Taylor Shutters

Interior Shutters on Bay Windows

Thu, 12 Jan 2017 17:02:51 -0500

Got bay windows? Need a solution that works?

Try interior plantation shutters! They make great bay window Plantation Shutters and add beauty and style to your home.
2 1/2" louver with hidden tilt and divider rails in the center to allow you to tilt the top and bottom separately.

Hinged Panel Bay Window Plantation Shutters

Double hung panels give you the ability to open the top panels and keep the bottom panels closed. This is a great solution when you have an obstruction in front of the bay window or if you don't want to disturb your pillows or seat cushion each time you need to get some air.

Children's Room Bay Window Plantation Shutters

Each opening has its own frame. Butting them together creates a seamless look.

Dining Room Bay Window Shutter

Den Bay Window Shutter

3 1/2" louver in cherry stain with standard tilt rod and divider rails up high. We can set the dividers at any point that you desire, giving you privacy on the lower portion and still letting in light on the top.
The only thing to be mindful of is if the windows tilt-in for cleaning or if you have lever locks that need to clear the shutter frame. Let us come out today and show just how great interior Plantation Shutters will look and function on your bay or bow windows.

What 5 decisions You Need To Make When Ordering Interior Shutters

Thu, 12 Jan 2017 17:11:14 -0500

There are so many options when ordering custom-made Plantation Shutters. Find out what you need to know when ordering Plantation Shutters.

1st Choice: Louver Size

There are three main louver sizes being used today: 2 1/2", 3 1/2" , and 4 1/2"

2 1/2 inch louver
3 1/2 inch louver
4 1/2 inch louver

The larger you go the more light you let illuminate the room and the more you can see out. TIP- With furniture and fixtures in the way, it is rare that you will always open up the doors to let light in or to see out. You will most likely be tilting the louvers to look out and at that point the larger the louver the more you can see through the Plantation Shutters.

There is no right or wrong to any of these decisions. It is a matter of personal preference. We have seen customers choose louver size based on the scale of the window or the look they are trying to achieve - traditional, modern, contemporary, etc. You pick what is best for you and your home.

2nd Choice: Divider Rails or Double-Hung

A divider rail allows you to close the top louvers separate from the bottom. It is still one panel from top to bottom, just separate controls.

Divider Rails

Graber Composite Plantation Shutters - Bathroom

Double Hung Panels

What to know about Plantation Shutters with double hung panels

TIP: This choice can help you decide what louver to choose. Keep in mind a big louver on a small window by itself is fine. Adding a divider may look out of scale, giving you only a couple louvers top and bottom.

Basic Shutter Design

Double Hung is not only separate controls top and bottom but also separate doors as well.

What to Know About Plantation Shutters with Double Hung Panels

TIP: Keep in mind that the center break is much larger on a double hung than a divider rail. Since the basic concept of a plantation shutters is that you can simply tilt the louvers to see out it is very rare that you will open the doors and leave them open. That being said, if you have furniture up against the window it may be hard to gain access to the window with just a divider rail. Double hung panels will allow you to open the panels on top without moving the furniture.

3rd Choice: Rod or No-Rod

You can choose from the classic look of the traditional tilt-rod in the center or the sleek design of a hidden rod system.

Traditional Tilt Rod

Plantation Shutters with Traditional Tilt Rod

Hidden Rod

Plantation Shutters with Hidden Rod

Off-Set Rod

Plantation Shutters with Offset Tilt Rod

Tip: The traditional tilt rod is the classic look of a shutter and, to many customers, it is what a shutter should look like. However, the hidden rod is one less line in the window. Today, new windows or replacement windows have the window grids (muntins) in between the glass that you can not take out anymore like the old wooden ones.Therefore, the tilt-rod does not always line up with those grids and creates busy lines in the window. A hidden rod or off-set rod may be less cluttered and more pleasing to the eye.What to know about Mounting Window Plantation Shutters

4th Choice: Mounting
Typically, with all Plantation Shutters you will see some type of frame used for mounting.

Shutter with Casing Frame

You do not have to use a frame, but it is always recommended. Shutter frames give a more finished look to the edge of the panels and hide many inconsistencies of your windows, drywall, and trim.

[[gallery id=170]]Shutter Frame Shutter Frame Shutter Frame Shutter Frame

OUTSIDE MOUNTS are VERY POPULAR for many reasons. Newer windows tilt in for cleaning and removing screens. If you mount inside the window with a frame it will block this feature. The window will hit the back of the frame while tilting and you will not be able to remove your screens. [[gallery id=394]]Outside-mount frame on drywall Tilting Window for CleaningWhite Window Shutter. [[gallery id=398]] Don't worry if you have trim around your windows already. We don't need to cover it up. We can simply add to it and make it even more ornate and dimensional.

Plantation Shutters with Outside Trim decorative frame on top of trim If you had your heart set on an inside mount but don't want to loose the ability to tilt in your windows, we can do a direct mount.

Graber direct mount Plantation Shutters

Just keep in mind, with a frame we can caulk around the edges and hide the out-of-squareness of the window. Without a frame, you are at the mercy of the construction of that same window. The uneven light gaps may be visible and could drive some homeowners crazy. Nevertheless, if you don't mind small inconsistencies this mount is very effective in achieving a flush mount without blocking the tilt-in windows.

