Advice about Window Shutters (Plantation Shutters)

VanessaViolet

Hi all, I'm wondering if anyone could tell me about their experience/give me some advice about getting plantation shutters installed. I'm trying to keep costs down and would also be interested in supplier recommendations. So far I've had one company come to the property to quote to cover two 1915 x 850 windows with MDF or hardwood. The MDF came to £630ish incl VAT. I'm leaning towards MDF because its our first home (ie: can get out of mortagage in the next two years) and not our forever home, the room is a bedroom at the front of the house so shutters will remain closed most of the time for privacy and that room wont get a lot of traffic (like a living room for example), the quality seems to look okay and we're low on dough. I'm wondering if the DIY (measure, order online and install yourself) options are worth looking into, whether or not it's not worth the hassle, and if anyone can recommend a supplier for those too. We're based in SE London. Thanks so much in advance. VV

1369phil

Hi - I supply and fit these for a second and soon to be primary income. Sadly I don't cover SE London.
The price looks good - a local firm to me would charge nearly £900 for the same job. I would charge somewhere near your quote.
MDF is heavier than the composite wood (there is another option of very light hardwood - which will be a lot pricier)
MDF shutters, if they are opened a lot for a long time may start to sag due to the weight on the hinges and the inevitable power of gravity.
There was a lot of stuff I learned from my training and working with other fitters so unsurprisingly I wouldn't recommend DIY unless you're a superstar with wood, caulk, levels and doors.
Almost all of the companies get the same product from the same place (China) so just ask (the company is called Nien Made) and pick a tradesman you like - or knock on some doors of neighbours with shutters.

sniggings

wooden venetian blinds.

jonnyb1978

We moved in to new house and are looking at blinds and shutters etc. The whole subject seems to be a bit of a researchers nightmare. Most are overpriced or a con. Hillarys employ outside contractors whose workmanship is poor to say the least. Cheap blind websites are cheap for a reason. The materials used are awful.
We had a look at shutter blinds, in the pictures they look really nice. However in reality I'm not sure they are worth the money. For anything half decent your looking around £400 per square metre.
Personally not something I would want to pay for some MD especially when it's made in China. Why are they not made to measure over here. Inferior product in my opinion.
Having said that there are companies and workman who take pride in their work so make sure you find one of these rather than a quick, no nonsense installation.

marcusscott

Hi
We purchased our S:CRAFT plantation shutters and I can not recommend them enough to everyone who is interested. They look great you can go to there website just Google s craft when you get to there site you can find your nearest stockist who are experts that will advise and fit the branded made to measure s:craft range.. we went for the hardwood range and they are superb they also have this product in John Lewis stores I hope this helps.. : )

TheCyclingProgrammer

We have had two sets of shutters in our house. A set on our downstairs bay window fitted by Shutterly Fabulous and a DIY set I fitted myself in our bedroom from their sister company California Shutters.

We are very happy with them. We had the 3 section bay fully fitted for just over £1100 as I didn't fancy measuring and fitting those myself. Our bedroom was straightforward so I did that myself and it cost about £650 for approx 2000x1200 mm. Both sets are softwood (Poplar I think) with concealed rods.

The DIY one was easy to fit. The frame assembles easily and the only real challenge is getting it plumb and square. If you can use a spirit level and a drill it's a piece of cake. If you're not confident then do get it fully fitted.

I'm not sure about going for MDF personally. MDF has its uses but it will make the shutters heavy so as the person above mentions I could imagine them sagging over time.

Also, only bother getting bifolds if you plan to open then often otherwise you'll just be reducing the amount of light they let in due to the extra panels.

Neverendingdiy

Hi I have an appointment at John Lewis but I'd really appreciate if you could tell me what you had and the cost so I can tell if I can afford the shutters before I go!

Thanks so much

suzyq2909

Hi, I came across your thread when posting a message about a shutter company I've had dealings with & you should avoid like the plague.


I'm not sure how to link to it so I'll mention the companies & you can search - UKshuttersdirect.com and shuttershop.org (coincidentally he changed names/website in the last couple of months). the guy's name is Lee Wilberforce. DO NOT USE HIM - he took my money in December 2015 and after stalling for months I asked him for a refund & am still trying to get my money back over 6 months later!