Plantation shutters have wide louvres, which give them an elegant look that adds both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Plantation shutters are among the most popular types of window shutters, especially in locations that see hot summers. While they are most commonly white, they are available in several different colour options and various materials including vinyl, wood, polymer, composite, and more. When it comes to the cost of plantation shutters, several factors play a role in determining the final price. These include:
The size of your windows – plantation shutters are usually priced per square metre.
Number of windows you want to be covered with shutters.
Size of the shutter louvres.
Type of material your plantation shutters are made of.
You can also expect to pay an additional cost for professional installation (though you can also choose to handle the installation yourself if you’re confident). You can expect to pay between $900-$1050 for a standard window. Additionally, you can expect to pay between $70-$100 for plantation shutter installation. However, some retailers may offer installation included in the cost of the shutters, so make sure to check before you buy.
There are several materials you can buy plantation shutters in. The most common of these options are wood, plastic (PVC), and insulite.
Woods shutters are the most expensive and there is a risk that they warp if exposed to moisture and humidity. Additionally, they will require occasional maintenance and will need to be repainted or re-stained approximately every decade.
PVC plantation shutters are growing increasingly popular as an alternative to wood. They are extremely durable and much more affordable than wood while also being moisture resistant. They are heavy, which can lead to panels sagging, and are available in limited colours and panel sizes. The limited panel sizes may require you to use more panels to cover a single window.
This is a middle ground between the previous two options. It looks like wood while being significantly less expensive. Additionally, these shutters are fire-resistant and can be used both inside a home and externally. The cost is higher than PVC. They are not available in the same colour variety than wood shutters are and like PVC shutters, they only come in a selection of classic colour shades.
While plantation shutters require significant investment, they can add a significant amount of value to your property. Some ways in which they do this include:
Unlike many other types of shutters, a plantation shutter is built to last. These shutters can withstand the elements, so you don’t have to constantly worry about spending money on replacements. If you are renting your property out, your tenants will be relieved to realise that shutter maintenance will be at a minimum.
Plantations shutters can make your property more valuable if you ever plan to sell it. Not only are they durable, you can also customise them to suit your interiors, making your home more aesthetically pleasing.
Plantation shutters give you full light and privacy control. You can determine how much light you want to enter your home, and you can prevent people from peeping inside without making your interiors too dark and gloomy. This sets plantation shutters apart from curtains, which are all (open, but people can peep inside) or nothing (closed and private, but dark and gloomy).
Plantation shutters can set you back a significant amount of money. Given the amount you will have to invest in them, it’s understandable that many people wonder whether they are worth this cost.
A plantation shutter can be expensive, but it’s definitely worth it. These shutters are durable, which means that you won’t have to constantly spend money on shutter replacements. They can help you save cut down on your energy bills as they are good insulators - they help keep your home warm during winter and cool in the summer, reducing the need to keep your HVAC system running. If you are concerned about light levels,privacy blinds work well with plantation shutters.While the initial investment can seem costly, these shutters will ultimately end up paying for themselves over the long run.
Plantation shutters can usually cost between $900 and $1050 per window, depending on the size of the window. In general, wood is more expensive a material than PVC. This, in turn, means that wood shutters will set you back more than PVC – you can expect to pay about $100 more per square metre. Other factors that affect the cost per square metre include:
Shape of the shutters. Custom shapes can set you back up to $200 extra per square metre.
Type of window. If you are installing a plantation shutter in a bay or corner window, you may have to pay about $40 extra per square metre.
Using shutters in a doorway. Single, double or triple sliding can cost as much as $320 extra per linear metre since there will need to be additions for the floor track.
You can expect to pay about $600 per sqm for a PVC plantation shutter and $700 per sqm for a wood plantation shutter, assuming you are not looking for any customisations or additions.