tear is not covered
  • Fading is excluded beyond 1 year

For full terms and conditions on our plantation shutters 5-year guarantee, contact Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963.

Give Your Kitchen a Restaurant Feel with Shutters

For most people, the kitchen represents the hub of their home; a place where family and friends gather to enjoy home-cooked food and good conversation. For this reason, it’s never been more important to create the right atmosphere and ambience in the kitchen.

So, why not bring a little style to the heart of the home and simulate a 5* dining experience the whole family can enjoy with plantation shutters?

Add style to your kitchen

Made-to-measure plantation shutters are incredibly stylish and with a range of styles, colours and finishes to choose from, are adaptable to suit all kitchen interiors, both contemporary and traditional designs.

Plantation shutters really do set the mood and create the perfect kitchen ambience. You can open the louvres and flood the room with as much natural light as possible while tucking into a delicious eggs benedict on a beautiful Summer’s morning. During the dark, winter months you can shut your kitchen off from the outside world, light some candles and enjoy a tasty three-course meal without leaving the house.

Kitchen shutter styles

Cafe style shutters are a great choice for kitchens and dining rooms, instantly creating a cosy, picturesque look. Solid panel shutters are great for separating a kitchen and dining room. UPVC waterproof shutters lend themselves to kitchens as they are resistant to moisture and have an excellent temperature operating property that prevents warping, peeling and flaking.

With our custom colour scheme, we can match your chosen shutters to the decor of your room or coordinated to match your kitchen units.

 

For more information on kitchen shutters, or to book your no obligation in-house survey, contact Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Designing a Family Games Room with Plantation Shutters

Interior-Shutters-London

Whether you are designing a children’s game room, games room for entertaining friends and family or a man cave, it’s a task that requires careful window covering consideration as these types of rooms need to be comfortable and enjoyable as well as being functional and practical.

Getting the right lighting with plantation shutters

Lighting has always been one of the most important aspects of interior design and if used well, can completely transform a room, making any space seem larger and brighter. At the same time, if used wrongfully, it can spoil the whole design and comfort of the room.

With your games and entertainment room being a special part of the family home where you can escape and have fun, it’s important to get the lighting and ambience right.

Generally speaking, the more natural light the better, but windows can pose a problem since reflections and glare on a TV screen can ruin the whole viewing experience. Plantation shutters stop glare while letting sufficient light in, or they can completely block out all light for the ultimate cinema-like experience.

Gain privacy and keep the sound in

Games and entertainment rooms are used throughout the day and night, so the correct mix of privacy and light is essential to make the room look and feel how you need. Many families have snooker tables, table tennis, entertainment systems and TV screens with games consoles in their games room.

Plantation shutters are great for gaining privacy in your games and entertainment room. They also act as a sound barrier helping keep sound and noise in, helping avoid annoying the neighbours.

Plantation shutters also help to insulate properties, keeping the room warm in the nights and colder months, as well as allowing the louvres and panels to be open in the summer months when airflow is required. Meaning your games and entertainment room can be used all year round, in summer and winter.

 

For more information on plantation shutters for your family games and entertainment room, or to book your no obligation in-house survey, contact Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Secure Your Home With Aluminium Security Shutters

All plantation shutters supply a source of security and privacy, but Porchester Aluminium Security Shutters enhances both of these features, especially security.

With a key and lock design, a double key turn locking system and an intruder resistant system, Portchester Aluminum Security Shutters add an extra layer of security to your home.

If you want to have some and peace of mind in your home, here are three reasons why you should invest in Porchester Aluminium Security Shutters for your home:

A stylish security solution

The days of putting up security dressing window gates and guards that convert your home into looking and feeling like a prison cell are long gone. Porchester Aluminium Security Shutters secure your home while adding a touch of style and sophistication to your interior and exterior. These shutters work well in every room from the living area to kitchen, bedroom to the bathroom.

Look just like wooden shutters

Our Porchester Aluminium Security Shutter range looks very similar to our wooden shutter range, allowing you to dress vulnerable windows with security shutters and the other windows in your home with wooden shutters helping to maintain a consistent scheme throughout your home. Available in full height, bi-fold and by-pass, security shutters operate like wooden shutters.

Tried and tested

Portchester Aluminium Security Shutters have been one of the most popular forms of window and door security around the world for many years, and are increasingly gaining popularity in London and the UK. Manufactured in South Africa where security is taken very seriously, the Portchester Aluminum Security Shutter range defends your home without sacrificing style.

 

For more information on our Porchester Aluminium Security Shutter range plantation shutters, or to book your free no obligation in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Restoring Your Victorian Home With a Contemporary Twist

During the reign of Queen Victoria I, there was mass production of houses and an increase in wealth. Properties were built with larger bay windows to let maximum natural light in and allow homeowners to see what is happening outside their front door.

Victorian homes are full of character and charm with their high ceilings and tiled paths, so it’s important to celebrate their original features.

Homeowners of Victorian homes are renovating their interiors to complement their properties traditional features while bringing them more into the current design era.

If you have a Victorian home and want to add your personal touch, here are some tips to ensure you create a home that modern while paying homage to the property’s history:

Celebrate Your Ceilings

Victorian homes have high ceilings that should be celebrated. Painting the cornicing a different colour to your walls, you immediately make the walls a stand out feature. Victorian picture rails have also now become an interior feature that split the wall in two beautifully. If you decide to opt for these, consider painting the bottom half darker and the top half lighter to draw the eye up.

Add Plantation Shutters

Known for their large windows, it’s important to update your Victorian home while keeping with the original design. A common dressing for bay windows is plantation shutters as they cover the window seamlessly allowing for maximum natural light to enter the room while maintaining privacy levels. What’s more, plantation shutters add value to your Victorian home.

