High-Quality Custom Shutters for Windows

A.

Our shutters are currently the best quality shutters available in NZ. I hear other suppliers say those exact words, as well. Hmm, so how do I quantify why our shutters really are better and why I'm qualified to say so? I'm unique in that I'm not bound to any particular brand or company for any of the products I offer. I actively assess and weigh up quality and price point to bring the best options in each product group. When it comes to shutters I have sold 3 different suppliers shutters over the years, changing when there is a better quality product at a better price for my clients. Or if quality slips at all. I've been a reseller for a main retail line of shutters, supposedly the top end. They were certainly top end price wise however that doesn't mean they were the best quality. I've been approached by numerous suppliers in hope that I would sell their shutters; some I've given a long list of the areas they need to improve or correct. Some shutter products I simply would not go near. There are other things behind the scenes that really assist toward being able to reliably offer great shutters to clients (aspects that clients don't readily see however are directly benefitted by as well). Like how much collective experience there is on hand when needed (shutters are a complex product to do well). How innovative the manufacturer is at continually developing and improving the product. How eco-focused and sustainable a manufacturer is. How well packaged and free of damage shutters are when freighted across the world. What level of returns or remakes there are, how well suppliers respond and take responsibility when things aren't as they should be.

Another key area to supplying a satisfying shutter experience, that is overlooked by many, is the disconnect between the consult and finished installation. Most companies have rep's to consult that don't actually have the hands on experience, to really know a product, to best advise and recommend from a successful finished installation point of view. To know the real limitations of a product, how it will be installed, and knowledge around the finer finishing points which change from home to home, client to client. I utilise very experienced installers and the person that comes to measure and advise you is the same person that returns to professionally install. Time and time again clients give me feedback, saying that no other company gave them the same in-depth level of advice as us. Advice that has often changed the course of a clients thinking, directing them toward a preferred solution or a more accurate expectation of what is possible with shutters. Our shutters come wrapped with a great deal of experience, leading edge manufacturers, industry leading warranties, and very knowledgeable installers. Our shutters are top end quality wise while being competitively mid-range price wise.

A.

We have four different shutter materials available. In the PREMIUM RANGE we have BASSWOOD (wooden) shutters, and ECOSMART (PVC) shutters. These are the two main ranges we've had for years. By default, when quoting, I use one of these two ranges, as they cover most window situations, shapes, and configurations, as well as being suitable for hinged, sliding, and bifold on track shutters. I predominately quote using BASSWOOD initially as this material is lightest and therefore fewer panels can often be used, potentially saving you money. I generally use ECOSMART PREMIUM by default in the wetter areas of the home. ECOSMART PREMIUM is more economical than BASSWOOD.

If your budget is tight and your shutter requirements are relatively basic then the UNO RANGE of shutters may work better for you price wise. The UNO RANGE of shutters has PAULOWNIA (wooden) shutters with a PVC frame, or ECOSMART UNO, a straight PVC option. The Uno Range is simplified and is sometimes too limited for all window sizes and types. Weigh up the points below if you are considering shutters from the Uno Range however please know we can guide you on-site as to which range may be best for your windows and budget as well.

POINTS TO CONSIDER:
Palownia will dent more easily than the Basswood. Palownia is not as durable as Basswood. Palownia may not be the best choice in high traffic situations or where kids or partners may be throwing their toys around. Sliding or bifold on track shutter options are only available in the Premium Range. If you have more basic windows (not doors) needing standard hinged type shutter panels then the Uno Range should be fine. There are only 89mm blades available in the Uno Range however most people choose this blade size anyway. Raked window shapes are possible with the Uno Range however no other speciality curved shutter shapes are possible with the Uno Range. Most other speciality shaped shutters can be achieved using Basswood. The Uno Range of shutters are 'single closure' shutters meaning the blades only close fully in one direction; when the blades are tilted upward. The Premium Range are 'dual closure' shutters meaning the blades close fully in both directions; when tilted up or down. There are only 5 shutter frame profiles available in the Uno Range however the more common ones you are more likely to choose are available. There are only 5 colours available in the Uno Range, all of which are shades of white, however whites are chosen 99% of the time anyway.

Price wise, highest to most economical is: BASSWOOD, ECOSMART PREMIUM, PAULOWNIA UNO and then ECOSMART UNO. All shutter materials look the same when finished and painted.

All our shutters are great quality and well priced when compared across the market. If you've received an initial quote but need some movement downward please ask me to re-quote using the UNO RANGE of shutters. Be specific range wise after reading the points above so I can send you the most accurate quote suitable to your needs.

A.

