This guide will take us through everything from picking the best shutters product for each type of home and condo to installing them yourself with some basic tips along the way.
In Part 1 I am going to cover the types of homes/condos and what makes each unique.
Next part 2 covers the basics of choosing the best California Shutters products for your project. The 3 most popular materials are Wood, Aluminium & Vinyl.
Part 4 will walk through the California Window Installation process step by step, and then I’ll show how to install California Shutters yourself in parts 5&6.
I’m excited to be writing this because it’s something I’ve wanted to write for ages but haven’t had enough information to really get started yet so hopefully this gets me closer to my dream.
So without further ado let’s get going…
Best California Shutters Products (for Your Project Type)
There is a lot to consider when selecting which of these options work better for you.
For example, vinyl windows and doors are usually cheaper than the other window choices, but they tend to cost significantly less per sq foot installed.
They’re also typically more flimsy and won’t provide the same amount of security as the others.
If you live somewhere like California where it rains often, you probably should avoid aluminum windows altogether. They’re extremely prone to leaks and rot. If you live elsewhere, however, aluminium windows could potentially save you money by offering an energy efficient solution.
Wooden windows and door frames are the cheapest choice, but they’re typically the biggest investment. Depending on your climate and location, wooden windows and doors won’t last forever and you’ll eventually have to replace them.
Aluminum windows and doors offer similar benefits to those offered by aluminum siding and roofing. However, unlike metal roofs and siding, aluminum offers no insulation value whatsoever so it’s important to keep that in mind. Aluminum also tends to rust quickly and needs regular maintenance.
Vinyl is another great choice for many homeowners due to its affordability, ease of use, durability and longevity. But, it doesn’t come without risks either.

What makes Cali shutters stand apart from other brands? Well, besides being manufactured in America, our shutters come in many colors, styles, sizes, frame options, finishes including stainless steel, rustproof aluminum and painted metal, we offer custom fabric designs, multiple glazing choices and energy efficiency ratings. Not only that but because every single window system and project is unique, most California shuttering companies, like us, use our own proprietary software called SHUTTERLAB® which gives us detailed measurements and dimensions for each window, allowing us to quickly design the perfect fit for your needs. Our customer service team will ensure everything goes smoothly and help guide homeowners through the entire process. We take care of EVERYTHING during the install, ensuring your shutters go in just as they should be: professional, smooth, hassle free and beautifully finished. Best of course, they stay beautiful well after installation. No matter who installs them. We take great pride in offering superior quality products, installation and customer support. Our focus is 100% client satisfaction so whether you are building a whole home addition, remodel or condo renovation, rest assured knowing that Shutter Boys offers nothing short of the highest level of craftsmanship along with top notch customer service.
In this post we talk about the best California Shutters Product Trends for the coming years as well as some tips/considerations for selecting, getting started with, installing and maintaining your California shutters.
We talked with several industry experts to get their thoughts on the topic of “Best California Shutters”. Here’s what they had to say:
“I am really surprised by the sheer volume of good quality California shutters available today. If ever there was a moment when the consumer market could benefit from more competition then this would be it.” – David M.
(Founder & CEO, SFS Window Innovators), Inc.
“Today, there is a lot of confusion among contractors regarding types of vinyl windows, frames, glass levels, gaskets, caulking, sills, screens, ladders, hardware, tools and materials. And while some aspects need standardization, no aspect of construction requires uniformity to improve workmanship and increase safety.” – Jeff C.

California Shutters offer homeowners and condo owners the beauty of natural materials without the maintenance and upkeep associated with traditional shutters while providing maximum privacy.
Your choice of wood species like Cypresswood, Oak, Redwoods and Pine will affect which type of California shade you get. Here’s a guide on choosing the perfect combination for your home or rental property to ensure a beautiful view outside while blocking light inside.
While installing Cali Shutters seems intimidating at first glance, this step-by-step video tutorial makes things easier than ever.
SHUTTERBOYS CALIFORNIA SHADES FOR CURRENT YEARS AND PROPOSED 2023 VERSION BELOW:
WOOD SPECIES & SIZES TO KNOW ABOUT BEFORE YOU ORDER YOUR VINYL (VINYLANDS) OR OTHER STAGES OF PRODUCTION FROM THE FACTORY / LABORATORY:
CALIBER SHAPED CYPRESSWOOD SHADE OPTIONS (INCLUDING MULTIPLE SLATS WITH DIFFERENT DIAMETERS)
ROCK ROTUNDA PINE BLUE SPANISH TILGHMANN OAK BOULDER CANARY PALM SUNBURST YELLOW TREECOAST LEATHER HONEYCOMB WHITE
INSTALLATION GUIDE
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE? We recommend 2 weeks but some projects take less time and some longer depending upon project size and skill level. Most jobs take around 3 hours per window.
Can I Install My Own California Shutters? Yes. We provide comprehensive instructions to help install or replace existing shades manually, so DIY enthusiasts can customize their own solutions. However, most customers prefer professional service because of the unique needs of each individual space, from trimming trees and bushes surrounding windows to measuring and cutting custom shapes for various dimensions and styles. For example, we typically install 10-12″ tall panels. At that height, they’re large enough to cover whole panes of glass at once but small enough to hide imperfections such as tree branches just inches away. If you decide to go ahead with DIY installation, check out our YouTube channel to learn tips and tricks.

