Before ordering plantation shutters, check the measurements, materials, finish, and installation details. These six common decisions are worth discussing during your consultation.
Mistake 1: Measuring Your Own Windows
Window openings are rarely perfectly square, and the measurements that matter, including the dimensions at multiple points, window depth, casing, and hardware, require experience to capture accurately. A measurement error of even 1/8 inch can mean a panel that does not close properly or a frame that does not sit flush. Always have a professional measure. At Shenandoah, our measuring consultation is free.
Mistake 2: Choosing the Wrong Louver Size
The three standard louver sizes (2.5 inch, 3.5 inch, and 4.5 inch) look very different in a room. Smaller louvers have a more traditional, detailed appearance. Larger louvers have a cleaner, more contemporary look and provide a better view when open. The right size depends on the window dimensions, the ceiling height, and the style of the room. Ask to see samples in your actual space before deciding.
Mistake 3: Comparing Materials on Price Alone
Compare the actual product specifications, finish samples, configuration limits, and written warranty. Hardwood, composite, and vinyl are different materials, and performance varies by product. Shenandoah makes hardwood shutters; your consultant can explain the wood and finish selected for your project. Avoid assuming that every product in another material will warp or need replacement on a fixed schedule.
Mistake 4: Ordering Online Without Seeing Samples
Finish colors look different on a screen than they do in your home. The difference between a warm white and a cool white is subtle in a photograph and obvious in person, especially when held against your existing trim. Always see physical finish samples in your actual room before placing an order. We bring samples to every in-home consultation for exactly this reason.
Mistake 5: Ignoring the Frame Specification
The frame is what attaches the shutter to the window, and its depth and profile affect how the panels fit and operate. An inside-mount frame in a window well that is too shallow will not allow the panels to open fully. A face-mount frame that is too narrow will not cover the gap between the shutter and the wall. These details need to be checked at the window. A professional measurer accounts for all of them before the order is placed.
Mistake 6: Not Asking Who Makes and Installs the Shutters
Before ordering, ask who measures, manufactures, installs, and handles service questions. Confirm those details and the project schedule in writing. Shenandoah makes its shutters in Richmond and provides measuring and installation. If you need help after installation, contact the team to discuss the issue and the applicable warranty terms.