Riverside Shutters FAQ
- What are solid Window shutters?
- What are Plantation Window Shutters?
- Do Riverside offer onsite measuring and installation services?
- How do I measure my windows and doors?
- Can I fit the shutters myself?
- Can shutters be installed on any window?
- What should I check for before I have a shutter survey?
- What if my windows are not square?
- How many shutter panels do I need in my window opening?
- What are the panel size limitations?
- How quickly will I get my plantation shutters?
- How much do shutters cost?
- How can I pay for my plantation shutters?
- That seems a lot, how do you justify this price?
- What louver size should I choose?
- Why do you use two spellings for louver?
- What wood do you use and is it Eco friendly?
- Does wood warp, shrink, change colour or age in any way?
- What colours and stains are available?
- How do I clean plantation shutters?
- What about maintenance?
- How long from order will it take to get my shutters?
- What are the benefits of shutters?
- Shutter Jargon
What are solid Window shutters?
Solid Shutters are panels that have no louvers. Solid raised panel shutters were originally installed inside reveal boxes in pre-Edwardian houses. These large and heavy panelled shutters were not designed to be opened and shut daily like our present designs and that is why so few remain today.
What are Plantation Window Shutters?
Plantation Window Shutters are louvered panels fixed inside windows and/or doors. Plantation Window Shutters originated in America and the West Indies and date back to before the American Civil War. Plantation Shutters are made using timber from Sustainable forest plantations, hence the term Plantation.
Do you offer onsite measuring and installation services?
Yes, Riverside Shutters operate in around London and the Home Counties. We have fully qualified and professional fitters operating throughout London and the Home Counties on a daily basis – you may have even spotted one of our vans! Our surveying team offer a professional, no-rushed visit to your home where you can choose your shutters and colour choices.
How do I measure my windows and doors?
Measuring the width and height of your window(s) is relatively straight forward and can save time and effort on your part. Simply hold a tape-measure across the full width and height of the opening and contact our team for an instant quote.
Can I fit the shutters myself?
Yes, as long as you have good DIY skills. If you know how to scribe, use a planer and possess a level plus a degree of practical common sense, then go for it!
The shutters are delivered pre-hinged in the configuration ordered, ie: LLLRRR for 3 panels to the left and 3 to the right, so making mistakes on hinging up have been eliminated. We do not supply screws and fixings as we do not know what you are fitting into. We supply magnets to hold the shutters in position, but no catches or knobs.
All products are guaranteed against warping and defects of workmanship for a minimum of 12 months.
Can shutters be installed on any window?
Yes, Shutters can be installed on virtually any window, French door or patio sliding doors. They can also be used effectively as room dividers fitted on tracking systems. If the window/door opens inwards they can always be mounted outside of the reveal or using a 2-part framework. Bi-pass tracking allows for shutters to slide past each other and is used where there are overhangs preventing the panels from swinging out.
What should I check for before I have a shutter survey?
Before we can conduct your survey you will need to ensure that you have checked that your walls surrounding your windows or inside the recess will not require plastering or re-rendering after the survey has been completed as this will render the measurements incorrect and require a re-measure. We generally prefer to survey after all works have been carried-out.
There are no BT or TV/Cable aerial points obstructing where the shutters would be fitted. These will need to be reallocated prior to fitting.
Your window frame dimensions will not be changed after the survey has been completed i.e. new/refurbished window frames.
What if my windows are not square?
There is no such thing as a perfectly square window/recess. Upon fitting, our professional team of fitters can plain-down the sides of the shutter framework to square off the window. If the window slants, the shutters will emphasise this as they are square but we are aware of these scenarios and make-good all gaps with professional caulk.
Our Vintage L-Frames are used a lot now and for reveal edge fixes and outside fixing as well as our Z-Frame. Inside reveal fixes are possible as long as the window is square. The new L frames we use are great and are adjustable should that be necessary.
How many shutter panels do I need in my window opening?
Our smallest panel width is 200mm, which is VERY small and we try to avoid this width, and widest is 750mm, although with larger louver panels we do sometimes go wider, but this can void warp warranty with your permission. Generally a window looks best with 3 or 4 panels, two opening as pairs either way or two opening with a single opposite. A 3 window bay, however, will usually have 2 panels on the smaller side windows and 4 in the centre. All panels will open away from the middle to maximise light.