As you may have seen further up the page, we offer shutters in 4 different materials: PVC, Basswood, Basstech, and Cedar. Our PVC shutters (Ecosmart) are made from superior formulated polymers with advanced manufacturing techniques using fully recyclable materials. These PVC shutters can be used in most areas, indoor and outdoor. PVC shutters are heavier than wooden shutters so their limitations come into play when there are bigger and wider openings into which we're fitting shutters. They can't be used for speciality shaped shutters or for hinged bi-fold shutters (due to their weight). Our polymers are certified non-toxic. Many PVC shutters available are weaker in some respects as they don't have the strength of wood grain to assist overall panel strength. We have a completely re-engineered stile with 20-year warranty. Our PVC shutters are impervious to humidity and moisture, and are easy to clean and care for. Out of all the shutter material options we have available, the PVC shutter is most economical. They are perfect for the wet areas around the home; the bathroom, laundry, and kitchen.

A.

We offer shutters in 4 different materials: PVC, Basswood, Basstech, and Cedar. Basswood has been key in the global production of interior shutters for 10–15 years now. So very reliable and well tested. With fine straight grain, basswood is ideal for either staining or painting, therefore shutters can be made to perfectly suit your home's interior decor. We offer a complete range of market trending colours–14 standard painted options and 13 standard stained colours. Custom colours are also available on request, for a relatively low one-off cost. All basswood shutter colours are UV resistant and use environmentally friendly water based, low VOC paints (this aspect alone is unfortunately rare in shutter production). While classed as a hardwood, basswood is both lightweight and strong. Ideal for larger openings and in achieving wider panel widths (wider than PVC shutters). Basswood shutters are a maintenance free approach to window coverings; other than periodic household type cleaning and care.

A.

Yes we do. There are two sliding shutter options; bi-fold shutters on track or sliding shutter panels on track.

'Bi-fold shutters on track' can all stack one way if you wish (all stacked to the left or all stacked to the right) and must be in multiples of 2 panels. For example: If you needed 6 panels total, you cannot do 3 panels one way and 3 the other way. You'd need to do 4 panels one way and 2 panels the other way or stack all 6 shutter panels to one side. NB: The shutter panels of a 'bi-fold on track' system do not fold all the way back to the wall like a standard hinged bi-fold shutter; they stick 90º degrees into the room. Maximum shutter panel widths for bi-folds on track are between 600 and 700mm depending on the shutter material used.

Alternatively shutter panels can slide directly on tracks (not bi-folding). Sliding shutters come in either a 180 or 220mm deep frame depending on the chosen shutter blade size and whether you want the shutter panels to slide with the blades open or with the blades shut. Maximum panel width is 1080mm and two panels can be joined together to slide as one giving you one whole panel of 1850mm for example.

Don’t panic; all this can be discussed, described, and decided onsite, it’s just good to get an idea of what can be done now.

A.

It’s not a recommended practice to use 'hang strips' in lieu of shutter frames. It’s a cost cutting approach taken by some companies for the most part and can come with consequences over time. We have first-hand encountered and heard about issues with other companies shutters sagging when just using 'hang strips'. This is due to all the shutter panel weight going onto the hinges and hinge screws without the support of a full shutter frame. Causing hinges to loosen over time and shutter panels to ‘sag’. Keep in mind the bigger the shutter panel the more chance it has of ‘sagging’ over time. Using shutter frames and in particular bottom frames drastically helps protect against potential 'sagging' issues on shutters. Please also know that shutters are not designed to be kept open for lengths of time.

Hang strips are not a tidy professional look or finish in my opinion. Shutters correctly framed really enhance your window spaces and reduce light gaps that would be present with just ‘hang strips’. Properly framing shutters is also a more thermally efficient approach. If any of your window frames are out of square, which is all too common, the usual tricks to getting your shutters looking right go out the window if you’re installing on ‘hang strips’ alone. If you insist on using 'hang strips' we will only do so for single panels. All bi-folding shutters have to have a bottom frame due to the extra weights involved. We don’t provide our same extensive warranty if you want to use ‘hang strips’.

The main reasons I find that people want 'hang strips' in lieu of shutter frames is that they feel the shutter frame will take up too much extra room in the window space; especially smaller windows, and/or they've seen this approach elsewhere and are happy with the look. Lastly, sometimes the positioning of your window handles in conjunction with shallow window reveals may dictate that 'hang strips' are used. Any concerns can be addressed on site at the check measure before proceeding with an order.

A.

The short answer is YES. The longer answer which looks at shutter aesthetic, practical and cost saving considerations goes like this: Shutters with a top section and a bottom section, that operate separately from each other, can be achieved by either ‘double hung’ shutters or ‘split blade’ shutters. The longer answer is...

