If you live near Montreal Canada, chances are good you know someone who lives in a condo building. Maybe they’re your neighbor; or perhaps someone else’s parent, sibling, cousin, friend or co worker. If this person happens to be interested in buying a home, but isn’t sure whether he/she should look inside a condo versus a house, then you’ve come across the perfect article for them.
In my experience, most people prefer having windows that face west because of sunlight. They like the view. They love being able to see the ocean. But for some reason, many people feel a little uncomfortable living next door to a neighbour who owns a large windowless house. And it seems like the trend is only getting worse.
So if you find yourself in that awkward position where you live nextdoor to a windowless house, then I’m going to tell you why you shouldn’t be afraid to get a window. Not just ANY type of window will work well in a condo. I’ll go further than that and tell you which ones won’t. And finally, I’ll show you exactly what types of shutters that would be ideal for you and your neighbours.

Installing shutters isn’t just about choosing the perfect type; it’s equally as important to get them installed correctly the first time around. Not only will this save precious hours during construction but it’ll ensure they’re properly fitted and stay put in the years ahead. Below are some key factors that go beyond mere aesthetics that should be considered when choosing your ideal shutters for your project. These include:
Durability
There are many different types of material available; however, most common options fall under three broad categories: vinyl, aluminum, and composite materials. Vinyl and aluminum panels come in several colors and styles including flat, faux wood blinds, pergolas, and lattice screens among others. Composite materials generally consist of layers of high quality glass embedded in thin wooden frames. Depending on style, these panels offer unparalleled protection against weather conditions while still allowing plenty of light inside your home. When selecting window coverings like these, consider whether you’d prefer something heavier duty than traditional wood blinds in order to protect your investment. A well-fitted system will help prevent warping, rips, tears, stains, or discoloration during normal wear. Additionally, if your existing windows no longer match up properly after being replaced due to expansion issues, consider replacing your current hardware altogether rather than attempting repairs which could lead to further problems down the road.
Style
Another critical factor to keep in mind when choosing your shutters is how your home design fits aesthetically with the rest of your decor. If you’ve always dreamed of having plantation shutters, then chances are great that your neighbors would appreciate an upgrade in this department as well. While you ultimately decide whether or not to live outside of tradition; your choices should reflect your taste regardless of the preferences of those who spend time around you. As a general rule, darker shades tend to pair well with modern homes whereas lighter ones bring balance to contemporary designs. Some homeowners opt for unique patterns and textures instead of plain white or black paneling that simply adds another layer of detail to already beautiful spaces. Be sure to take note of the other finishing touches that accompany each style. For example, faux shutters have metal bars surrounding the edges while composite models often feature decorative cutouts or etched details.

We will update this post frequently because the market for Wood Cali shutters is changing every day. Our team does research 24/7 trying to find the most innovative products available today; but some things are better left unseen until they become popular. If something exciting happens then we’ll be first to tell everyone. We believe quality customer service should always come first. So check back often to learn about the latest innovations, design options and price tags for these amazing window coverings!!
If you love to shop, get ready for 2020 – the California Window Covering Association (CWCA) just announced their annual “Top 5 Trends and Products for 2019”…and guess who made the cut??? Shoutout to CWCA member company WoodCal Industries – which makes our favorite type of custom wood shingle called ‘Woodcal’®..
Here’s a sneak preview of #3 & 4 for 2019….so far ? But we won’t reveal those 2 yet…..they’re top secret…but I promise I’ll keep yall posted!!! Just follow us @woodshutters_inc on Instagram ? Thanks for reading, and stay tuned……there are more great posts coming soon.

Montréal’s Shutterboy® is the industry leader in custom made windows using high quality solid wood products which offers homeowners the ability to personalize their dream home while reducing glare. Our custom made shutters come either painted white or stained to match your decor theme. We offer various styles ranging from contemporary and traditional designs to modern options that allow them to be installed seamlessly in front, sides and back windows in all types of homes including condos & apartments, single family houses, commercial buildings, and waterfront properties. All our shutters are built to Canadian Standards, ensuring they meet the highest safety standards to ensure years of worry-free ownership. As Canada’s No 1 premium wooden window covering company, ShutterBoy® strives every day to provide customers with beautiful, innovative solutions that will enhance both the appearance and functionality of their homes.
For new installations of Custom Made Wood Calidria Shutters in Montréal. Contact us today at info@shutterboycanada.ca or call (844) 516-4262.