Wood shutters offer better insulation qualities than vinyl shutters, but they also come with higher initial costs and installation difficulties
Vinyl shutters offer cheaper materials and easier installation procedures
Both types of shutters provide good weatherproofing properties
Vinyl California Shutters – A Closer Comparision
When choosing vinyl shutters, homeowners should consider several factors before making a decision: size, price point, ease of use, maintenance, color options, material composition, warranties offered, product longevity and overall aesthetic value.
In terms of design options, vinyl products offer many choices including blinds, vertical curtains, paneled panels, slatted panels, louvered shutters in various designs and configurations; while wooden products usually feature solid doors and windows. As far as cost goes, vinyl shutters are often less costly than wooden ones because of lower manufacturing prices and reduced raw material requirements. However, when considering the lifetime warranty and other aspects of service, wooden products will typically win hands down.
While both vinyl and wooden products perform well under harsh conditions, wood offers superior durability. If you live in a climate zone prone to high wind speeds, rain storms, temperature fluctuations, hail, snowstorms, and strong sunlight exposure then you may benefit greatly from adding some sort of protection from these damaging forces.
For example, a solid door or window made entirely from timber will withstand heavy winds or intense heat/cold temperatures without breaking down prematurely. Even though vinyl shuts tend to be slightly thinner and lighter, they still maintain enough structural integrity to resist damage caused by extreme climatic conditions.
So the decision really depends on which type of property owners prefer (wooden versus vinyl), personal taste, and budget needs.
California Shutters Installation Tips
If you are planning to install wooden shutters, keep following steps below to ensure proper installation and avoid common errors:
1. Make sure wood used to manufacture your shutters match the house trim and other parts of exterior surfaces of home that could get damaged during installation. The quality of a California Shutters product matters just like any other building component.
2. For safety purposes, always wear eye protectors when working around any machinery. Do not climb ladders.

Here today I am going to take a good long look at some amazing California Shutting products made specifically for us by Shutterboy, Incorporated. These beautiful shutters provide exceptional quality without being outrageously expensive.
We hope this post will be useful to those of you who wish to learn something new. It’s always interesting talking about things we love; but there is no point unless someone else loves them enough to pay attention. And that brings me to my main purpose here today — which is to spread love around. So come along with me and follow our “Credo” below.
And just like Santa Claus, we won’t let anyone down! We are known for the highest level of customer service, which includes everything from product knowledge, ordering, delivery, installation instructions and the most advanced warranty ever offered. But perhaps most importantly to me personally,we treat every person we meet like they matter. No question is stupid or unimportant to us. Our team members work diligently behind the scenes 24/7 to ensure the smoothest possible experience for everyone involved in buying a home improvement project. That goes triple for folks trying to find answers or resolve problems during business hours. When you contact us, rest assured that we get right back to you via phone, email or chat window to answer whatever questions you may have. If we can help you while staying 100% professional at any moment, then that makes us happy.
So why would you trust us with all of these wonderful projects rather than just go through another unknown company? Because our philosophy extends way beyond selling some great stuff. Rather we believe we must care deeply about each other because only people who truly love each other do the really lasting things required to achieve extraordinary heights together. So yes, we sell great gear. Yes, we install high end products. But no one does anything meaningful if his friends aren’t supportive as well.
With respect to our customers, the ultimate measure of a company’s success isn’t whether they sold a lot of widgets or installed many custom doors, so much as whether they helped someone enjoy life to the fullest.