Double Hung Shutters:

As part of your new shutter framing, a horizontal tee post can be included at a desired height so you end up with two separate shutter panels; one shutter panel above the horizontal tee post and one shutter panel below the horizontal tee post. There is no extra cost to you in terms of the overall shutter product price however this method does attract a higher installation cost. Shutter installation is based on $60 per panel commonly. For example: Double Hanging what could have been 2 shutter panels, makes a $120 install into a $240 shutter install with 4 shutter panels.

Where the double hung approach comes in to its own is where there is an obstacle near the shutters, like a bed, bath, or chest of drawers etc, which would stop a full height shutter panel from opening. We’d measure and place a horizontal tee post above the obstacle so that while the bottom shutter panel can stay closed, you can still hinge open the top shutter panel clearing the obstacle. Another situation where double hung shutters can be used is when the window height is greater than the maximum panel height allowed for shutter integrity (strength wise). Employing this method means you can have a separate shutter panel above the main opening shutter below.

Split Blade Shutters:

If there aren’t obstacles or height considerations as above in ‘Double Hung’ Shutters then ‘Splitting the Blades’ into different sections can be a good way to keep a cleaner look (as there are less stiles and framing). Shutter blades are opened and angled by grabbing one of the shutter blades and tilting; the rest will follow. So by having a ‘break’ in the hidden tilt bar you can essentially break the shutter panel up into 2 sets of blades that can be operated separately of each other. The factory would normally do this to our specification, after consulting with you on your needs, however it can be done on site if you decide later it’s essential. Over a shutter height of 1300mm a break must be introduced anyway; shutter panels under 1300mm can be split if and where required. There is no extra cost for ‘split blade’ shutters.

‘Split blade’ shutters are a single panel while ‘double hung’ shutters is more than one shutter panel above and below each other. I feel the best approach is to ‘split blades’ rather than ‘double hang’ shutters, unless there is a good reason to do so.

A.

We can provide shutters for most shaped windows. Whether they are raked, inclined, tapered, circles, semi circle, arched, or octagonal (and more) we should be able to manufacture your shutters. Just email in a photo of the window space you're considering shutters for, along with the overall width and height and I'll let you know whether we can help. You can do this by hitting 'Get A Quote'. Basswood, Basstech, and Cedar can be used for speciality shaped shutters. The Ecosmart (PVC) shutters cannot be ulitised for speciality shape shutters.

A.

When getting a shutter quote including high, hard to reach window spaces (around 3m and higher) please mention these and give an approximate height from the floor to the window sill along with the more standard details required for quoting: width, height and a photo of the space requiring shutters.

There will likely be extra charges for shutter installs over 3 metres where extension ladders, scaffold, or additional installers may be required. We don't take risks and installs will be done safely. Scaffolds with rails are required for work health and safety reasons on jobs over 3 meters high. All quotes are subject to a site visit.

In terms of reaching your shutters once installed – there isn't any magical solution however we have recommended and seen success with a suitable length of extendible window cleaners pole with t-bar and soft sleeve. People generally set the shutter blade angle as desired and leave.

A.

Shutters are not a DIY product. There are a ridiculous amount of considerations to get right at both the shutter measuring and installation stages for shutters to look and operate at their best. All the different shutter materials have their own nuances and manufacturing and sizing limitations. The size and layout of your windows and doors need to be carefully considered when measuring and choosing the best shutter product for you. While it is a good idea to educate yourself about the product to a degree through these FAQS, all the product advice and measuring is handled by myself and our trained installers. I encourage you to 'Get A Quote' initially and ask me any questions you may have. Please also send a photo of each window or door space you need shutters for as this helps me with shutter layout and allows me to get you the most accurate quote right from the beginning. If things are looking right for you, a trained installer would come out to measure, go through the final choices (shutter colour, frame type and blade size) before proceeding with your shutters order.

A.

Yes we most certainly do. However only in the greater Auckland area currently (Mangwhai to Pokeno). We would consider traveling further for large jobs, on application. Start by sending in width, drop, and a photo of the areas you'd like them for. We have outdoor shutter options in ecosmart, cedar and aluminium. Our outdoor aluminium shutters only use top of the line materials to deliver a very robust solution (no flimsy crap here). 10 year warranty on powder coating (2 year warranty in coastal or high corrosion areas). 5 standard colours, all UV resistant using environmentally friendly, low VOC, water based paints. Our aluminium outdoor shutters are exceptionally durable and low maintenance.

A.

