As stylish as they are practical, plantation shutters continue to grow in popularity in both new homes and renovations. They are recognised for their potential as a long-term investment to replace traditional blinds and curtains.
They have gained popularity due to their insulating qualities as well as their aesthetic appeal, they also suit the extreme temperatures in Australia. The ability to keep a room warm during winter and cool during summer make them invaluable when considering energy efficient choices in your home.
Plantation shutters are characterised by their tilted wooden lourves which are similar to the slats on blinds. Unlike blinds, the shutters are fitted to the window frame and they can be opened out like doors, rather than being opened with a pull-string.
These are available in a wide range of materials, with durable and affordable PVC made with re-enforced aluminium most commonly used and best value for money. Some people prefer more traditional plantation shutters made from a wood such as teak or cedar, particularly for a period property.
So, what are the benefits of Mint’s range of shutters?
Allure Polyfusion Shutters are water-proof and UV resistant, and will not crack, chip, split or warp under the harsh Australian sun. They are more moisture and humidity resistant and require no maintenance. The shutter blades have an aluminium insert through the core, giving the blade higher strength and increased stiffness. This means the shutter will not sag, deform or creep over time. Couple this with the amazing 25 year guarantee and you have a magnificent all round product. The PVC shutters look exactly the same as any other material – if compared side by side with another wooden shutter you cannot pick the difference.
Mint’s range of PVC shutters are also very safe – we use only the highest quality PVC that surpasses all Australian requirements for emissions. No warping in sunlight, no funny smell when heated up. In fact, the shutters will look the same in 10 years as they do today.
Our PVC shutters also benefit from a robust construction method. Many shutters are made of pre-painted components that are glued or screwed together with a mitre joint. These joints have a habit of not sitting quite right, they can open up over time, and the paint finish is damaged with the cutting process.
Mint’s range of PVC shutters are constructed using a mortis and tenon joint, which is re-enforced with adhesive and screw fixings. Not only that, all the shutters are sanded back and hand painted after they are constructed – meaning no gaps or chips in your paint work.
When it comes to external shutters, aluminium is the premium choice. It will last a lifetime and is strong enough to withstand the toughest of conditions. In terms of install type, fully fixed external panels provide the most durability in harsh weather, with sliding track panels also offering a good balance of toughness and versatility. In our experience, installations that bifold or hinge do not provide sufficient holding strength in moderate winds and are not recommended. If you have questions about the best installation type or material for your external shutters, please have a talk to one of our expert staff and they will talk you through the best options for your project.
More traditional homes that require an old-world timber look can at times be best served using traditional materials for their shutters. When it comes to timber shutters, cedar is the premium choice. Cedar is light weight, durable, and has very minimal shrinking in sunlight and expansion in high humidity. In fact, that is the very reason it is used in the construction of saunas!
It is important to keep in mind that these more traditional materials require regular maintenance (such as painting or oiling) and come with shorter warranty periods (1-3 years compared to the 25 year warranty offered on the PVC range).
All of the benefits
Once installed, plantation shutters are low maintenance and you can look forward to many years of usage and enjoyment. When opened they bring a sense of light and spaciousness to a room, and when closed they provide privacy, shut out light and noise, and help retain a comfortable room temperature. The difference they can make to a home is extraordinary.
As always, we recommend looking at samples of each product before making your choice. Visit one of our great showrooms to look at our shutter range and if you’d like your shutters before Christmas be quick! Cut-off date to have your shutters manufactured and installed before Christmas is fast approaching.