Waddell residents love shutters because they protect against harmful UV rays while adding beauty. They also offer sound insulation benefits, helping keep homes warmer without having to use electric heating systems. A home with high quality shutters will help reduce energy costs, improve air circulation in summer months and save water usage during wintertime. These factors can lead to long term savings for homeowners who invest in the most professional installations as opposed to DIY kits.
What to consider when installing California shutters?
Shutter thickness
Many people assume thicker is better but this isn’t true. Thicker curtains help absorb heat and block light with less impact than thinner ones. However, thick shutters tend to hang lower than thin curtain panels. For this reason, many installers suggest going with the thinnest possible type of shutter you can get away with.
Material(s) used
Wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass are just some of the materials available today; each material offers certain advantages depending on the needs of those living inside. Vinyl, aluminum, glass and other engineered products are great options for condo owners, especially since these materials allow windows to be opened easier than traditional wooden shutters. Wood is still king though, so try to stick with it whenever possible. Be cautious when choosing synthetic fabrics like polyester. Their texture and color won’t hold up well to exposure to sunlight or moisture which could damage them quickly.
Installation methods
There’s no right way to fit shutters. Some prefer the classic track system whereas others go straight onto walls. Both installation types work really well, but the methods differ greatly.
For example, using track is ideal if space is tight. On the other hand, wall mounting lets homeowners customize their window treatments according to taste and personal style. As you decide on which method fits your lifestyle, make note of the following considerations when selecting a solution to meet specific requirements.
Materials & colors
Shutters come in different styles (wooden, metal, fabric), shapes (framed rectangles, arched, French doors), sizes (overall width/length) and finishes (stainless steel, painted). All of these choices play roles in determining the overall appearance and feel of your home.

In this blog post I will be showing you some examples of different types of California shutters available today, which should help to narrow down your search for the perfect fit for your home! Here are some tips to keep in mind during the shopping experience.
1. Price does NOT equal quality
One thing people often forget to consider while buying shutters is the price tag.
2. Measure twice, cut once
Before going through my recommendations below, it would really benefit you to measure your windows yourself first. If there’s already a window cover installed in front of them, it could easily throw off the measurements. Also remember to leave enough space around each side of the opening for the blind to swing back.
3. Don’t trust pictures on websites
Some manufacturers sell their products only online. While these companies usually provide excellent customer service, they aren’t always able to take good photos themselves so it’s impossible to tell exactly how the finished product looks until after purchase.
4. Make sure everything fits correctly BEFORE ordering
After measuring both sides of the window, check the width of each side of every roller in place. Make adjustments where necessary. The same goes for height; measure the top edge of the window frame to ensure the slats hang evenly without being too tall or short. Once again, make sure everything matches properly before placing the order and paying upfront.
5. Ask lots
When researching shutter brands, ask friends who’ve had similar experiences to yours. They’ll probably have great things to say because they’re most familiar with the company.
6. Consider the environment
If you live somewhere cold like Colorado, it may cost less than living in warmer climates but California shutters typically cost way more per square foot than those made outside of CA. However, you’d definitely save on your heating bill.
7. Consider the climate/seasonal changes
Depending on where you live, certain styles work better for hot summers and freezing winters. Some shutter brands offer special fabrics which insulate against heat and allow them to close tightly against cold weather.
8. Buy extras
Most California shutter brands include extra rollers or shades that can be used separately.

If you live anywhere but San Francisco, chances are good you haven’t heard of Cali shutters yet. But they’re making quite a buzz these days — especially among homeowners who are trying to keep cool this summer without resorting to air conditioning.
California shutters come standard with a high end exterior treatment called “wood” which is made primarily from cedar and redwood. These materials help prevent heat transfer and can reduce cooling costs during hot weather months while still providing protection against sun damage, rain and wind.
But wood’s a big no-no in most Bay Area and Northern California climates, especially in places like Silicon Valley and SoCal’s inland valleys. Wood is susceptible to mold growth, warping and rot. And because cedar and Redwoods are trees native to North America only found along coastal regions, they’re hard to find outside those areas.
So, why buy them online then? Because California shutters aren’t just for homeowners anymore; they’ve become a popular choice for commercial properties as well. They offer great thermal insulation, sound absorption, UV ray resistance and a sleek modern appearance that helps buildings stand out in a crowded urban environment. Plus, you’ll save yourself some cash, since a DIY install will cost at least $3K and often double that amount depending on your location. California shutters are a smart investment for both home and business owners alike.

