In this series of blog posts, our shutter experts reveal their insights on how to get the perfect shutters based on your personal style. Blue fixed louver shutters with arch tops on tan stone homeWe asked Victor, one of our seasoned Shutter Experts, to tell us one of the biggest misconceptions people have about shutters. “Typically, homeowners start out with a particular mindset. They want wood shutters or they want vinyl, and they have a lot of assumptions around what each of those types of products are. One of the great aspects of my job is that I get to teach customers about the different materials and truly find the product that best fits their needs. Victor opens with the easy question: Do you want wood or synthetic? But then asks the really important question: Why? “That's really where the Timberlane experience begins. Understanding what is important to the customer helps me to find the right fit. We go through questions about house style, color choice, geography, lifestyle and more," Victor says. "So many times, a customer is surprised to learn that he or she has more options than they initially realized and ultimately finds a perfect product.” Victor explains that if a customer is interested in wood shutters, Timberlane's Premium Wood Shutters can be designed in a variety of styles, configuration, and colors. Some customers opt to stain the Premium Wood Shutters instead of painting them so they can get that really special natural wood look from the Spanish Cedar. “As long as the shutters are properly treated, they will have long-lasting beauty,” says Victor. “And, for those customers who really love the natural wood look, we also have some specialty wood options, like Western Red Cedar, and Sapele, a Mahogany-type wood. The natural wood grain really delivers an impact.” Western red cedar, sapele Mahogany and Spanish Cedar wood blocks “Not surprisingly, many traditionalists say they don't want synthetic,” says Victor. “That's where the real education comes in. Most people associate synthetic with the faded vinyl shutters they see around town. I tell them not all synthetics are created equal.” Timberlane's Endurian Shutters are made of a proprietary blend of materials. We combine different raw materials and technologies, such as PVC, fiberglass, and different composites, we can produce a superior synthetic shutter that is not only durable but has the customization potential to mimic designs typically only found in wood, including curves and cutouts. “The result is really impressive,” says Victor. “In fact, at the recent International Builders' Show, many custom builders and architects stopped by our exhibit and were shocked to see the Enduriuan Shutters and Premium Wood Shutters side-by-side. We got a lot of ‘Wows.” Teal bermuda shutters on white beach house“Depending on climate and lifestyle, the Endurian Shutters can be a great choice. They are available in 24 colors-plus we can custom color match to truly personalize them…and their excellent craftsmanship helps ensure durability. We can't fight all of Mother Nature,” Victor says, “but it was good to hear this recent customer story about her Endurian Bermuda Shutters: “I recently replaced one of my shutters that was destroyed by Sandy. We are very happy with our Endurian Shutters and you should know that they weathered the storm beautifully. We are 200 feet from the ocean at “Ground Zero,” where Sandy hit in Ocean County, NJ. Were it not for substantial debris from a neighboring house that was completely destroyed hitting one shutter, all would have come through none the worse for wear. Thanks for a great product.” You can view more about Timberlane's shutter products in our Comparison Chart here. “Each customer is different, so it is critical to understand what is most important to the individual customer, and what he or she is trying to achieve. That's why each Timberlane Shutter is custom-made and our Shutter Experts work with each customer personally," says Victor. ;“We want you to find your perfect shutter.” Timberlane's Shutter Experts are ready to help you select the right shutters for your home. At Timberlane, you will work with the same person from the first call, all the way to when you install your shutters, and ever afterward, to ensure 100% satisfaction. From premium materials to unlimited customization, Timberlane Shutters can help you achieve the look you want. In this series of blog posts, our shutter experts reveal their insights on how to get the perfect shutters based on your personal style. The turquiose shade of these Bermuda shutters was custom matched to make this warm fa?ade come alive with pops of cool color. Bermuda shutters are perfect for shade, breeze, and privacy.Timberlane Shutter Expert, Megan, gives us the scoop on a subject most people talk about first - color! “Many times, people call me and say they want blue shutters or black shutters, even before they have decided on their shutter style,” Megan says. “Color is so personal, but more often than not during the design phase, they sometimes fall in love with a color they haven't even considered.” Megan walks through some questions to ask yourself to find your dream color. 