In this post you will learn who the top California sunshades companies should be, but even better than choosing a company, which is to find a specific type or style of window film to match the aesthetic you wish to achieve in your condo/home windows. So today we go through some of the different styles of shutters available in order to help narrow down your choices. But first lets take a stroll through what exactly does “California Shutter Companies” mean? Well, they aren’t just anyone making them in California; these are only the most reputable shaders out there. If you see something like “Window Film Store” listed under a particular category, then I would assume that this was either a DIY project or someone else selling their wares without doing quality research first. Also remember with this being a niche market, many times manufacturers won’t put their names anywhere publicly because they feel their products would become highly sought after in a short amount of time, which makes customer service extremely challenging. And finally, the majority of people are still unaware what a shading system really entails, so don’t fret, this will become less complicated once you understand everything you need to ask yourself; you’d be surprised how often we get calls asking us things like ‘can we install the shades right away? Do I need to buy a special shade cloth?’ We’ll break those questions down below so you can easily navigate this guide. All of these problems lead me to why I started building my own website back in 2014, which was basically a way to try and sell high end custom made window treatments for condos while providing detailed customer support and a place to educate potential clients that had no idea what types of shadings existed. My goal was always to bring awareness to the industry via education and provide information to everyone involved in designing the perfect California home decor solution. A lot has changed since launch day, but one thing hasn’t…the desire to spread knowledge and empower every consumer that needs it across the world.

We believe in making life better through design. Our team lives this creed. When we talk about our products, it’s always about them being designed specifically for us. We take great pride knowing each shutter is made here in America at our own factories. When we’re talking quality, we aren’t just saying we offer superior shutters, but that they’ll be built to endure the test of time. So no matter which home improvement challenge you face; whether it’s installing hurricane proof doors, keeping air conditioning cool during summer heat waves or ensuring all windows stay well sealed against rain water leaks, ShutterBoys will have exactly the solution you need!
THE PROOF IS IN THE PICTURES…
INSTALLATION TIPS & TRICKS TO ENSURE A PERMANENT RESULT
1. If you see “not enough space” below the image, consider having a large opening cut in the wall.
2. Do NOT install over carpeting unless you cut around the perimeter first.
3. Use double sided tape on corners, edges, bottom of shutters only. Don’t use double sided tape anywhere else.
4. Avoid putting a doorframe inside the window frame because you could end up damaging the glass/molding. Install it outside of the window frame instead.
5. Make sure the entire area above and below the slats is covered with caulk. Caulk helps keep moisture away.
6. For extra support, attach brackets to both sides of existing studs. Then secure the shiplap strips onto these braclets with nails. Be careful not to hit anything behind the moldings. Once you’ve nailed down all the pieces, paint or wallpaper them, whichever suits your taste better.
7. Always leave at least 2 inches clearance under the top edge of your window frames for ventilation purposes. Your attic should be completely dry and ventilated to prevent humidity buildup.
8. Be mindful of wind load requirements. Avoid mounting them higher than 18 feet off the ground. Wind pressures increase sharply after 30′.

Welcome to my “Best Of” guide for installing California shutters in the San Francisco Bay area. I am going to be focusing mostly around Marin County but some posts will cover Southbay and East bay areas too. All pictures shown are before install unless stated otherwise. My work is always custom made per customer requirement so please keep this in mind while reading these guides. We offer various styles, sizes & materials to fit whatever home project/idea you had. Some people call us “California Shutter Masters”.
If you’re looking for high quality wooden (or composite material) California shutters for your home, check out my website https://www.shuttersbymasters.com/. Please contact me via email anytime (my cell phone is disabled). Also follow us @ShutterbysMasters or visit www.facebook.com/ShutterByMastersto stay connected. Thank you!!
-David Chaney or DavidChaneyshutterco@gmail.com. Check out my other products. http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS9qbJn3FwNuBv6xKj2Tl0k
In case you missed the introduction, I am a professional Cali wood shutter installer specializing in Cali style shutters manufactured since 1992. And yes, shutters are just another word for windows. If you wish to see the difference, the one I installed today was a window treatment for a condo balcony.
Here’s the link to the video tutorial -https://youtu.