There are however many exceptions. For instance, a long window with 3 panes of glass, i.e.; 1800mm wide and 1000mm high, would have 6 panels; three folding either way or if you are only going to open them to clean the windows you could easily have just 3 panels. The Americans never open the shutters, only the louvers so we always design with as large panels as possible.
You will have to consider where the panels are going to fold back to and if there is enough room for this to happen i.e. back against the wall, using the Z-Frame or inside the recess using our Vintage L-Frame, where you are fitting inside the reveal next to the window you will not want the shutters, when open, to protrude into the room too much.
We would not recommend hanging more than 3 panels from a single batten hinged together, unless they were not going to be opened apart from window cleaning and were resting on the sill, framework or door step. As the maximum recommended width of our panels is 750mm, you may say that this equates to 4500mm maximum width, but it would be asking a lot of the batten to hold panels of this width and weight without sagging at a later date, so in this instance we fix a top-tracking system. A lot of common sense is needed to achieve a good installation and this is achieved by our professional surveyors.
For partitioning or for large windows where tracking is needed at the top to suspend the panels, you will need an even number of panels or they will look odd and not hang from the track properly. Ideally 4, 8 or 12 panels for very large openings is best, although quite often it is wise to hang even 6 panels from tracking if they are quite large. With the heavier Lancaster shutter this is clearly an option to be considered. We do not charge for tracking, it comes in the square metre price for the opening.
The opening will normally dictate the number of panels. If the window is split into two halves you would either have 2 or 4 panels and it follows that if it is three panes, then three or six panels will suffice. The vertical dividers of the windows are where the vertical stiles of the shutters should be ideally to match.
What are the panel size limitations?
Memphis/Halifax Panel size limitation:
| Louvre Size | Width | Height | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min | Max | ||||
| Single Hung | Bi-fold or multi-fold | Min | Max | ||
| 47mm | 152mm | 750mm | 550mm | 250mm | 3000mm |
| 63mm | 152mm | 890mm | 550mm | 250mm | 3000mm |
| 89mm | 152mm | 890mm | 550mm | 250mm | 3000mm |
Lancaster Panel size limitation:
| Louvre Size | Width | Height | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min | Max | ||||
| Single Hung | Bi-fold or multi-fold | Min | Max | ||
| 47mm | 152mm | 750mm | 550mm | 250mm | 3000mm |
| 63mm | 152mm | 750mm | 550mm | 250mm | 3000mm |
| 89mm | 152mm | 750mm | 550mm | 250mm | 3000mm |
Ohio Panel size limitation:
| Louvre Size | Width | Height | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min | Max | ||||
| Single Hung | Bi-fold or multi-fold | Min | Max | ||
| 31mm | 152mm | 400mm | 400mm | 250mm | 3000mm |
| 47mm | 152mm | 750mm | 550mm | 250mm | 3000mm |
| 63mm | 152mm | 890mm | 550mm | 250mm | 3000mm |
| 89mm | 152mm | 890mm | 550mm | 250mm | 3000mm |
If panel size exceeds the limitation above, warranty will be waived automatically but we prefer to avoid this.
How quickly will I get my plantation shutters?
After you have ordered your shutters, we allow around 6 to 8 weeks for your shutters to be manufactured, delivered and fitted. We have in some cases, installed shutters in as little as four weeks from order, but as there is a certain amount of logistics involved in transport etc, we prefer to allow the specified period to save any disappointments.
The time taken to fit shutters depends on the volume of shutters to be fitted. If the job is extensive, we will assign two fitters to your job but in most cases we will have your shutters professionally fitted within the day. This includes taking down any unwanted old curtain poles or blinds and disposing of them for you.
How much do shutters cost?
To get an approximate price for your shutters you will need to measure your window(s). You can then submit them to us or call our friendly team and we will give you a quote inclusive of fitting, VAT and our 3 year warranty. Some shutter companies offer an online quick quote system but this does not include fitting, which in many cases can cost as much as £45 per square meter or a minimum charge of £145 for even the smallest job – so be aware. We prefer to have direct contact with the customer to guide you through the process.
