How We Build Quality Plantation Shutters
In addition to our styling options, there are two main factors that affect the overall look and feel of a plantation shutter: build quality and installation methods. When it comes to build quality, we obsess over all the components that go into your shutters. While each of these aspects may seem small, these materials add up to determine how your shutters function and how long they will last.
Premium Hardwood
Many providers cut costs by building shutters with cheap forms of plastic such as"poly", PVC or vinyl. At HTX Shutters, we exclusively use 100% genuine basswood for every set of shutters that we build. Why? Basswood weighs less and prevents sagging, which allows us to build shutters that are larger and wider than the "poly"versions of our competitors. We build single shutter panels up to 36" wide, which is almost 50% wider than the average width of 26" that"poly"is limited to.
Custom Matched Paint
Cheap paint tends to crack, flake and discolor in as little as a few years. We custom paint every shutter order to Sherwin-Williams colors, using a proprietary industrial paint blend that meets the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer's Association standard, which tests humidity/moisture resistance, heat resistance, stain resistance and durability. While all paints shift color somewhat over time, Sherwin-Williams rates this paint as having "very good resistance to yellowing".
Aluminum Tilt-Control
One way that other providers cut costs is by using plastic tilt rods that are less rigid and less resilient to heat. This results in a less solid feel when operating louvers or when getting louvers to hold their closed position. Plastic also has a tendency to deform in the hot Houston heat. At HTX Shutters, we exclusively use aluminum tilt rods. They do a better job at operating louvers and holding them in position, while also resisting heat deformation.
Stronger Mortise-Tenon Joints
Our competitors cut corners by using thin wooden dowels to hold together their shutters. Their approach works well for cutting costs, but not for building shutters that last. At HTX Shutters we use an advanced joinery technique known as"mortise and tenon."This time-tested method provides the tightest, strongest, and most aesthetically pleasing joint possible. Not only will your shutters look amazing, but they'll also stand the test of time.
Adjustable Tension Ports
While many shutter manufacturers don’t offer adjustable tension options, we believe that having the ability to set the exact tension of a set of louvers is important. This helps avoid scenarios where loose louver sets “wander” or move after the position is set by the user. Every shutter has multiple tension ports that allow the tension (tightness) to be adjusted with the use of a Phillips head screwdriver.
55 Year Siliconized Caulk
We don't try to save money with cheaper caulks - we rely on a siliconized acrylic latex caulk from Sherwin-Williams (which they theoretically back with a 55 year warranty). This caulk has long-lasting flexibility, good durability, and is mildew resistant. The biggest contributing factor to separating or cracking caulk is the movement of a home as the foundation settles. The silicone aspect of this caulk helps with stretchiness, but keep in mind that no caulk can stop a structure that moves substantially.