This year’s market was strong and steady, driven mostly by consumer demand for energy efficiency and aesthetics improvements along with increased interest among homeowners in installing shutters themselves rather than relying upon professionals to install them for them. As always, the biggest challenge facing this market continues to be the lack of qualified professional contractors who could provide high quality workmanship. We expect the situation will continue next year but should improve somewhat due to increasing education levels amongst general contractor trade workers.
One trend I noticed for this season was home improvement stores offering shutters products under $1k which is great because these homeowners often struggle financially during times of recession as well. However, this does put pressure on those retailers to offer attractive prices without sacrificing quality. Another issue is that many manufacturers still aren’t providing sufficient documentation/warranties because they can’t afford to pay for extended service warranties since sales volumes are lower. Manufacturers will have to take care of warranty issues internally before selling products. Also, some manufacturers do not allow DIY installations and insist on having trained personnel perform installs, which adds cost.
The industry needs more standardization around sizing and measurements across brands and styles, especially given the fact that most people measure for blinds differently. Some companies use different measuring methods from other competitors resulting in confusion when comparing costs. For example, some vendors only measure width while others include length as measurement, or vice versa. Additionally, some companies provide custom made measurement tools with no standardized measuring method. Finally, some companies provide an extensive selection of options that range from basic products to full customizable solutions. Consumers would benefit greatly from standard measurement practices and standardized price points. One way to solve this problem would be to develop standards like ISO 9068 for window treatment manufacturing. This would enable customers to purchase similar products without worrying about differences in materials, style, hardware and overall fit.
I am not familiar with every company operating in this space nor am I endorsing them specifically. If anything I hope my experiences help guide readers towards choosing better choices for their own projects.
In order to get good estimates for project completion, I suggest following the below steps.

California shutters refer to the type of siding commonly used to cover windows and doors of residential building. They usually consist of vertical boards nailed onto horizontal slats which slide horizontally. Each board slides independently vertically as well. These types of wooden panels offer protection against heat loss because they slow down air movement caused by rising hot air currents during warm days. Additionally, these sliding window treatments will help prevent cold drafts coming through cracks around the door or window frames. Also, this style of home paneling offers privacy as screens on each individual pane prevents outside light from peeking into other rooms while providing maximum view out into daylight. Finally, while being installed, California shutters generally fit snugly around various sized openings and are then tacked securely into place leaving no unsightly gaps. We use professional grade weather stripping along with nails & screws to secure shuttering to frame surfaces.
Why should I consider installing window treatment like this? Well as climate changes continue getting warmer across North America people are noticing less severe winters. (This past December New York City broke record snowfall totals; New Jersey just had three straight months of 60 degree temperatures and most coastal cities experienced milder than usual winter conditions). As winters get shorter but colder, keeping indoors becomes increasingly problematic especially due to the fact that houses become ever larger and therefore harder to keep cozy inside them.
Installing home window shutters is one step towards increasing comfort levels inside your house thereby saving energy and protecting yourself and your family members from extreme temperature fluctuations.
In addition, homeowners who install California shutters enjoy benefits such as increased property value, lower maintenance costs and increased curb appeal. If you’re interested in finding out how many dollars can be saved every year by reducing cooling bills with a single style of custom shutter or conservatory door call us toll-free 877-888-SHUTTERS today!
If you’d rather check out the videos first, here’s a sample video showing the installation in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ6z_k7SdXQ. Or watch another video showing some of our favorite colors below.
YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.

What Makes Shutterboy Special?
I thought I would quickly dive into some information around why shutters are special these days, since many people still associate them only with exterior windows. They really aren’t anymore. If you live anywhere near San Francisco Bay Area you should be familiar with this statement; weatherization programs and other government subsidies (which can mean solar panels on rooftops). But just because these things apply does NOT mean they are only used for external buildings facing the ocean or bay area. Many homes built after a century ago will qualify for these types of policies, especially coastal communities like Monterey, Palo Alto, Santa Cruz, Pacifica, Los Gatos, Saratoga etc. And yes, even those living inland can benefit tremendously from these same incentives if they decide to get rid of some of their old inefficient windows which could leak heat energy.
But in order words, window replacement isn’t something you want to skip when installing new doors, windows or roofing products. It’s actually probably one of the most cost effective ways to improve thermal efficiency when combined with high quality materials. Why spend thousands to buy expensive heating/cooling units while replacing an ineffective window during the warmer months when you could cut heating costs dramatically AND reduce summertime glare damage to your home? Or replace an ugly drafty kitchen door or entry way with a beautiful designer unit to keep food warm or cool? All without breaking the bank. Even better news is these types of upgrades tend to pay themselves back in fewer cooling bills and less use of HVAC equipment in your home due to improved insulation levels in your walls & ceilings.
How Does Shutterboys Work (California Only)?
There are lots of companies competing for building supplies, but we focus exclusively on custom Wood Shutters made with solid Timber Frame construction that guarantees each piece meets rigorous standards regarding water resistance, UV transmission, fire resistance and indoor air tightness. Our shutters cover every aspect of building protection including privacy control and security applications, both commercial and residential. We build our own shutters inside the USA meaning no cutting corners overseas with substandard lumber making shoddy products.

