The top 10 asked questions about window shutters:
1. Do you have a showroom where I can see examples of your DIY shutters?
Yes, on my website opennshut.co.uk. Ever since making furniture at college I have prided myself on taking pictures of all my work. This has followed through when fitting shutters. I have put some of my best examples online so you can get a feel for what shutters could look like in your home. Having an online showroom means you can visit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This keeps my costs down and allows me to offer shutters online at a discounted price. There are also pictures included with some of my testimonials which customers have sent in to show me their handy-work, along with their comments for you to read.
2. What are your shutters made from?
Shutters can be made from MDF, wood or plastic.
Standard MDF shutters are great for any rooms. The Elite plus wooden shutters are available in wide range of colours and options including Solid and Shaped shutters. The ABS plastic shutters are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms and playrooms, as they are durable, hardwearing and water-resistant.
3. How do you measure for bay windows?
For my best advice on measuring your window, register on my website opennshut.co.uk and upload some digital photos of your window and I can direct you to some measuring videos. Sash bay windows are the easiest to measure as you can generally treat them as 3 or 4 separate windows. UPVC double-glazed windows will require more guidance from me, which is when the photos are particularly useful. I have successfully advised a range of customers on measuring and fitting for bay windows, as this is one of the most popular window styles to fit wooden window shutters on.
4. Can I have the shutters without frames?
For customers wanting to customise their fitting or match older style shutters, it is possible to order your interior window shutters without an outer frame. This will mean you will have no easy way of fixing them, no magnets to hold them closed and a chance the louvre blades may hit any window handles that are protruding. Where possible, it is best to use shutters fitted in a 4-sided frame as they will provide a neater, more professional finish.
5. What size are the louvre blades?
I offer the 3 most popular sizes of louvre blades, or slats as some people call them, sized at 47mm (small), 64mm (medium) and 89mm (large). The 64mm (medium) blade is the most popular and suits most windows, when they are open they provide plenty of light in and a good view out. On very large windows it may be advisable to have the large louvre blades, and on a very small window the small blades, I am always happy to provide you with advice on your choice if you are unsure.
6. Can you supply wooden window shutters without a finish?
Interior window shutters are generally pre-finished in a standard colour or stain to provide an excellent appearance and added-protection. I can offer customised colours and stains, or shutters without a finish in the Elite or Elite Plus range. The most popular finish is silk white, but I can also colour match some of the most popular paint manufacturers colours if you want to have a particular look in your room. I usually advice having shutters with a finish, as this will protect the shutter from damage during use or from sunlight, and the finish provided by the manufacturers is specifically intended for use on shutters.
7. Do you make shutters for arched windows?
I supply shaped shutters from templates or technical drawings. You will need to provide digital photos of your windows, so I can talk you through the measuring process, as I have many customers with unique shapes and specially designed windows. You can see examples of the shaped wooden window shutters I have provided in my showroom.
8. Are shutters sound-proof?
Both louvred and solid style shutters will provide some sound-proofing, plus they each assist with heat insulation. For the best sound proofing I suggest using the blackout shutter option.
9. What is a Deco frame?
The Deco frame is a different style of frame designed to fit on the outside of the window recess. It has a decorative surround like a door architrave or picture frame. Use this frame when you have windows that open inwards. The frame overlaps the recess by approx. 72mm each side. You will need to add this measurement to each side, top and bottom of your window sizes to obtain a quote.
10.Is the Easyfit shutter kit supplied with full assembly instructions?
Yes, you can download instructions online via my website log in at opennshut.co.uk, where you will also have access to my fitting tips or contact me personally for additional guidance. I am always happy to help you by sharing my experience in fitting shutters.
Expert advice on shutters
Sam Dunster of opennshut.co.uk provides expert advice on window shutters and blinds. He prides himself on personally guiding each customer who completes the free registration on his website and requests assistance with their home projects. Whether for a basic single window, complete house, sound proof or differing styles and complicated considerations, Sam will advise until the customer makes an informed decision in their own time.