In these days of digital photography and high definition video recording everything happens nearly instantaneously but that’s no excuse not to put effort into planning ahead for tomorrow. For us at Shutterboys this entails preparing products and materials necessary and anticipating customer needs. So why does everyone suddenly need shutters today? And how will they be different than yesterday?
We’ve talked about some changes happening during the next few years like warmer climates causing problems for windows and doors while other climate zones become milder. We also expect less usage being saved for the winter months which is going out of style due to rising costs of heating fuel and electricity. Add that to shrinking home sizes and increased use of outdoor living areas and space becomes tighter. All of these factors play together and will cause people to find ways to increase energy efficiency and live better lives indoors. Some would say that now is the perfect time to upgrade to premium quality products made specifically for modern lifestyles and energy saving measures.
Now that things have settled down again after COVID 19 shutdowns, our industry is getting back to normal and consumers will begin thinking about replacing old vinyl and aluminum window screens with something newer and easier on the environment. They’ll search for information on which screen type offers the highest level of protection against hurricanes and tornadoes during extreme weather events. Perhaps they’re considering upgrading their kitchen cabinets because they’d prefer those new designs instead of sticking with decades old solid oak ones. Or perhaps they’d consider adding extra insulation to their attic since cold winters seem inevitable anyway. Whatever the reason behind remodeling projects in many households they’re most often motivated by energy savings and improving indoor comfort levels. But when it comes to choosing the right types of custom fit California Shutters or Vinyl Window Screens their options keep increasing. Choosing the right type of windows and door hardware can improve functionality and aesthetics too.
So what exactly should homeowners be aware of when shopping California Shutters installations and upgrades? Well first, let me introduce my company SHUTTERBOYS®, a leading supplier of premium quality California Shutters manufactured in USA exclusively from 100% natural lumber sourced across North America. Our manufacturing facilities ensure every single shutter and frame produced meets stringent standards required for safety in commercial grade applications.

1. We provide high quality custom made motorized shutters which includes custom designs, colors & styles (no standard products). Our shutters will protect your home against windstorms, earthquakes, fire, hail, tornadoes, burglars, snow storms, rainfalls, hurricanes, ice damming, and other natural disasters.
2. For those who live close to water like near the beach, lake, sea etc; our shutters would also be perfect solution to keep the waves away.
3. If you already have old windows/door frames, our product line could fit perfectly inside them. So that no matter whether the house was built during 1930’s or 2000 years ago, you’ll still enjoy modern protection from modern day weather conditions.
4. We offer different types and sizes of premium quality California Shutters. So you can purchase just enough materials for your particular window type.
5. We sell and install premium grade California Shutters which include: steel frame with wooden slats. Wood framed Shutters with metal frames. Aluminum framed shutters with plastic frames. And most importantly, aluminum framed shutters with Fiberglass Frames. All Shutters are designed with unique patterns, shapes, and color combination.
6. Our customer service team will help you through each step of buying and installing shutters, providing support 24 hours per day 7 days a week via phone call and email.
7. Installation costs vary slightly depending upon the size, style and location of your shutter project but typically range anywhere from $350-$500 depending on your geographic area.
8. Once installed, you get lifetime warrantee warranty which is valid for 10 years after date of manufacture (which is 10 years from July 1st 2018). Warranty covers defects including, but not limited to, hardware wear and tear, materials failure due to exposure to extreme outdoor weather condition such as UV rays and mold growth.
9. No need to worry because our product is fully insured.
10. We provide FREE SHIPPING nationwide and we deliver anywhere across the United States including Hawaii and Alaska. We ship to any address, residential or commercial.
11. We offer fast same-day delivery to customers located closer to us.

In this post I take you through exactly why shutters are popular. We will explore some of the benefits of installing them including energy savings, security improvements and more.
Why should homeowners install shutters? If you haven’t already heard of the many advantages they offer people who live inside homes, then check this out…
Energy Savings
There’s no doubt about it – California is experiencing record breaking temperatures during the summer months and that takes a toll on everyone. Shading structures like windows, doors and shutters save energy and provide protection against heat gain which helps keep cooling costs down. Studies show that houses equipped with double hung glass windows typically use less air conditioning units than those without because shade reduces heating due to sun exposure. Additionally, window treatment options like curtains and blinds help block sunlight from harmful rays which helps reduce lighting needs for rooms where light is essential, like kitchens. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), shading the house “reduces the load factor on household air conditioner by 15 percent.” Not only does shading increase efficiency but it also makes indoor environments cooler thus lowering electricity consumption. When combined with proper ventilation practices, shading has become an important part of designing comfortable and healthy living spaces.
Security & Protection
When it comes to home safety, adding additional layers of protection around the home is critical especially while kids play outside or busy family members come and go. One of the first things most parents consider when deciding what type of system they’d like for outdoor entertaining areas is whether or not it would be secure. Unfortunately, when it comes to traditional vinyl systems, those have always left something to be desired since they’re often installed behind the front door and/or are a bit cumbersome to remove. However, with modern technology allowing us to move beyond these old school limitations, we’ve seen an evolution in how manufacturers design window treatments. These days options include retractable panels and wireless screens that allow the user to control the amount of transparency via mobile device or remote. Other options offer total privacy while still providing enough visibility with blackout shades, blackout drapes, roller shades or sheer cloths.