We are proudly partnered with a shutter factory that has made important strides toward reducing their environmental footprint. All our shutter products are painted using 100% water based paints–this is not the norm and you'd be hard pressed to find another shutter supplier that can currently claim that as well. Waste product from producing our shutters is recycled and all timber used in the manufacture of our shutters is sourced from eco-friendly locations and sustainable plantations.

A.

In 2019 we shifted the production of our shutters to MYT Shutters. We did this for a few reasons however the main reason was for a more robust focus on sustainability. To closer align ourselves with a manufacturer of similar environmental values. MYT Shutters are known for their environmentally focused approach to manufacturing. As well as making more sustainable timber choices all our paints are now water based, low in VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds), and environmentally friendly. Using water based paints is unfortunately not normal practice in the shutter industry yet.

MYT Shutters also donates a portion of sales to worthy environmental causes which we felt was a win for everyone. In addition to that they are continually re-evaluating their manufacturing techniques, using recycled materials wherever possible, and striving to put the environment first.

In terms of timber choices, Basswood and Paulownia are widely available and fast-growing, making these great sustainable timber choices for shutters. Cedar is arguably not as sustainable as it is a much slower growing timber. However the cost of Cedar is so high that demand is low and sustainability then becomes not so much an issue again. These timbers are NOT listed on the 'Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora' list, or on 'The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species' list.

The PVC polymer range of shutters we do, mainly for wet areas, is produced using advanced and innovative manufacturing techniques with recyclable materials. We do NOT offer MDF shutter products. The manufacturing of MDF is not environmentally safe nor is it human friendly. There are shutter companies in New Zealand that still offer MDF shutter products as a way of cutting corners and providing cheaper shutters.

And our packaging of shutters has moved away from using multiple layers of plastic bubble wrapping to a more sustainable cardboard based packaging solutions.

A.

Shutters can come with either 47, 63, 89 or 114mm wide blades. The blades can either be elliptical or flat in design. If smaller blade sizes are desired they don't always support the wider panel widths, if these are needed. There are lots of in's, out's, and limitations between the different shutter materials, types, and sizes however we can guide you through all this toward the ideal shutter solution for you. The 89mm blade size is by far the most popular, the 47 and 63 seem to suit villas and older style homes, while the wider blades give the most modern look for sure. There is no price difference between blade sizes within a specific shutter range (ie: Basswood, Basstech, Cedar, Ecosmart). Basswood and Cedar shutters: available as 47, 63, 89, 114 (Elliptical) / 63, 89 (Flat). Basstech and Ecosmart shutters: available as 63, 89, 114 (Elliptical only). External Ecosmart & External Cedar: available as 63, 89, 114 (Elliptical only). And our aluminium outdoor shutters have 89mm elliptical blades only.

A.

While I suspect that lower grade solutions may do something like this (based on some people’s experience), I’ve never had negative feedback or complaints from my clients regarding our PVC Shutters, or our PVC Venetians, and toxic gases. That is from 13 years of business and the key here is only dealing with reputable proven suppliers. If the manufacturer is serious about their product, and test it correctly, they should be able to supply you a ‘non toxic’ report from established testing facilities. Please ask me to email the ‘non-toxic’ report from the manufacturer that directly relates to our PVC Shutters. Our PVC shutters are painted with a Dulux water-based paint so they won’t yellow. The VOC rating (Volatile Organic Compounds) is very low with our PVC shutters. Low VOC means the smell is very low. Our PVC Shutters are rated NON TOXIC. PVC may give off a smell when they are first installed, for a week or so, however the smell will go away after a few weeks.

If this sort of thing is a real focus for you it may be best to consider a timber shutter solution. The Basswood (timber) shutters cost more than our Ecosmart PVC shutters however the Uno (Palownia timber) shutters are on par price wise with the Ecosmart PVC shutters. There are some limitations with the Uno (Palownia timber) shutters so if you are considering those as an alternative to the Ecosmart PVC shutters please read the FAQ, ‘What are the most economical shutters you do?’

A.

Yes, they can look really good. There are important factors to weigh up when considering shutters for highlight windows, however. Let me first define what a 'highlight window' is for those that don't know; Highlight windows are those, usually wide, short height windows which are most often positioned high on the wall above eye level. For the most part highlight windows are found in bedrooms or living areas in more modern homes.

The main point surrounding highlight windows is that they are much wider than they are high; which depending on shutter configuration can start to make shutter panels wider than they are high, which becomes a little problematic. The size of shutter panels needs to be considered more carefully to avoid issues over time. To explain the relevant considerations, let's take this client's enquiry as an example: The highlight window is 1560 X 560 with one vertical mullion in the middle of the window.