In order to get this information right (the most accurate) we had to spend countless hours doing research and talking to people who actually install shutters and work in the industry. We talked to shutters manufacturers, distributors, dealers and homeowners to gather the knowledge necessary to bring you the ultimate California Shutter Installer’s guide of how to install the best quality shutters for your home.
We started working on this post back in early 2017 and we’ve since learned and added more details to help you find the perfect shuttering solution for your needs. If you have questions about anything please feel free to ask via email, phone call or text message!
If you have ever wondered why some California Shutters are better than others then this article will explain everything!
Here are just a few reasons why you should be considering installing a new set of CaliShutters to enhance your house.
They are made of high-quality materials.
California shutters are typically manufactured with premium grade vinyl, polyurethane foam or fiberglass insulation. These components provide superior resistance against moisture, UV rays and temperature changes.
This helps them withstand weather fluctuations without losing their integrity or appearance. They won’t warp or shrink like traditional wooden blinds which makes them ideal for homes located in coastal areas, desert climates and other extreme environments.
Their durability lasts longer.
Wooden window coverings tend to wear down faster because they absorb heat more readily than glass. When exposed to intense temperatures, wood tends to crack, split or rot.
California shutters have thicker, stronger frames which allow them to support heavier loads and remain stable for years. Their frame structure provides extra durability, making them suitable for use indoors and outdoor.
They come in different colors, styles & designs.
There are many options available depending on your budget; style preferences and personal taste. Some popular choices include plantation style, ranch style, bay windows, sliding windows, french doors, patio shutters, custom shutters, wood blinds, roller shades and Roman shade.
California shutters are designed and installed to fit your home perfectly.
Most companies offer professional installations for no charge.

California shutters provide privacy without darkening views and natural sunlight filters through these beautiful windows which enhances the beauty of homes and condos across America. But like most products designed to enhance property value, they come with high price tags. So many homeowners end up buying shutters only to discover that they don’t match their existing design theme. Fortunately, the industry is finally realizing this issue and manufacturers are responding by offering custom window treatments including shutters made to fit specific architecture styles, architectural details, colors or patterns.
To help home buyers understand why, and get started shopping around for options, Shutter Boys provided a step-by-step guide to getting information on custom shutters and making a final purchase decision for them. We found some great deals but ultimately chose premium vinyl shutters because we wanted something better than stock shutters. They matched my current decor perfectly. Here’s everything we learned…
1st Step: Pick Your Style & Color Palette | https://bit.ly/2Fxu8b6
We recommend trying 3 different types of shutters first; plain wooden slats, shutters with decorative trim and modern styled slatted blinds. Wooden slat shutters typically offer no customization while slat/blind combinations often cost less upfront, though there isn’t always enough color selection in each style range. Modern styles tend to be sleeker and feature either horizontal pleated shades that appear metallic or vertical strips usually tinted glass that allow light through. Once you have narrowed down your type of shuttering material, check out the available fabric and color palettes for the various brands of shutters. As a general rule, darker hues will block more sun and lighter hues won’t.
Buyer Beware: If your builder offers custom shutters, then you’ll find yourself locked into a contractor who does not sell his wares anywhere else. Make certain you’re being offered what you see pictured and ask questions. When choosing paint samples and other accessories, consider the quality of materials used in order to avoid costly mistakes after install.
When selecting exterior doors, it helps to shop for a door from the same manufacturer as your house was built (or one of equal popularity).