There is no question that vinyl shutters are a great alternative to wooden ones because they offer many benefits including affordability, ease of manufacturing, ease of maintenance, durability, longevity, energy efficiency, cost effective installation and overall look & feel of your home, condo or business space. However some people prefer traditional wood products due to quality and craftsmanship. So which should be used in your home/business?
Wood California shutters come in various options including solid wood slats, tongue and groove options, louvers, decorative moldings, corner blocks, blinds, and other custom options to get the exact look you desire. They can come either flat panels or have curves like windows and doors. They will typically feature 1″ x 4″ strips of wood (or similar material). If you’d rather have the same appearance but less visible wood than vinyl will suffice. Most manufacturers will cover this type of paneling with paint if desired.
Vinyl Cali Shutters are manufactured using plastic materials. They’re often cheaper to buy than wood shutter models, however they may only be available with a few different styles and colors, while wood shutters can vary greatly depending on the style and design you choose. While most vinyl shutter designs include a wide array of color choices, they tend to lack the rich texture found in more natural materials and thus aren’t able to provide the visual appeal of real wood to match the rest of your house’s decor.

California shutters are popular home improvement additions due to the many benefits they offer homeowners across the United States. From improved energy efficiency, insulation value and protection against wind and rain damage to enhanced curb appeal, these premium shutters provide homeowners peace of mind while adding beauty and practicality to every part of their homes. Whether it be a condo building or single family residence, installing shutters will greatly improve living conditions for those who live in California.
In this guide, we take a detailed look at some of the most common types of shutters available today and highlight trends going forward in terms of installation practices and materials. We cover different models which range from full width windows and doors, patio style to dormer shutters, bay window shutters, garage door shutters, sliding glass door shutters, custom built wooden casement shutters and metal roller shutters. All designs include our industry standard installation service options, including hardware, paint colors and other finishes. If a homeowner isn’t satisfied with the color matching after purchase, no problem — we can help them find exactly the right shade. Additionally, we carry a huge selection of exterior trim kits made especially for use with our shutters. These kits allow customers to customize existing designs to suit their specific requirements without having to modify their current windowsills. Our exclusive trims include wood grain, stained glass, vinyl, textured stone and granite accents. They can enhance the appearance of almost any type of sash window design.

We believe that building sustainable communities through housing is critical to achieving climate and clean growth objectives—and that includes affordable housing. As policymakers debate policies related to cities, townships, regional planning agencies, and zoning rules, people should understand the role of land development in mitigating heat island effects, reducing fossil pollution, improving air quality, and contributing toward community character and livability. Land developers contribute significantly to carbon emissions and pollutants during construction; however, they must continue efforts to reduce these impacts during operation and maintenance phases by adopting sustainable practices like storm water management and recycling materials—all key ways builders can deliver healthy, resilient places to live, work, play, learn, shop, dine, travel, worship, heal, relax, raise families, and meet friends.

If you want some ideas, check out these posts:
1/7/19 – https://www.shuttersbysouthbay.net/blog/?page_id=1055
2/12/18 – https://www.shuttersbysouthbay.net/blog/?page_id=1646
3/5/18 – https://www.shuttersbysouthbay.net/blog/?page_id=1445
4/23/20 – https://www.shuttersbysouthbay.net/blog/?page_id=1677
5/28/21 – http://www.dallasnews.com/business/real-estate/detail/-220444857-the-best-caliper-californialawyers-review-of-a-top-20-list
6/25/21 – http://www.realestatetoday.com//property/home/new-yorker-topples-sf-condos/article_f0e8b6e4-b1db-11e9-9988-00157fe06454.html
7/15/21 – https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferbarlak/2019/05/02/why-do-caliper-windows-fail/#30ac1cc01aa0
We have lots more content coming soon!! We will be adding new topics weekly!!! If this topic interests you check us out under “SHUTTERS BY SOUTH BAY SHUTTERBROS®” and please like our Facebook page
We recommend installing custom hardware solutions first for improved durability and energy efficiency, but they work well on older windows.
In many cases, a new window won’t improve energy savings because most buildings already have good insulation. But replacing windows could reduce indoor temperatures and lower heating bills while improving comfort levels inside a home or business. And if homeowners replace old single pane glass panes with thicker energy efficient double and triple glazed windows, they may save thousands of dollars each year due to reduced utility costs and a longer lifespan of the windows.