Option 1: This window space could be covered by 2 shutter panels, 780 X 560 each. As you can see the width of the individual panel space is wider than it is high. The size of these panels are right on the limit of where we are comfortable product wise. We don’t like going over a 800 X 500mm ratio as there is more width than height which puts more pressure on the hinges hanging the shutter panel. If the shutters stay 'hinge-closed' 90% of their life and are only opened to clean or open a window then the shutters will be ok. Please be aware that shutters of this ‘wider than high’ ratio may 'drop' a little over time presenting a small hairline crack on the hinge side between the shutter stile and rail.

Option 2: Dividing this space into 4 shutter panels would be better product longevity wise. However it does introduce a lot more wood, blocking more light and view than in the 2 panel option above. Also know that more shutter panels does introduce more cost quote wise as one of the components of price is 'per panel' being installed. To roughly calculate the difference in this sort of situation use $80 per panel to weigh up the different approaches.

I would prefer Option 1 from a business point of view as this is the 'safer product focused' approach however I do understand you may want more light coming into the room. As long as you keep shutters hinged closed, as all shutters are designed to be used anyway, you should be fine however please know the concerns I have outlined above. Some highlight windows are easier to approach as the mullions and overall dimensions give rise to different configurations. It's always good to send me window photos and dimensions so I can weigh up the options for you. If you are moving ahead with a quote from us we would always be running over the possible options on site as well.

A.

First off we don't do BLACK PVC shutters and I would strongly advise against them if you do find someone that is actually offering them. Just like when some suppliers tried to introduce black PVC venetian blinds to the market; they get too hot and are too prone to warping. Black draws too much heat into a PVC shutter product for it to be stable.

In terms of our BASSWOOD timber shutters we do a 'black walnut' (named) colour which uses a stain. This is not a solid black colour; it is a coloured stain. If you want a solid painted black finish on your shutters we would need to do a 'custom paint'. It is also important to know that stains, like most things, will fade over time, and will fade faster than painted finishes.

We strongly recommend applying a UV tinting film to the window glass prior to installing any black shutters or dark coloured shutters that will get direct sunlight. This will help to reduce fading, but remember nothing will completely stop fading altogether. The 3M Thinsulate Series – “Climate Control 75” is a clear looking, virtually invisible, insulation film that can help in this regard.

If you are considering black shutters in direct sunlight, the best (however expensive) shutter product and combined solution are CEDAR shutters, with the UV tinting film we recommended above. This will greatly reduce sun-fade on any stains or paints used on shutters. The UV tinting would be done by others; we do not supply or install this. Any window tinting businesses who sell '3M' and the 'Thinsulate Series' are recommended by MYT Shutters, our shutter manufacturer. Cedar is the best shutter material when considering black, and other dark colours, in full sunlight because cedar is a slow growing tree, when compared to basswood, making cedar more stable and less susceptible to movement. The downside to cedar is that it is not 'plantation grown', so it isn't the most sustainable wood choice.

Please be aware that Basswood shutters are not recommended for wet areas.

IN SUMMARY:

If you want black shutters – Don't do black PVC shutters and we do not offer black PVC shutters. If your windows are in full sun then ask for cedar shutters with a custom black paint finish. Also seriously consider a UV tint for your windows, as above. If the windows aren't in full sun then you could save money and use basswood shutters with a custom black paint finish. If the shutters are going to be black and in wet areas then choose cedar with an exterior paint finish.

A.

We have a range of different shutter materials and paint finishes available. If you have windows in the bathroom or any area of the house that gets heavy condensation and where ventilation is poor then ECOSMART PVC shutters with an exterior paint finish will be the safest option. Please advise which windows have a lot of moisture when requesting your initial shutter quote.

A.

With so many larger super-sized windows and doors available in modern homes these days it is great to be able to introduce the new SUPASPAN shutter option. MYT Shutters, our shutter manufacturer in China, remains the most innovative shutter manufacturer I've dealt with to date. We are the only company in NZ able to supply and fully warrant single timber shutter panels up to 1300mm wide (89mm blades only). This far surpasses the standard 1080 wide panels on sliding shutters and 950mm wide for standard hinged shutters. SUPASPAN shutters are basswood timber with highly engineered louvre blades not available anywhere other than through MYT Shutters. Engineered to ensure blades will not twist or warp with age. SUPASPAN shutters also have proper reinforced 'mortice and tenon' joints. Through similar engineering innovations the Ecosmart PVC range of shutters now boasts a 920mm max width panel up from 700 wide (89mm blades only). The 89mm blade size is the most popular choice anyway.

If you'd like more info on our SUPASPAN range of timber shutters please email me for the PDF's.