How can I pay for my plantation shutters?
Upon confirmation of your order, we will ask for a 50% deposit. This can be paid using your credit or debit card, although a charge is applicable when using major credit cards so we try to encourage customers to use our online paying facility, debit cards or a cheque.
Your final payment is due only when the shutters are fitted.
All the payment information and details are given on your order confirmation.
The price seems a lot, how can you justify this?
If it's any consolation, Wooden Window Shutters were double the current price 5 years ago.
Normally a shutter panel fixed inside a window will have to endure some quite extreme variations in heat and humidity. Quite often it may have a radiator underneath it too. In the UK the inside glass temperature reaches 55c in summer. Our shutters are tested to 69c.
The Ohio range is made of Western Red Cedar. This timber is so durable and stable it can be left outside untreated due to its resin content. We don't have to laminate our Ohio shutters to prevent warping as Cedar timber has a relatively straight grain and is extremely stable.
The Memphis range is made from the Phoenix timber, sometimes called Parasol. It is a very light hardwood and has a laminated core similar to the Lancaster. This timber goes through many processes before it becomes a shutter.
Our engineered Lancaster Range is made from a composite of many materials and is totally maintenance free, whilst our Cedar shutters may need repainting in 10 to 15 years time.
All but the Ohio shutters (and their matching framework) are laminated in some way in construction, this is actually more expensive to make than solid timbers. We do this to make a better product. We can only sell Cedar for these prices because although the wood is relatively expensive it is also the cheapest to manufacture in labour and machinery terms.
Apart from our Oiled Ohio all the other finishes are carefully developed to be UV resistant and long lasting. The shutters tone down very quickly and gain character soon after fitting. The Cedar finishes may darken slightly. We don't use regular domestic paints: if we did you would have to repaint/varnish your shutters every couple of years. These materials inevitably cost more. See colour ranges.
What louver size should I choose?
When making your louvre choice, consider the size of the window and the desired effect. Generally larger windows command larger louvre sizes.
We tend to generally choose louvres such as our 47mm or 63mm 32mm (the 47mm louver looks very good when painted white and used on café style installations in living room windows where the street maybe very close by). We also offer an 89mm and 114mm louver. The larger the louvre the more light will get through when the Louvers are cranked horizontally.
If you have Georgian style windows with small windowpanes then we would definitely advise using the largest louver possible or the windows can look very busy.
Why do you use two spellings for louver?
In America the spelling is louver and here louvre. We use both to get as many hits from search engines as possible and because Microsoft Word keeps changing our spelling!
What wood do you use and is it Eco friendly?
"The Ohio Range" is made from Western Red Cedar. The timber is very durable and has a most interesting grain. It is more expensive than the softwood timber but does not need to be laminated to retain stability.
We buy our Cedar from The Western Red Cedar Associations in Canada. It is either replanted Cedar or taken from designated ‘managed’ forest areas. Cedar is one of the most used timbers in the world, in the USA a lot of houses are built entirely of Cedar and it is used extensively for roofing shingles and decking because it is long lasting a resistant to wet and rot. As a result it is farmed in very well managed forests.
"The Memphis" is made from a laminated constructed Phoenix wood, sometimes called Parasol. It grows in sub-tropical areas of the southern states of the USA, China and Japan. It is a very fast growing tree reaching full height in about 15 years, which is why it is ideal for Plantations.
The Phoenix is a hardwood but very light. We treat it with a special process to make it that light but it still has a very hard skin. It weighs in at almost the same as Cedar, making it ideal for shutters where the lighter the better generally applies.
"The Lancaster Range" is our most eco-friendly product because no trees at all have been cut down to manufacture this product. Made from a laminated veneered lumber core (Basswood or other strong frame materials strips that are off cuts not usable elsewhere, laminated together with epoxy making a light, strong core), LDF laid bulk and polymer sealed outer coating.