If you live outside of North America, then you probably already understand most of this stuff. However, I am Canadian living in Montreal. My house was built in 1982 but my parents bought me a condo in 2010 which had shutters installed. They used these same companies to install them, and they told us everything would be fine. Well, after 4 years of having shutters installed, they’re falling apart! We’re constantly replacing shingles because they get wetter than hell during winter months. Then they started leaking around the windows because the screws holding the window frame together aren’t secure enough, and water keeps getting inside through those little gaps. And worst case scenario: If you have windows that open upwards, then a lot of rain gets in. So we ended up removing all of the shutters and just painting the wood white. But since I moved out, I wanted to put some back on again because I like shutting my blinds and curtains whenever it rains, especially since the last thing I want in this city is snow!
I’m going to go ahead and assume that anyone who reads this will either have no idea what a California Clipper is… OR they know exactly why California Shutters should be part of their home improvement project. Because they look great. Period. No other explanation needed.
Now that you have read the first paragraph, hopefully the rest makes sense without further explanation. Here goes nothing…
First things first: How much does a pair of California shutters cost?
For reference purposes, I got quotes from 2 different websites/webshops: Shutterbys, and Woodwork4less.co.uk. Both said approximately $3100 US Dollars. The main difference though is that at Shutterby’s, I could see the price breakdown of each item that went into making the shutters. At W4L, everything is bundled together, so you’d only find total prices listed. Also, Shutterby gives you the ability to customize colors, shapes, sizes, and materials. So depending on the options you pick, you can end up paying anywhere between $1500 to close to $4000 for a basic package.

California shutters are made using real wood slats which are then stained and finished to match the existing siding color. They offer a classic style and a beautiful appearance that will compliment many homes styles.
What makes these shutters unique?
They provide great privacy and security while being energy efficient. These shutters have no windows and therefore have zero light leaks allowing for maximum insulation and protection against heat loss during the winter months.
When they come down in summertime they block out sunlight but allow natural lighting through them. They can be opened completely or partially to control the amount of sunshine coming through.
These shutters have an adjustable tilt feature which gives homeowners flexibility in opening and closing them. The slats can easily slide back and forth in order to adjust to different angles or positions depending upon the homeowner’s preference.
California shutters can either be installed horizontally or vertically. Vertical installations provide better coverage to your home and are typically recommended for those who like a classic design. Horizontal installations are ideal for people whose houses face south because of warmer climates or they just like the way horizontal slats look. Both types of California Shutters will work well in most areas of North America.
Why Should I Install California Shutters?
If you live in colder climate regions such as Canada, California shutters help protect your house from cold winds and snow. If you’re located in a place that gets lots of sun, California Shutters will keep the heat inside. They provide excellent privacy, energy efficiency, and protection from bugs and animals.
Installing California Shutters is easy, affordable, and hassle-free. They are available in various sizes to fit almost every window and door size. Our custom shutter experts can install California Shutters quickly and professionally. We offer same day service in Montréal for emergency situations only, so please contact us as soon as you have decided whether you should install California Shutters. Our customer care team would love to assist you further.

We believe there should be nothing stopping homeowners who live outside San Francisco Bay Area from choosing quality exterior shutters, just like those living inside of San Mateo County & Marin County can enjoy premium materials at affordable prices.
So far, most popular home decor and window treatments retailers sell only non-customizable products which are available in many styles but they come preinstalled on frames, making them useless once installed except for covering windows. As a result customers end up buying expensive custom hardware and then spending their lives trying to find someone to install the same hardware again after several years. (For consumers and designers alike this seems counterintuitive since the purpose behind these types of solutions is to allow buyers/decorators to customize their own house without having to call multiple people to ask each other ‘what would be best for my taste” while simultaneously providing a solution that will always stay put). We strive to remove a lot of guesswork from the equation by offering customizable shutters that can be purchased with no frame at all. These shutters can be shipped straight to the consumer’s door and installed completely independently; meaning, our consumer gets exactly what she wants whether she purchases her shutters via Amazon Prime orders, Walmart deliveries, or simply chooses to bring them with her on vacation. Our philosophy towards DIY culture goes beyond just removing the hassle associated with installing shutters though because we also provide additional value through education and training of installation techniques. If the customer feels overwhelmed during installation, we offer full support 24 hours per day 7 days per week including answering questions throughout installation, assisting with framing recommendations etc. Our clients include high profile homes located around the entire West Coast and across numerous continents. These homes tend to range in size from 100 square feet to upwards of 16000 plus square feet. Each project is different and requires unique design considerations but some common themes remain regardless of location. Here are some examples illustrating what projects typically entail along with some suggestions for improvement in an effort to help guide you forward. Below are links to actual client photos along with some ideas that could improve upon your personal dream setup. For further information please contact us and reference Project #23127119.

We invite you to visit us at the Shutter Boys showroom located just north of downtown Montreal, Canada. We offer a complete line of premium quality window treatments including blinds/draperies custom manufactured for every project. Our showrooms are located inside the main building of the Shutter Brothers distribution center, which was built specifically for their production needs; this includes large windows, doors or garage door openings as well as full size storefronts.
In addition, our knowledgeable showroom staff will be happy to talk shop for hours while showing you examples of our products. If you wish, they would love to take your order via phone or email. They have access to samples, swatches, fabrics and colors of many different shades (some exclusive). All samples are available upon request. If desired, we can provide fabric samples or swatches prior to placing order so no obligation exists on your part.
Finally, please call ahead because we close during lunch hour. However, if it’s after 4pm Monday through Friday, we’ll work around your schedule.

This post contains affiliate links. When you click on these links and buy something, either from Amazon or another vendor linked from this page, we earn a small percentage commission.

