Wondering whether shutters are a good idea for your home? The pros and cons of plantation shutters can vary depending on your own preferences, but we’ve listed out the most important key points to help you make an informed decision.

Window coverings combine design and functionality into a single element, but there are countless options to choose from. Who would have thought that such a simple concept could bring about so many choices!

The first thing you’ll notice is that window treatments vary in installation method, operability, and materials. So you’ll want to find one that meets your needs across all fronts.

These window coverings have become increasingly popular in Australia in recent years because of how well they check all of these boxes. They’re long lasting, easy to use, low-maintenance, and come in a number of styles and colours.

Of course, no window treatment is 100% perfect, and personal preferences can certainly come into play.

That’s why it’s important, just like with any home improvement project, to explore the pros and cons of plantation shutters before committing to them over another option.

pros and cons of plantation shutters

Are they worth it?

All window treatments serve a similar basic set of purposes.

This list includes:

  • Style
  • Privacy
  • Lighting

The difference between each window covering is how they all go about achieving those goals and how well they do it.

If you’re on the fence about them, here’s a snapshot to get you thinking.

  • Timelessness: Custom drapery fabrics might be more personalized, but they can go out of style or fade after many years.
  • Sturdiness: You won’t need to worry about replacing them due to wear and tear like you might with shades or blinds.
  • Usefulness: They offer privacy, design, light control, thermal protection, and more all in one.

In a need of a consultation? Find out more about our range of plantation shutters.

What are the benefits?

When it comes to the pros and cons of plantation shutters, there are clearly a number of positives. While your reasons for considering this option might vary from another homeowner’s, you’ll likely find the following features enticing.

Control

Nearly everyone looking at these window coverings wants to control two factors: light and privacy.

They offer both of these in spades.

The adjustable louvres can allow as much (or as little) light in as you’d like. Go for a room darkening at night and illuminating during the day. You can also choose from a variety of louver widths and quantities that can create more control over lighting.

Oh, and they support air flow control, too. If it’s a beautiful Brisbane morning then open your window to let the breeze in, and then use the them to manage just how much wind you want coming inside.

Since they are solid and can provide full coverage when closed, you never have to worry about a privacy breach. They can even come with a locking mechanism that will keep kids (or curious visitors) from opening them that you’d prefer to keep closed.

Durability

Properly, professionally installed window coverings will last you at least 20 years. If you don’t use them heavily (i.e. pulling on them or swinging them open), they’ll likely last even longer. While available in a number of different materials, even the most delicate of options will be more durable than curtains or blinds. With blinds and stiles reinforced with aluminium inserts, a product like that is engineered to last.

Maintenance

This is an exciting advantage as there’s practically zero upkeep required. They will collect dust over time, just like any other surface in your home, but a light and occasional wipe will clear this away, leaving you with a virtually maintenance-free window treatment. With our range of products offering a low-maintenance, mark-resistant and hypoallergenic finish, you can sit back knowing your time AND your health are taken care of.

Protection

From what, you ask? Surprisingly, quite a bit.

For one, you can shield your home and its inhabitants from harmful UV rays that seep in through other window treatments. They’ll also protect your furniture and floor coverings from colour fade.

Speaking of the sun, you can shield your home from excess heat caused by light penetration (and we all know how much sun a Brisbane home gets throughout the year) which will safeguard your temperature, your air conditioning needs, and your energy bill.

Resale

We don’t expect you to take your window coverings down and sell them to someone else.

But if and when you do sell your home, these stylish, modern window treatments will add value. They’re actually one of the only window treatments that stays with a home after a sale since they are permanently installed inside the window frame. So while you’ll be leaving them behind, buyers will see them as a valuable feature.

Are there any disadvantages?

Just like with most purchases or decisions, there are some potential disadvantages to this window treatment you’ll need to consider.
Any fair conversation about the pros and cons of plantation shutters will touch on the low points, although there are admittedly very few.

Limited ability to change after installation

Once you choose your window treatment, expect to have them for a very, very long time. This can be a great thing since you’ll be able to spend elsewhere rather than replacing your window treatments. That is, unless your design preferences change.

In that case, consider yourself fairly stuck given the expense and installation method. They are more costly than other window treatments (more on that next), but they’re also somewhat permanent. They’re attached inside your window frame using rather robust screws, brackets, and hinges. You can certainly replace them or swap them for something else, but the repair to your trim work will set you back.

Price

While some homeowners see them as an investment, others see them as cost prohibitive.

With rates pushing $700 for timber options, it can be easy to see this perspective. If you have a lot of windows, the cost will only go up.

Installation also doesn’t run particularly cheap either, but it’s also worth every penny. These window coverings are a lot heavier and bulkier than other options out there. They also require skill to make sure they’re measured for and hung properly. So while you’ll pay a bit more for the install, skimping or skipping the pros here will backfire in the long term.

Let’s talk about price. – Click here for a break-down of costs for Brisbane’s best plantation shutters

Still deciding on shutters for your Brisbane home?

If you find yourself drawn to the positive traits, it could help to take some time to fully investigate how much the negatives could affect you.

Price actually does not need to be a negative. These products are available in different materials, some of which are a bit cheaper than others. You can also mix them with other window treatments in the same room and choose them only for the windows where light control or durability are the biggest concerns.

Getting a quote from a professional installer will also eliminate the unknowns around pricing. They’ll measure your windows and provide recommendations on everything from design to install. This will give you an accurate idea of the price, which might not be as high as you’d think.

For help deciphering the pros and cons of plantation shutters, turn to the experts at FKR Group. We have over 30 years of experience helping Brisbane homeowners choose the right window treatments. All of our products are custom made and backed by warranties up to 30 years, so you never have to worry about the quality or fit of our products.

Our team focuses on customer satisfaction first and provides advice and options to suit every home, lifestyle, and budget. Call us on 0412 872 822 or request a fast free quote online to start exploring window coverings today!

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