Flooring and Fireplaces

Some other features that can be refurbished in your Victoria home are the wooden flooring and fireplaces. The original flooring in a Victorian property is timeless that can be restored with a few coats of varnish. If you’re lucky enough to be able to restore your Victorian home’s original flooring, pair the hard wood with a luscious rug to add softness to the room. Similarly, if you’re able to restore the fireplace to its former glory, it will become a new feature for your home.

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Every home should reflect the homeowner’s personal style. If you’re restoring your Victorian home and would like to dress your windows with plantation shutters, contact us on 0203 960 6963 to book your free no obligation in-house survey. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Add Value to Your Home With Plantation Shutters

If you’re looking to add the finishing touch to your home, or something that can add value to your home to increase its price, then plantation shutters are the solution for you.

When selling your home, it’s important to maximise its potential, especially in a market that has more sellers than buyers. Your home needs to stand out and have the wow factor, and plantation shutters can help you achieve just that.

Why do shutters add value?

Plantation shutters don’t just look good from the inside, but the outside too, making your home stand out from the others. Potential buyers will immediately focus on how stylish your home is.

Shutters are considered part of the fixtures and fittings of a home, so when valuing your home, estate agents will add an amount onto the sale price. Your estate agent will be able to tell potential buyers the benefits of shutters and how they reduce utility bills by providing extra insulation, control lighting and improve privacy and security.

How much value do shutters add to a property?

A ‘no size fits all’ question as the value depends on the style chosen and the quality of the shutters. However, any plantation shutter type is considered beneficial for increasing value. But remember when choosing shutters for your home, your taste may not be right for someone else, so avoid bright colours and very dark stains and paints. And always opt for waterproof options for humid rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Often property developers will opt for the cheapest shutters available. However, today’s buyers are knowledgeable and are looking for strong, quality shutters that stand the test of time. If your shutters are poor quality or badly fitted, the prospective buyer will immediately see this and ask for discount.

 

For more information on how plantation shutters can add value to your home or to request your free, no-obligation quotation, contact Totally Shutters on 0845 299 7757 today. All shutters from Totally Shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Keep Warm This Winter With Plantation Shutters

Autumn is in full swing and as beautiful crisp leaves tumble from the branches above and Christmas gifts begin to adorn the shelves of every supermarket, we start to turn our attention towards winter time. But what’s the best window covering for your home during these colder months?

There’s no better way to dress your windows for the colder seasons than plantation shutters. The stylish solution is the perfect way to spruce up your decor and bring some much-needed warmth and cosiness to your home. Here are three advantages and benefits for shutter blinds during the winter months:

Warmth

The main benefit of shutters during winter is to keep the heat in and reduce energy bills. Approximately 25-50% of all heat escapes out of the windows, so regardless of how long you keep your heating on, you can be wasting incredible amounts of warmth and money. Plantation shutters create a barrier which prevents the heat from escaping, proving a good investment in the long run.

Privacy

When night draws in, privacy can be invaded. Traditional blinds don’t provide a great deal of privacy and you may find passerby’s catching a peek of you watching television. Plantation shutters offer total privacy, providing a barrier that is 100% effective, so your family can cosy up together in the privacy of your own home.

Low Maintenance

Most people spend more time in the warmth of their home during the winter months, which can often result in more cleaning. Shutters require little maintenance and hardly any cleaning – just a quick wipe down now and again – so you can spend more time with your loved ones.

 

If you would like more information on plantation shutters, please contact Totally Shutters today on 0845 299 7757 for expert advice and guidance. All shutters from Totally Shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Plantation Shutters: DIY or Leave it to The Experts?

Do-it-yourself plantation shutters may seem like a great idea on paper – a stylish and contemporary window covering that you can fit in your spare time, saving money too. But is it really that straightforward, or could made-to-measure shutters fitted by a specialist be better in the long run?

DIY shutters explained

The pros of DIY shutters concern mainly price, as they’re less costly than made-to-measure plantation shutters from a professional company such as Totally Shutters. However, if your budget will only extend to DIY shutters, they’re a more fashionable and practical solution than roller blinds or curtains.

But while DIY shutters may seem like the better, cheaper option, there are many flaws to this approach that can go wrong. Unless you have considerable DIY skills, using a shutter specialist will make your shutters are worthwhile investment in the long run.

Measuring for your DIY shutter blinds can be harder than you think, with so much to consider including window hight, window width, recess depth, frame size, angles, handles and latches, measuring can be complicated and miss-measuring will lead to incorrect ordering, difficult fitting and amendments will be time consuming and are unlikely to be covered by product warranty.

And then assembling and mounting your DIY shutters to your window frames can be difficult, especially if the measurements are slightly out. That’s why it’s always a good idea to get quotations from specialist shutter suppliers such as Totally Shutters, to see how made-to-measure shutters can compare.

It may seem like there is a wide range of options available for DIY shutters, but you may, in fact, be restricted to kits or templates. At Totally Shutters, we offer a wide range of choices, including a custom colour service that matches the colour of your blinds to virtually any shade, so you can sit in the knowledge knowing your blinds will be made and fitted to a high standard.

 

At Totally Shutters, we offer a do-it-yourself discount for fitting your own shutters and it is possible to fit our shutters yourself. However, its only recommended for those with considerable DIY skills. We will check, measure and guide you through the process of installing your shutters yourself, or you can leave the whole installation process to us.

For a free in-house survey and appointment call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 69 63, with no obligation to buy, you can explore the plantation shutters choices available for you in the comfort of your own home.