We get this question a lot around here—what’s the best way to buy California shutters? With the rise in DIY home improvement projects, people often take interest in building their own custom window treatments. While installing shutters yourself might save some money down the road, it could cost you big bucks upfront due to unexpected problems like warped frames that must be taken care of, broken hinges and screws, mismatched hardware, misaligned panels, etc. These things happen because homeowners install them themselves without proper guidance, so that leads us to our next topic: buying California shutters online.
Buying windows online gives customers control, but they pay extra fees every step of the way. From shipping/handling charges to taxes/duties/insurance costs, ordering shutters over the internet comes with additional expense compared to doing business locally. However, many brands offer better selection options online than they would locally; plus, the convenience factor of shopping online outweighs these added expenses most of the time. If you’re interested in buying through the Internet, the first thing you should do is find a reputable company. Here’s why….
If you choose not to use Shutterbys’ Local Installation Services, then you will receive a professional estimate via email after submitting an order in which we recommend having someone come visit your property to measure up the exact dimensions of existing openings. Once we provide estimates for each opening type, we’ll send everything back to you in PDF format along with 3 detailed drawings illustrating the measurements we’ve provided. Our local customer service representatives will follow up periodically until the job gets started. We’ll keep you updated on the status of your project via phone calls & text messages (depending upon your preference), emails, or snail mails. Afterward, we’ll provide final completion photos in JPEG format and deliver them to you once we complete the job(s). For those who prefer hands-on experience, we do accept referrals for our Local Installations Services. If you’d rather work with someone else while saving thousands of dollars, simply fill out the form below to get connected today! All other questions can be answered through our FAQ section.

There is no doubt about the versatility of Shutterboy’s products when paired with the perfect design aesthetic. Whether you’re trying to tie together a modern home decorating theme, a classic colonial feel, something in between, or a total overhaul, I guarantee you will find exactly what you need.
For the average homeowner who wants a little help getting started but isn’t willing to go broke, they should consider installing a few shutters. A well placed horizontal or vertical window blind gives great curb appeal while adding value to a property and protecting them against flying debris during storms. They come in many styles including plantation shutters which typically utilize multiple layers of slats ranging anywhere from 3/4″ to 1″, depending upon the size of the project, and faux wooden shades which use plastic instead of real wood. These choices cover the vast majority of homes without breaking the bank, making this inexpensive investment worthy of consideration whether homeowners are downsizers or just wanting to update their windows.
Shutters come in various materials like aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass masonite, composite lumber, engineered timber, and other durable options like teakwood and red oak. Some also offer custom colors and unique designs that aren’t found in standard models. And each style offers different functionality and benefits like privacy, security, noise reduction, heat retention, energy efficiency, air circulation and moisture control, protection from UV rays and bugs, insect prevention, and increased resale values among others. So where else could a consumer start? If you live near Los Angeles then check out our beautiful storefront located in West LA. We’ve got the largest selection of shutters available locally because we understand the importance of having a store front presence for business purposes. Not only that, we service thousands of customers every day helping them pick out the perfectly fit, high quality glass shades for their residential and commercial properties and offering top notch customer support.

As many people move away from traditional window treatments like curtains, blinds and shades and opt instead for shutters because they offer increased privacy during outdoor entertaining events for those living in warmer climates, some homeowners find themselves torn between either vinyl or wood California Shutters for installing above their windows. Both options provide great benefits; however, which types will work better for them depends largely upon personal preference and style preferences along with cost considerations.
Wood versus vinyl California Shutters…
Depending on overall home design aesthetic and how often residents engage with outside areas versus inside spaces, choosing one type over another could benefit either decision makers. Some homeowners enjoy having different visual interest on each side with both types providing similar levels of protection without being particularly noticeable to guests while others prefer keeping certain rooms completely private and simply install wood California Shutters around the perimeter of exterior doors as well as sliding glass patio door entrances for extra added security and privacy against prying eyes. If you decide to go with wooden shutters, remember to keep maintenance costs down especially after repeated exposure to sunlight by painting the tops frequently.
For example, if an individual decides to use wood as opposed to vinyl California Shutters, then siding paint should be chosen accordingly. After applying several coats of high quality latex paint, ensure the shutter panels remain clean with mild soap and water solutions.
Some individuals consider installing vinyl California Shutters a no brainer but this isn’t always true considering other factors including potential weather conditions, location, size of openings, etc.
California Shutters Installation Options…
Regardless of whether a homeowner chooses wood shutters or vinyl ones, the final result looks fantastic regardless. Either way, once installed properly, both types look fantastic due to shutters’ unique ability to effectively block light through a window’s opening yet allow natural ventilation to take place via gaps created near corners and joints. Of course, these same characteristics translate perfectly indoors.
If you’ve decided to install California Shutters and are curious, please refer to the following videos detailing each type. Once installed correctly with proper trimming and cleaning between seasons, your home will look absolutely stunning with both choices for California Shutters.
(Video 1/2) Wood California Shutters Installation | https://www.youtube.