Montreal is just outside the southern tip of New York City across Lake Champlain; this area was made famous by some great American writers like Henry David Thoreau when he lived and wrote his first book “Walden Pond Scrutiny” right around the shoreline of Lake Chamont. I suppose they had good reason since it’s known for being beautiful lakeside scenery but it took me years to find the city’s secrets. For example, once you step foot inside one of these shuttered condos, you realize why the home owner chose them because the windows provide privacy while letting lots of light shine through. They also offer the perfect amount of natural sun protection keeping homes cool during the hot summer months without losing the view which I love! Another way I found this beautiful sight is by walking along the waterfront near my apartment building. There’s something magical about seeing the sunset behind those tall buildings overlooking the St Lawrence River. Just take a walk down Saint Urbain Street and be amazed at the views people live with every day. And just like some other cities, Montreal offers residents plenty of attractions whether visitors stay a few days or move to permanently. A fun trip would include visiting Quebec’s most popular attraction Mount Royal National Park. As Canada’s oldest national park, I guess I could say Montreal is the capital of Canadian parks including many gorgeous nature hikes that will help you appreciate life outdoors more. Then again, there’s no better place than downtown Montréal too. Even though they call it Vieux Montreal, Old Montreal feels modern with tons of trendy spots popping up everywhere. One thing that makes this neighborhood unique to tourists is that it still maintains the old charm of having small shops and restaurants lining streets. And of course, some amazing food! You should definitely try poutine and bagel sandwiches to begin with although the locals often refer to them as hoagies and bialies respectively. If you get hungry during your visit to Montreal then head to the Chateaubriand French steakhouse located adjacent to Mount Royal National Park. Located in the center of Downtown, this dining establishment serves delicious steaks featuring prime cuts of beef imported each week straight from Australia.

So many questions arise when buying California shutters. One question stands above them all; “Which is better?”
Both types of products offer different advantages depending on the circumstances. Here is a brief overview of both vinyl and wood shutters.
Vinyl versus Wood: Both forms exist because they serve completely different purposes and fulfill entirely separate functions. However, some people prefer either form over the other, especially those who would like greater style options available to them than simply painted metal paneling.
While each type of material serves distinct roles, both offer unique benefits and drawbacks depending on personal preference and use case scenarios. So which should you get? Consider these points first:
• Functionality and durability: VINYL SHUTTERS ARE MUCH MORE DURABLE THAN WOOD CALIFORNIAS AND REQUIRE FEWER LABOURS TO INSTALL.
• Style choices: Depending on the size range you select, both vinyl and wooden shutters come in endless designs, shapes, colors, styles, motifs, finishes, fabrics, profiles and accessories.
• Price: Wooden Cali shutters cost considerably less then their vinyl counterparts but still can become quite expensive once installed in large quantities. The savings you receive will depend largely upon the amount of customisation you desire.
If you ask me my answer is vinyl California shutters. As I said earlier, although the price tag can be higher initially, after several years of usage the initial investment pays dividends in the long run, and the extra maintenance costs associated with replacing weather damaged wood panels. If you live in a hot climate during summer months or experience frequent rain showers, vinyl shutters prove to be a great choice. They stand up well against windy rains/storms and generally don’t degrade as quickly as their older brother. Another advantage is that most vinyl models allow custom design applications for enhanced visual appeal without needing extensive fabrication work. Finally, most manufacturers provide warranties up to 10 year, which covers replacement labour charges due to water damage or fire caused structural damages. Although no product lasts forever, the longevity of a quality vinyl model tends to outweigh the short term expense you pay upfront.

Before installing shutters please ensure that both the exterior walls of your home meet Canadian Building codes. As well as ensuring proper wall thickness and framing design requirements. Ensure your windows comply with building regulations like glazing type, frame type, weather stripping requirements, window size, etc. Your builder can help advise and provide additional information.
Installer Tips: For California Shutters installers who carry this line of products they will most often use screws for attaching hardware instead of nails because many homeowners won’t be able to drill holes due to existing nail studs. If the trim pieces have screw threads then the installer would simply apply washers before tightening down. However, if the piece does not have threads then some installers may suggest drilling pilot holes prior to nailing through those holes or just hammering them first to break up surface rust. Some homeowners will prefer self adhesive strips but most professionals tend to recommend some sort of caulking around joints especially window frames and jambs. Caulking helps keep gaps tight while keeping moisture away. Remember caulks should always be applied from edge toward center to avoid trapping air bubbles under pressure making it harder to remove. Many professionals feel that the ideal gap sizes range anywhere from.5mm to 1.25 mm depending on how fastidious you want the project to appear.
California Shutters Recommendations: We personally chose a white oak finish for our custom clients homes which adds elegance but isn’t overly heavy duty since it wasn’t intended for high winds. Other finishes are available including redwood, cedar, cypress, mahogany, poplar, maple and hickory. The price points vary dramatically by material and features ranging from $200-$6k+ per sq ft. One other note, our favorite way to attach the vertical blind slats to the header rails is through clips because they allow maximum light transmission without obstructions unlike nails. Also consider adding solar shading panels if you live near southern climes or during colder seasons. These are usually installed below shivering windows and come in various styles and dimensions.