Introduction to plantation shutters
Not all shutters are the same, depending on their area of application shutters are defined as exterior or interior shutters. If you plan to use shutters within the house then such shutters are termed as interior shutters, however a majority of shutters used today are used externally in windows and doors. The first thing you need to do is to understand what your requirements are, if you are planning on buying only exterior shutters, internal shutters or both. Plantation Shutters are certainly most popular type of window coverings.

Plantation shutters are the classic wood shutters you’ve seen in those majestic Southern homes; just to give you a reference. Plantation shutters are the classic window treatment, offering good looks, long life, good insulating properties and more.
Plantation shutters should not be confused with Bahama shutters which are actually a type of external shutter, hinged at the top of the window, and can be lowered to protect windows from flying debris from tropical storms and hurricanes.

Plantation shutters are an elegant window covering made of two or more framed panels of fixed louvers. The louvers within the frame are moved by a rod that is attached on the outside of the louvers. When homeowners want to open or close the louvers, they move the rod up or down. With plantation shutters, homeowners can choose how much light they want to let in and in what direction by angling the louvers. If homeowners want to enjoy the full view of their window, they can pull back the panel of louvers, exposing the entire window. Whether your look is contemporary or classic, Plantation shutters is the ideal choice. Delight your family and friends with these functional works of art for your windows!

Advantages over other types of window shutters
Create a relaxed yet sophisticated mood in any room, elegant tones, sleek white to the warmth of natural western red cedar. Shutters have a bclassic style and unmatched functional benefits.
Plantation shutters are custom made to suit most openings including special shapes and are available in timber or aluminium.
The advantages over other window treatments:
• Gives privacy without closing
out light or view
• Protection from heat and sun
• Heat insulation during winter
• Adjustable light and ventilation
• Custom designs and colours
• Unique blade sizes and shapes

Different types...

Let's repeat once again, plantation shutters are window shutters that mount inside or outside a window, and feature adjustable louvers for independent regulation of light emission as well as climate control. They can act as a barrier for drafts from cracks around the windows.

They can be used singly, or across an entire bank of windows, which looks especially nice. Sometimes several shutters are hinged together to cover an exceptionally large window. Generally, you'll see that in a commercial setting, such as a restaurant with a patio, but sometimes you'll see it in homes with large openings to decorate. Without using too many words, this type of shutters is a very practical and convenient solution.

How to install Plantation shutters
Installing shutters can be a simple home repair and improvement project even for those not comfortable with this sort of thing. If desired, you can call a local professional to install them for you. If you choose to tackle the project yourself, allow about an hour per window for installation. Here are some tips to installing your own plantation shutters:

1) Make sure you know the measurements of the window. Check the dimensions of the window so you can determine that its angles are correct. Unlike a soft window covering, which can be moved to cover bad angles, windows that are being prepared to accept shutters need to be square. If they're not, the shutters will need to be adjusted to fit.

2) If you need to cut the shutters to fit, cut it slightly larger than the opening.'

3) Use two hinges for shutters 30 inches or less in height. Use three hinges if your shutters fall between 30 to 48 inches. Install hinges on the opposite side of the shutter opening.

4) Install the latch. Take into consideration who will be using this shutter. If small children have access to it, consider installing the latch out of their reach.

Resources:

Window Shutters for your House

Exterior Shutters

House window shutters

Interior Shutters

Window shutters

House Shutters

Window shutters Video

Window shutters