Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been in business?
We have been in the shutter business since February 2001. Our sister company operates a full measuring and fitting service program. Shutterplus was established to cater for the growing demand for for high quality, low cost shutters that can be purchased online for easy self installation.
Does Shutterplus offer a measuring and fitting service?
No we don't. We are a supply-only company.
So you have a showroom where we can see your shutters?
No. Our UK and Ireland addresses are administration centres only. We do provide you with a FREE sample pack containing our complete range of paint finishes and frame options. Even from these small samples you can see the quality of the product.
Do you use different kinds of wood?
After many years using basswood, poplar and MDF, we have come to the conclusion that basswood is the best material to make plantation shutters from. It is both lightweight and stable, machines well and accepts a paint or stain finish equally well.
A lot of shutters I've seen have a plastic look and feel. How are your shutters finished?
Our shutters are hand-sprayed to a 30% satin sheen finish which ensures that they look and feel as a real wood shutter should.
Is basswood a renewable material?
Each year the US grows almost three times as much basswood as it harvests so it is truly a renewable resource.
What eco-friendly practices does Shutterplus implement?
We are constantly looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint. We limit the amount of polystyrene used in our packaging and the cardboard we use is completely recycleable.
For basswood shutters, why are your prices much lower than your competitors?
We sell our shutters direct to the public so there are no intermediaries taking their profit. We don't have expensive showrooms or glossy brochures that customers inevitably end up paying for. Our business model is to keep things as simple as possible to ensure that we can sell a quality product at a very competitive price to you.
How long will it take to have my shutters made and delivered?
Once you have ordered and paid for your shutters, you will receive a drawing by e-mail detailing measurements, layout, louvre size etc . When we receive your approval, production of your order commences and you can expect delivery of your shutters within 7-8 weeks.
Are your shutters difficult to fit?
Not at all. Standard windows and bay windows are relatively simple to fit with shutters. Wider windows requiring tracking can be a little more difficult. We supply you with all the panels pre-hinged and the frames pre-mitred with magnets attached. Wall plugs or knobs or catches are not supplied.
Can shutters be fitted to tilt and turn windows?
On inward opening windows, the shutters are mounted outside the reveal on the face of the wall using an outside mount frame.
What should I allow for in my new-build plans?
If you want an architrave-type frame on 4 sides of your window, avoid protruding window boards. Don't fit architraves as our frames incorporate a decorative moulded or a plain beaded architrave. Allow wall space between windows for the shutter panels to fold back onto.
How many shutter panels should I have in my window?
The style of your window normally dictates the number of panels. For example if you have a 4' wide window with 4 panes of glass, you can either put 2 x 2 foot panels of 4 x 1 foot panels. The price is the same regardless. 2 panels will allow more light in and give a better view out but will take up more wall space when folded back.
Which louvre size should I choose?
The louvre size should generally be in proportion to the size of the panel. In the above example, an 89mm or 115mm louvre might be too big for the 4 x 1 foot panels, so a better choice would be 46mm or 64mm. Apart from the asthetics, the larger louvre will allow more light in and give you a better view out. Again the price is the same regardless which size you choose.
What is the largest shutter panel you can make?
Our maximum width for individual panels is 600mm while the maximum height is 3000mm. Minimum width is 200mm and minimum height is 250mm.
Do you provide a nationwide delivery service?
We deliver to mainland UK and Ireland free of charge. For other areas please contact us and we will be glad to give you a price for delivery.