This blog post will focus on providing information regarding California shutters and how they can be installed correctly in order to protect your home or condo against weather damage while adding beauty for many years to come. We provide high quality products at affordable prices.
We provide custom design solutions in addition to stock options for those who prefer to buy ready made products. All of our products are manufactured in North Carolina.
In this article we will discuss why installing a premium California Shutter system should be on top of your homeowners wishlist and how to install them correctly for maximum protection and long lasting value.
Why Should You Install Premium Wood Shutters?
There are several benefits to having premium wooden shutters over other types of window coverings. For example, the most obvious benefit of premium shutters is they offer superior security from both glass breaking and flying debris. They also offer better insulation than vinyl blinds which helps reduce energy costs and save energy. Premium shutters are made from solid wood, so they are extremely durable and won’t fade like some vinyl shades that eventually become worn. Premium wood shutters also help prevent mold growth, unlike cheap vinyl shutters. Additionally, premium wood shutters offer a beautiful appearance that’s often preferred over cheaper vinyl alternatives. Finally, you’ll notice that a higher end premium wooden system offers greater privacy than standard vinyl systems because the louvers block light. These are just a few examples of premium products’ advantages over lower priced versions; however, these are only a small fraction of the many reasons to invest in quality wood windows. If you’re wondering whether premium shutters are worth buying, check out the rest of the article to learn more about the benefits of premium shutters and why investing in high quality products makes sense.
Premium Wooden Windows Installation Tips & Tricks
When choosing your premium wooden shutter installer you’ll find there are several things to keep in mind to ensure your windows receive the highest level of professionalism. First, make sure you select a company whose installer has experience working within your specific area. Some areas, especially urban centers, can have unique issues which may require special attention to detail to complete successfully. Next, ask your installer whether he/she uses premium products in his line of work.

This post will cover:
How to get started with motorized shutters
What is motorization?
Motorization options available today
Which motors work well?
Where should I go next?
Motorization Options Available Today:
There are four main types of shutters: Roller blind, Vertical Blinds, Venetian Blinds, and Sliding Shutters. Each type offers different advantages and disadvantages for both home design and functionality.
For the first part of this guide, lets talk about roller blinds. They are probably the most common form of window covering used today. These shades offer privacy without blocking views. Roller shades also allow light through while blocking sunlight during hot summer months. They come in many styles including vertical blinds, Roman Shades, pleated shades, blackout shades, woven slats, and cellular shades to name just a few examples.
Vertical blinds work like roller shades but they hang vertically rather than horizontally across windows. Like roller blinds, these types of shades block outside light, provide privacy, and are ideal in rooms without obstructions such as furniture along walls.
Another popular choice for homeowners who enjoy light control but don’t care so much for privacy are venetian blinds which are similar to traditional vertical blinds except instead of having horizontal strips they use slats with small cut outs in them. Venetian blinds are perfect for bedrooms because they can be closed completely for total darkness, or left partially opened for some natural lighting. If you love the idea of natural light coming through your windows but still want complete privacy then sliding patio doors would be a great addition.
If there aren’t any other obstructive items near your windows then you can always consider adding a window treatment called “Roman Shades”, which is basically a fabric panel that hangs down from above your window frame. Romans come in many colors to match almost anything. Some roman shades include built-in lighting controls and motorization systems so they can automatically close and/or adjust themselves depending upon the ambient light levels and weather conditions.

Freeport’s shutters are built for durability, strength and longevity. They offer a wide array of styles, sizes, shapes and colors. Their products are made with a combination of the finest woods available including cedar, redwood & fir. And each style has multiple options for colors including stains, paints, varnishes, stains, finishes, glazes and lacquers. All of which allow them to provide a custom fit and design that will compliment any home.
They can customize the size, shape and color of your shutters to match your specific needs. Whether you prefer contemporary, modern, transitional, traditional or country styling.
If your new home already has windows but no screens they can be used instead of replacing those windows entirely with vinyl window blinds. If your existing house does not yet have screens then they will help protect against flying insects like termites as well as keeping unwanted critters out of your home.

Site Design: The website was created with Squarespace’s powerful drag/drop editor and templates. We wanted to keep the content clean and concise while still providing enough information for potential customers to get started.
Social Media Presence: We use Twitter to promote news posts, Instagram Stories to highlight special offers, Facebook pages to showcase products and videos to show how they work and why homeowners should consider installing them.
Email List Creation: Every week we send subscribers a newsletter featuring tips, tricks and discounts. Our email campaign helps us reach people who may be interested in the products offered on the website, so we can continue making improvements.
We believe these strategies help us stay ahead of the competition. As technology changes, we adapt.
Website Development: Our web developer uses HTML5 and CSS3 along with responsive frameworks such as Bootstrap 4 and Foundation 5 to ensure maximum compatibility across devices.
Search Engine Optimization: A good SEO takes many factors into consideration, but most importantly, it involves having relevant and high quality backlinks pointing to pages with keywords related to your business. Backlinks from other websites will increase your search rankings on Google, Bing and YouTube.
Pay Per Click Management Service: We pay to advertise on popular sites such as Yelp and Yellowbook.