We understand the home remodeling conundrum; finding everything under one roof, whether it be furniture, hardware supplies or shutters. However, this often leads to confusion amongst homeowners trying to find just the right products which fit within existing budgets. While most homes today feature windows, they rarely offer options for complete window replacement. So often times people face expensive prices for poor quality products while being stuck paying for things like vinyl blinds when what they really wanted was premium wood shades. Here at Shutter Boys, customers only pay what they deserve for top notch California Shutters made from beautiful western redwood lumber and finished with exceptional attention to detail. We guarantee satisfaction because we stand behind every purchase! And when you order from us, rest assured that you are getting high quality, affordable products backed by industry leading warranties. Whether you’re installing them yourself or hiring trusted install professionals, at Shutter Boy’s we pride ourselves on doing business responsibly and ethically and making sure everyone who purchases shingles, wood slats, louvers, and other quality materials receives amazing customer service along with the latest news about cutting edge technology to keep you informed!
We provide comprehensive design guidance through email consultation to ensure that the project goes smoothly and with minimal stress and worry. When it comes to selecting colors, finishes or specialty items, our experts will work closely with you to help you select exactly what you need to achieve your lifestyle dreams!
Here at Shutterboy’s, we promise to deliver unparalleled support for products purchased anywhere else. Whether in a retail setting or via online ordering, we proudly stand behind each order 100% ensuring the highest level of protection available for California Shutters customers both nationally and internationally in most countries around the globe—including China, India, Australia, Mexico, UK, Spain, Canada, UAE, Singapore, Qatar, Dubai, Malaysia, South Africa…the list goes on!
So why should you go ahead and contact us for your custom home improvement needs? Simple…. Because Shutterboys offers some of the lowest costs anywhere for the same great selection of designs found elsewhere, but without those higher priced middlemen fees. Why would anyone sell something cheaper than themselves? To take advantage of market shifts, seasonal demands, and fluctuations in supply and demand.

There are many options available today for homeowners who would like to enhance or renovate their home and bring in some modern style while still retaining their natural beauty. One of these popular choices that are made possible through high quality products is adding windows shutters. When choosing this type of window treatment, one has to consider several things like budget, design aesthetic, material used, and most importantly, functionality. Here are some of the top picks for the best California shutters to meet those needs.
Caliper Shutters
Caliper shutters offer superior insulation values than other brands of windows due to thicker glass which reduces heat gain and loss from the exterior environment. They are often sold in larger sizes for homes with multiple stories because of greater strength required for longer spans. These types of shutters typically consist of vinyl frames covered in aluminum or vinyl cladding so they blend seamlessly into a traditional wooden frame.
Caliper windows offer the ultimate balance of value and aesthetics since they use durable materials and provide excellent insulation qualities without compromising looks. If you live in Northern climates, Cali shutter should be considered for your next project since they reduce sun damage during periods of extreme weather.
Wooden Shutters
If you prefer a timeless classic look, then a wood clad shutter will fit perfectly in your décor. Wood shingles are usually treated with stain resistant paint and finished smooth making them suitable for indoor applications. Some manufacturers sell unfinished versions with no finishing or painting but customers will benefit from having professional help installed onsite
Aluminum Shutters
In recent years, many people find themselves wanting metal shutters instead of wood due to various environmental concerns regarding the latter resource. Aluminum shutters are great to go along side other styles in order to cover large openings. With proper care and maintenance, aluminum shutters come in an array colors, designs, finishes, and configurations. Many times you might see different varieties offered for free samples purposes only. However, other models are available for purchase online or locally. Since aluminium can withstand harsh conditions, it’s a good choice for areas suffering from snow storms, hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, and fire hazards.
Lumber & Fiberglass
This is actually another variation of wood framed shutters.