Some shutter companies whine on about MDF and the dangers of formaldehyde poisoning. However, these shutters are sealed with a polymer coating. The dust from MDF maybe dangerous if you work with the stuff all day long and don’t wear a mask however, MDF is used very extensively all over the world and is an extremely versatile material as most people these days use MDF for Skirting, shelving etc.
Does wood warp, shrink, change colour or age in any way?
To date, we have had less than one in 2000 Cedar panels warp. Similarly, Cedar can shrink and does, but very little and we always advise fitting tight in the first instance. Shutters can quite easily be adjusted should this occur as it is never that much but it is probably better to leave them as they can just as easily swell again should humidity increase.
Wood is a natural material: we do make perfect shutters because the customer today expects perfect manufacture. Rustic looks as it does, because the products are made in rustic environments with basic tools and little technology, or badly/cheaply made or specifically finished to look that way.
If you want an aged look then you can add it later, order it specially or just wait until it happens naturally. In fact within a week or two they develop a more lived in look and your decor adds additional character.
The Lancaster range is a different animal altogether. Although from 3 feet away you cannot tell the difference from white painted wood shutters. If you have young children still in their destructive period you should definitely consider the Lancaster range. If you do break louvers or damage a panel seriously we can easily remake one exactly from our records or replace louvers in situ.
What colours and stains are available?
We have an extensive range of paint and stain colours options.
How do I clean plantation shutters?
Your shutters are maintenance free, all you need to do is keep them clean and dust free. Some people use a feather duster or a soft brush attachment on their hoover.
Our Lancaster range has a very smooth finish and therefore is cleaned easily using a damp cloth. The wooden shutters can also be cleaned with a damp cloth but for the Memphis range, with its natural graining, it is recommended that you use a hoover attachment or feather duster.
What about maintenance?
Shutters are easily cleaned using a feather duster, damp sponge/soft cloth or run a vacuum cleaner with a soft-head over them. The finish will not need repainting for many years: the Lancaster shutters are totally maintenance free.
How long from order will it take to get my shutters?
Shutters are custom manufactured to fit individual openings and are ready for installation in 6 to 8 weeks from the date of the order and receipt of the deposit. We have had instances of order/delivery and fitting in as little as FOUR weeks. However, we allow the maximum period allowing for unforeseen logistical problems. We will keep you informed of the status on your shutters as soon as we receive the manifest from our shipping company.
What are the benefits of shutters?
Shutters have long been the window finish of choice because they are incredibly functional and can provide great aesthetic appeal. Shutters with adjustable louvers offer so much more in terms of privacy, insulation, ventilation and light control than other solutions. Shutters are low maintenance and unlike curtains wont harbour dust, so shutters are good for allergy sufferers too!
Shutter Jargon
- Stiles
- The left and right vertical parts of a shutter panel. They house the nylon bushing the louver rotates on as well as strengthening strips inside for maximum strength and anti-warping.
- Rails
- The top and bottom horizontal pieces of the panels.
- Mid Rails
- Mid Rails provide additional strength to the shutter panel and are generally used for Full-Height panels. They also allow separate operation of the top and bottom section of above & below the mid-rail. These are placed where your windows break i.e. in a sliding sash window.
- Louvers/Louvres
- Shutters offer choices of 47mm, 64mm, 89mm and 114mm Louver sizes. The louvers rotate on a nylon pin in a nylon bush and are connected to a control rod by staples.
- Tilt-Rod
- Co-ordinates the rotation of louvers for light, privacy and ventilation. The tilt rod is mounted on the centre of the louver on the face of the panel. For 3 panels across or more from one hinge point we offset these by 5mm so they don’t hit each other when open. We also offer a hidden tilt-rod. See our tilt-rod options.
- Café style
- The shutters cover the bottom section of the window, creating privacy at the lower level whilst permitting full daylight to enter through the top.
- Full Height
- The shutter covers the window full-height within the opening. Where the panel height exceeds 100mm in height a dividing rail will be added. This allows moveable louvre sections above and below the dividing rail, which can work independent of each other.
- Tier on Tier
- This option allows the top or lower tier to swing open independent of the bottom tier offering the most versatile shutter solution.
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Café Style |
Full Height |
Tier on Tier |
All major credit cards accepted