In the market for plantation shutters? The kind of shutters you choose for your Virginia home will depend on your personal sense of style. You can opt for traditional plantation shutters, cafe shutters, or even our patented Softedge shutters. But whatever style of shutter you want, there are certain quality standards you should always keep in mind.
Craftsmanship
A better made product will always outlast its competitors. When looking for wooden window treatments for your home, like Virginia plantation shutters, a high-level of quality is very important. Quality craftsmanship comes from experience and dedication. Places that offer custom made solutions usually feature custom wood shops that source high-quality woods and specialty woods and offer custom color matching, furniture quality finishes, and more. The folks involved in making your shutters should be long-term, dedicated master craftsmen that really understand that quality of work will always show in the details.
One way to spot quality work is by feeling it! A well-crafted shutter will be pleasing to the eye as well as to the touch. Skilled craftsmen know the importance of carefully sanding each and every part to remove sharp edges and keep the product smooth to the touch and finished evenly – no thick or thin spots. These smooth edges not only look and feel better, but will hold up much better over time resisting dings and chips. Another thing to consider is the type of material. Nothing says quality better than American hardwoods. Don’t fall for plastic or vinyl lookalikes! You look for quality craftsmanship when it comes to your flooring, furniture, and cabinetry; your shutters should be no different.
Locally Made
We all understand the importance of sourcing locally produced goods whenever possible – and what a wonderful and satisfying experience it is when we can utilize local craftspeople and business owners! Having items custom made locally and carefully created by folks who care about you and your home is a great way to ensure a quality product while also supporting your community. Locally made products usually come with knowledge: the employees and craftsmen will know the area, the homes in the area, the resources in the area, and can offer quality expertise when creating custom products for your home.
At Shenandoah Shutters, we are a veteran owned, and family operated hand-crafted business in Richmond, Virginia since 1990 and have dedicated craftsmen with years of experience, and professional guidance provided by experienced sales consultants.
Another perk of working with small, local companies is the amount of services that they provide. For example, offering a turnkey, full circle process of not only being the ones to make your shutters, but are also the ones who come to your home to install. No need to worry about and wait on subcontractors or third parties. Local companies will also usually offer warranties and specials, and work to maintain a relationship with you in hopes of repeat business. These are things that you won’t always find at big-box stores and operations.
Innovation
While window shutters may not seem like a cutting-edge product, it’s easy to tell when you work with a large retailer who is “just selling what they’re given to sell” vs. a local company who cares about the quality of their work and their product. These companies will always be innovating and looking for improvement and know that there’s always a way to do it better.
Shenandoah Shutters has patented Softedge™ technology – which brings innovation into the world of shutters! The hinges are fully concealed when the shutters are closed, creating a clean and uncluttered look. With no boxy frame or hanging strip required for its installation, the Softedge™ Shutter double rollover edge softens the look of the shutter while gracefully blending the panel into your molding. The end result is a look that is simple, but elegant. The patented Softedge™ is available only at Shenandoah Shutters.
If you’re looking for locally sourced and crafted shutters from a company known for its craftsmanship and innovation, reach out to us at Shenandoah Shutters. We’d love to help guide your journey in creating a custom, sophisticated window treatment option for your home.