There are many great benefits to having motorized shutters installed in your home. They provide security, privacy, energy efficiency, comfort, and they allow you to enjoy natural light without sacrificing heat control or privacy. But what makes them unique, is the fact that they can be customized to fit each individual space perfectly. Whether your home was built 100 years ago or today, motorized shutters will work seamlessly and beautifully.
If you’re considering installing motorized shutters for the first time or replacing old manual ones, read this guide to learn everything you need to get started.
What type of shutters should I install?
Motorization requires some extra planning and consideration. If you’ve got large windows that take up most of a wall but only see occasional use during winter months, then you’ll probably benefit greatly from adding the most cost effective solution — roller shades. For smaller areas, like bathrooms or hallways, a traditional sliding door would be perfect.
How long should my window stay closed?
This question depends entirely upon the climate where you live, your personal preference, and other factors including whether or not your building has central air conditioning units that could be affected by opening/closing the shutters frequently. Generally speaking, if you want to keep your house warmer than outside temperatures, you’d want to leave your shutters slightly opened. Conversely, if you prefer cooler temperatures inside, you could close the shutters completely.
Can a motor drive multiple types of shutters?
Yes. Many companies offer both single panel and multi-panel options. Single panels typically have a smaller footprint while larger multi-panels cover entire walls. Some companies also offer motorizations designed specifically for patio screens and window blinds. These are ideal options for homeowners who want to enjoy natural light while keeping the sun’s rays away. If you have a particularly small area, consider getting custom made window treatments instead of buying standard sized products. Custom sizes are generally available to ensure optimal coverage.
Do I have to remove existing curtains/blinds?
Depending upon the size of the opening, yes.

We will discuss why home owners should invest in installing custom shuttering systems in their homes and condos while highlighting some of the most popular options available today: Wood panels, Vinyl Panels, Fiberglass Panels & Custom Composite Panel products which offer homeowners the ability to customize each panel of their custom shutters to blend seamlessly into almost any color scheme without compromising structural integrity. We will outline the differences among all these types of shutters including benefits and drawbacks associated with each type.
For instance if you live in a city like San Francisco or Los Angeles then you would probably use vinyl because they provide better protection against insects than traditional wooden shutters. If you prefer privacy or sun control but you only want to cover half your windows and side walls then composite panels could be ideal for you; whereas wood panels often offer total coverage and therefore afford maximum sunlight reduction. Additionally, since fiberglass are lightweight, durable, weather resilient and affordable, many people opt for them instead of the heavier woods. Fiberglass panels usually come tinted while both plywood and veneer shutters are transparent or white. Lastly the ultimate benefit of glass shutters is that you get full view visibility through both sides from inside and outside.
If buying a ready made system from a big box store feels like déjà vu, try shopping around locally and online first. Not only does this allow you find quality manufacturers and installers but you can also save significantly on DIY labor costs. Remember that window treatments aren’t just something to adorn your home, they’re part and parcel of protecting your property investment. So consider carefully whether or not you really need them. A little bit goes a long way.
Also check out my other blogs on Interior Design, Decorating Ideas, Bathroom Remodeling Tips & Tricks and Kitchen Remodel. And Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more videos updates. Thanks for reading 🙂 Follow me on Instagram @shutters_girl.

If you’re ready for some real savings, then California Shutters is just for you. We’ll show you how it’s possible to install quality, high definition windows without paying through the nose. Our factory direct prices will blow away other online companies who charge thousands upon many thousands for delivery and installations of mediocre shutters that fall apart years down the line because they weren’t installed properly in the first place.
California Shutters can be customized to match any style, shape, color, texture or dimension. They come in standard colors like White Oak Woodgrain & Blackwood/Hickory, which work great indoors & outdoors; but they can be custom made in nearly any color for those seeking something different.
We use top grade materials including real lumber, solid core construction, premium paint options, top notch hardware systems, and our own exclusive coating system, giving our products long lasting beauty, durability, strength, safety, and value… And, because the entire project takes less than four hours after arrival (including shipping), there’s no better way to get these beautiful benefits of California Shutters on your home quickly and affordably. All this and more makes us stand head and shoulders above every company selling cheap knockoffs online or offline.
So call us today! 703-836-9100 www.