1. Start at the beginning. What are you trying to achieve? Is it traditional? Bold? Beach-like? “Sure, color is important, but understanding what the overall feel you're trying to achieve is a great clue to the color that will be your personal home run,” Megan says. “Shutters bring personality to a home, so selecting the right color shutter to complement your home's overall exterior experience and the look you want, will guarantee cohesiveness.” 2. Think about color relationships. Opposites attract-but so do companion colors. Megan suggests asking yourself to consider a few different color combinations as part of the planning. “A very popular color combination is a dark-colored shutter which contrasts beautifully against a light-colored exterior. However, some customers prefer white shutters on a light, earth-toned exterior for a softer look. Imagine your home a few different ways until you find the right fit.” 3. Don't be afraid of some originality. Timberlane offers 24 standard colors because of their broad appeal but also provides custom color-matching. “A fairly significant number of people opt for custom color. Sometimes it's to achieve just the right shade that matches an existing element on the house, but it really could be for any number of reasons, like alma mater colors, a tropical look, or simply just a favorite color. The customization options are endless,” Megan says. “Many times, a customer has an idea in their head about a color and I walk them through questions like these until they are sure what's right for them,” Megan says. “Other times, they really aren't sure how to get started.” For those customers who are undecided, Megan starts with the standard 24 colors we have available at Timberlane: Timberlane exterior shutter color paint chart “If someone is really unsure, I try to narrow it done by color and shade. Are they thinking red or green or blue? Light red or dark red? Then I'll walk them through the individual options of that color like Country Red or Really Red,” Megan says. Customers can also request a painted product sample to see for themselves For customers who want something other than the 24 standard colors provided or are trying to match existing shutters, Timberlane offers custom color matching. “It's an easy process where you show us the color you want and we match to the exact color,” Megan says. “You can really make Timberlane Shutters as personalized as you prefer.” exactly what the color will look like against their home exterior. Blue louver and panel shutters with functioning hardware on yellow home Timberlane also ensures its color continues to look vibrant thanks to its state-of-the-art painting process. In that process, Timberlane utilizes innovative overhead paint lines and curing ovens that balance the temperature and humidity for the paint to hold to the shutters. “The result,” says Megan, “is truly impressive.” Timberlane Shutter Experts are ready to help you select the right shutters for your home. At Timberlane, you will work with the same person from the first call all the way to when you install your shutters, and even afterwards, to ensure 100% satisfaction. From premium materials to unlimited customization, Timberlane Shutters can help you achieve the look you want.
Cutout Designs shutter cutout dolphin designAdding an image, symbol, or shape to your shutters can be one of the most fun ways to customize your shutter look.Cutout designs can be cut completely through the shutter so it is see-through or can be cut into the shutter for a recessed design. One important note: this design option can only be featured on a panel section or closed board and batten shutter. There are many nautical cutout designs that make perfect shutters for beach houses, but you can also specify a unique design to be custom-made for you! It's up to you whether you'd like to choose from a catalog of designs or send an image you want to have made into a cutout. Sometimes one of the toughest decisions is selecting your shutter color or finish. The best way to begin is to look at what colors are permanent fixtures of your exterior palette already. Note the color of siding, trim, and undertones of stone, brick, or roofing colors. Taking note of these surrounding hues will help to significantly narrow down your selection. Timberlane shutter color chartMany beach houses have a clean, simple color scheme. Naturally, blues ranging from navy to light turquoise are frequently favored when choosing the color for shutters on beach houses. Off-whites, greens and even reds are also common choices. Of course, more than anything, color selection will be based on that specific beach home's exterior. Should you choose to install wood shutters, you can also elect to show the natural beauty of the wood grain with a stain, clear coat, or semi-transparent wash. Regardless of the finish you want, it is recommended that you have it professionally applied to preserve the shutter for maximum life expectancy. Finishes aren't just the finishing look, they are also a protective barrier that can have a considerable impact on shutter maintenance and durability. For help with selecting colors, check out this previous post when we asked our Shutter Experts which shutter and home exterior colors are their favorite pairings, or this post for more details about exterior design color theory. Shutter Hardware sea horse shutter tiebacks lag mount Truly the finishing touch that makes all the difference, shutter hardware can add a big pop of style and is essential to the installation of real, functioning