I need to replace some long overdue to be trashed, exterior shutters. I am intrigued by some of the new plastic or composite units available because I hate painting, but I’m not sure if they last or even how they look in person. Any good suggestions or shutter sources based on your vast experiences would be appreciated.
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Replies
Both HD and Lowes have a selection of applied shutters made of vinyl/plastic. They come in standard widths/lengths/colors, but you might be able to order custom sizes, though I'm not certain. They make a gray shutter that is paintable. They do not recommed painting the other colors. Although nylon fasteners are usually included, I always use #10x3" stainless steel screws with a flat washer. That way they will always be removable when it's time to paint the house.
Good luck.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
Well, personally, I can't abide shutters--but that's because far too many houses in my town have fake shutters instead of window trim--so, I'm biased.
The composite vinyl shutters certainly seem good enough. The brands the local box stores carry are the same color, through-and-through, so if they fade, it will be evenly (one supposes).
The toughest thing about the ones I've seen is that they have a decent range of heights, but not so many widths. That can get complicated. Few things catch my eye like a five foot window with 12" wide shutters on either side (except for when the shuters are lagged to the wall 2" away so as to not hang up in the J-bead o nthe window <grrr>--did I mention I'm biased?)
Given that I've seen retail prices of $25-30 for a pair of 18x54 shutters--oops, just looked, 14x59" midnight green vinyl shutter is $31.11, per each. At that price, I'd be very inclined to actually install them semi-properly on hinges.
Thanks, I'll check the box stores. I'm not a big fan of the shutters either, but that side of the house needs something. Any good suggestions on window trim for a stucco finish house would be appreciated.
Experienced, but still dangerous!
at the box store, those on shelf are pretty cheap in price but if you special order, the same shutter, they get outrageous.
good suggestions on window trim for a stucco finish house would be appreciated.
That's a question with a wide range of answers <g>
So, is this new, remodel, or what? Style will matter a bit, too--Modern a tad different than FourSquare or Prairie, etc. What do the other windows have for trim?
That last may sound a tad self-evident, but, without a picture/sketch/etc., what may bee needed is a bit of an architectural feature, not necessarily a window feature.
Might be that a small canopy roof with a couple of bracket might be better than shutters (ok, and maybe 3x the price, too--but, that's life, too, ain't it?)
Hard to narrow things down just looking at this white screen on the internet.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
The house is currently undergoing an extensive re-model to the front exterior. I have posted a "before" picture for reference. I have removed the cream colored brick and replaced it with stucco, enlarged the windows, added stone veneer to the chimney and stone colums with glass block lights at the drive way and sidewalk, removed the planter and added a bay window on the large blank wall by the garage.
You can see the old fake shutter things by the windows which have been removed leaving just stucco running up to the window frames. Any suggestions to freshen up the window trim would be appreciated. Hopefully the picture is not too large.
Experienced, but still dangerous!
Personally, I think shutters disappear under that roof overhang, so I think your idea of trim is better. Not sure what trim, mind you, but trim is better.
Hopefully the picture is not too large.
Luckily I'm still at work, so it's not too bad (but about 10x too big for those on dial up).
Any suggestions to freshen up the window trim would be appreciated.
Now, my first thought is to just use the same stone, and put a rowlock course across the top, like it was a previous masonry part of the house. I'd align the top about with where the rake comes back on the right, and where the garage roof ties back in on the left (what ever that coursed out to, rather than any specific dimension).
Given how that window seems "cheated" over to one side, I might be inclined to having a few "bricks" worth (3-4) extend to the right--but, that "lopsidedness" might just be the camera angle, too.
Ok, cutting a bunch of stone in might be a bit more than it's worth. Then, it might be worth it to go look at some 'hardi' trim, and do a nice, simple, butt-jointed frame around the window. (If the spot is 'lopsided', "faking" up a 'boarded-over' side opening in hardiplank might help, too.)
Almost would want some vigas there in the gable--but that's more work 'round the rest of the house, so, none of that now <g>
Ah, hah, how 'bout a nice decorative light fixture? Or some wall art? (after I went back and looked and saw the existing small fixtures).Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Great suggestions CapnMac, very much appreciated. The window you mentioned is "cheated" way off to the side. I have contemplated many times inserting another window to balance it out. The wall art might be a good temporary solution until I recover financially from this re-model. I will take a picture of the house this weekend and show you the changes if your interested.
Experienced, but still dangerous!
show you the changes if your interested
Always interested (even when I know what curiosity got the cat <g>).
Had some sketches, but they have come adrift again (why short weeks are more work . . . <sigh>)Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
> I can't abide shutters--but that's because far too many houses in my town have fake shutters instead of window trim--
I think the problem is a little deeper than that. Too many houses have fake shutters, true. Too many houses have fake shutters that aren't appropriate to the style of the house. Too many houses have fake shutters and so many other random hodgepodge design elements that they don't really have an identifiable style.
What the OP needs to do is take a step back and a broader view, and start by choosing a style.
-- J.S.
What the OP needs to do is take a step back and a broader view, and start by choosing a style.
Well, I think that is the case, from the successive posts. Then was demoted from being in charge, and back to being like the rest of us <g>.
Too many houses have fake shutters and so many other random hodgepodge design elements that they don't really have an identifiable style.
Now, that's a nail-on-the-head observation. I'd refine that to too many houses that were attempted to be built with no 'style' at all. "No Named Style" is an anonymous "look" by definition. With no style selected, any stylistic addition tends to be "wrong."
Now, I'll admit that a good chunk of my I-hate-shutters is from being surrounded by houses with replacement vinyl siding where the vinyl hangers had no idea what window trim ought to look like . . . stick shutter on it!Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Wow, I just installed 6 new vinyl shutters today. Special order color to match and the match was great. Took 3 weeks to get them in, also paintable for a future color change. Strickly decorative, though. Fairly flimsy, came with vinyl/plastic fasteners, easy install. My customer was not home, but I think they are going to love them.
Here's a link:
http://www.midamericabuilding.com
http://grungefm.com
Thanks for the link, great site. I will give their distributor a shot at it.
Experienced, but still dangerous!
Old style mesquite shutters?
View Image
Wow, you can't find these anymore! Looks like doweled joints and genuine worm holes. Maybe a little too rustic for my hacienda.
Experienced, but still dangerous!
I was thinking of the general style. By the way, those sold for $850.
I belive it, and I'm sure the buyer was ecstatic to get them at that price.
The wife and married daughter have taken over the shutter selection, I'm relegated to installing (& paying for) whatever they decide on. I showed them your picture, didn't help any. I'll just do what I'm told. Thanks for the help and suggestions, it's been great.
Experienced, but still dangerous!