shutters. These small metal pieces often come as an afterthought because so many shutters we see today are fixed-mounted vinyl, which are made to mimic real shutters and do not open and close. If you want to use your shutters as described in the section above, you will need functional shutters with the appropriate hardware. This includes hinges that allow the shutter to swing open and closed. Bermuda shutters will require support arms to hold them open as well as special hardware that is specific to that shutter style. Probably the most fun part of adding style with your shutter hardware is with tiebacks, also called shutterdogs. These come in many different styles. Many tiebacks are perfect for the nautical motif of beach homes. From seashells to seahorses to dolphins, you can add that extra touch of aquatic style with tiebacks. In addition, many classic tieback designs also look great on beach houses - it all depends on the style you're going for! Shutter Materials In today's market, there is a variety of shutter materials to choose from. Wood is the traditional choice for functional shutters. Wood shutters offer incredible design flexibility, and they have undergone significant advances in engineering that allow for a much heartier life expectancy - even in wet climates. The finishing and sealing process plays a large role, as does shutter capping - a fitted metal barrier that runs along the top of the shutter to keep rain from seeping into its joints. Wood is a great choice for traditionalists. It should, however, be cared for with seasonal maintenance. fixed louver PVC shutter cut in half to show construction methods and louver directionThere are other shutter materials that give homeowners many worry-free years of beauty with even less concern for maintenance. The proprietary synthetic blend of PVC and other maintenance-free materials known as Endurian can be modified nearly as much as wood, but will never rot or be subject to termite damage. Additionally, many homeowners by the shore opt for fiberglass when ordering Bermuda shutters, due to its lightweight yet durable construction. Ultimately, both wood and man-made materials can last in wet seaside climates, but the synthetic materials may be preferred by those who use their beach houses only seasonally. This will avoid the extra effort of the yearly maintenance that wood shutters require. Additionally, synthetics tend to stand up to moisture without issue, whereas wood is more subject to that concern (particularly if not finished or cared for properly). Why Shutters are Great on Beach Houses Curb Appeal white exterior shutters on shore house with cedar shakes It's easy to see why quality exterior shutters make a great addition to beach houses. The boosted curb appeal can give you that extra excitement and sense of whimsy when you first arrive, getting you into the beach vacation mindset. Approaching a house that just resonates a “beach fun” attitude and style can really lift your spirits and start off your beach visit on the right foot. Furthermore, who doesn't want their beach house to stand out from the rest of the block? Many beach home neighborhoods were built all in one short period of time. They often have similar designs and were built by the same contractors. You'll be able to easily distinguish your beach house from the others with a unique shutter design. No more accidentally passing the house after you've been gone for a while; with those extra details, you'll know immediately which one is yours. While the effects of boosted curb appeal are great to enjoy simply as a homeowner returning to a beautiful home, they can also offer great ROI and help move a house off the market more quickly. As any real estate agent will tell you, a lot of prospective homebuyers will make an initial decision before they even walk into a house. So, if you want to increase your home value and give it that “WOW” effect that will make it easy to sell when and if the time comes, high-quality exterior shutters can truly contribute towards that goal. Practical Benefits exterior beach shutters with combination fixed louvers and panels And of course, how can we forget all the practical benefits of real exterior shutters on beach houses? Adjustable sun and air flow, as well as protection from rain, can really come in handy when you can actually use your shutters. Additionally, closing your shutters to insulate the home can even improve energy efficiency! And if you spend most of the year away from your beach house, closing and locking shutters creates an added layer of protection. Whether you choose Bermuda, panel, louver or board and batten, each kind will give you practical benefits as well as added beauty. Ready to Design Shutters for Your Beach House? Getting exterior shutters for your beach house is fun and easy. If you'd like more information before you begin your shutter project, check out our resource pages or peruse the style blog and Tropical and Beach Homes Gallery for inspiration If you're just full of ideas and want to get started, designing the perfect exterior shutters for your beach house is just a phone call away! You can talk with your own personal Shutter Expert to get the right style and fit for you. Or, if you know exactly what you want for your shutters, use our easy online quoting tool to have us calculate a quote for your custom shutter project.