5th Choice : Material

With plantation shutters being the hottest thing in window coverings today, there so many different products; Synthetic, Faux-Wood, Composite, Polymer, Bass-Wood, Teak-Wood, etc, etc. Which one is the right one for you? What is the warranty? What are the limitations? What colors are available?

Installing Shutters Over My Sliding Glass Door

Thu, 12 Jan 2017 18:04:07 -0500

Time after time, as I am sitting in front of the sliding glass doors off the kitchen giving a quote for the entire house in shutters, I ask did you want me to quote you for the slider too? The usual response from the homeowner is I would but you can't put shutters on a sliding door can you? Well of course you can! This is one of our best sellers.
THE BI-PASS TRACK SYSTEM

The panels slide back and forth just like the door and this treatment is a fantastic solution for that door. We simply install a track system on the top of your existing trim around the door or to the ceiling.

No track on the bottom unless it is requested. A track can add a tripping hazard and block air vents that are normally mounted in front of the slider. Single, Double, or even Triple Track Configurations are available.[[gallery id=404]]

The panels are a rigid construction that will not easily sway in the wind. A panel guide bracket can be installed on the bottom to assist when sliding the treatment back and forth. Notice: As you slide the panels over you must close the louvers so the panels can pass one another without hitting (closed by-pass). A Closed By-Pass Track System only sticks out 5-6" into the room, no more than a vertical blind or drapery rod.

[[gallery id=408]]There is a way to allow the louvers to stay open when bi-passing (open by-pass) however, to create this feature, the entire treatment sticks out up to 10" into the room or space.

Ideal Solution- If you have the room, we can install an extended track the will allow the panels to slide off the opening completely. Sometimes our customers have placed a piece of furniture, like an armoire, in front of the extended track to hide the panels. Many also have made good use of the track header as a decorative shelf.

BI-FOLD SHUTTERS

If you desire a more open look and you don't want the panels to block part of the opening, Bi-Fold Panels over the Slider are a great alternative.

[[gallery id=418]]Caution:

The Panels are normally installed without a track on the bottom and can be heavy and slightly cumbersome due to inherent weight issues of having two panels supported by one set of hinges.

A bottom track system is available upon request. The Benefit is the ability to fold the panels all the way back to give a unobstructed view to the outside. You can choose Bi-Pass or Bi-Fold systems for any product in our entire shutter collection.

[[gallery id=422]]Either way, shutters are great solution for any size sliding glass door system. Clean lines and a innovative design that brings sophistication and function to your home. Treat your sliding glass door right and have us come out today for a free in-home consultation. You will love how great your doors will look with Taylor Shutters!

Shutters on French Doors

Wed, 11 Jan 2017 10:51:26 -0500

Depending on the type of product you choose and the type of frame used, you can pick from a curved cut-out style or a square cut option.
* Keep in mind the curved option may take up more of the glass then the square cut. The curve requires more space to create the arc, and may start higher and end lower then the mitered corners of a sleek rectangle cutout. Some feel this adds to the ornate beauty of the finished product and others feel it takes away from the view.

A square or rectangle cutout will take up less glass then a curved option.

Sometimes the handle can be turned the other direction to allow a straight panel without a cutout to be installed. With an egg-shaped or round knob style handle, we can build a straight shutter panel and frame without a cut-out. Cut-outs will add to the cost, typically around $150-$200 per door, depending on the product and manufacturer. Changing the Lever Style Handle to an Oval Shape Handle will be less expensive and give you that clean look you desire.

Palm Beach Palmetto Bathroom Door

Another great idea for getting a straight shutter panel and keeping your lever-shaped handle set is a door handle extension kit.

[[gallery id=347]]

Caution: Even though the handle now clears the shutter panel, the handle will not swivel completely out of the way in order for you to open the shutter. You will need to pop the hinge pins and take the shutter panel out of the frame each time you want to clean the glass.

Check out after market companies and their websites like X-10 Door, for incredible solutions to extending the handle out in front of the shutter panel. With a simple 2" extension available in the exact color of your existing hardware, the shutter will fit behind the lever and you will save money and achieve the desired clean look that you want.

Whether you choose the straight look and adjust your handle or go with the decorative and ornate look of a door handle cutout, you will love Plantation Shutters on your french doors. They look like a fine piece of furniture on your door and they don't bang or rattle ,when opening and closing the door, like a blind or shade does.

Call us today at (404) 861-5323 or fill out the contact us form below right away to setup a time I can come out and go over all these great options right there on your doors or windows.

Plantation Shutters over a Sink Window

Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:22:09 -0500

Sink Faucet in the way? Pop-Out Plantation Shutters!

Do you wish you could have Plantation Shutters on the kitchen sink window, but fear the faucet will be in the way? Or the soffit of the cabinets will hinder the panels from opening? Don"t worry. Pop-Our Plantation Shutters are a great solution!
This is a typical sink window. The soffit above and the faucet below will block the panels from opening. What do we you do?
Pop-Out Panels! The extra magnets mounted to the shutter frame hold the panels in place and make popping in and out easy.

These panels are made with 3 1/2" Ultra-Clear Louvers that are split so that you can operate the bottom 6 louvers separate than the upper 5 louver

Pop-Out Panels are a little heavy and cumbersome at first. We eliminate the need to adjust the panels up and down by placing plastic tack glides under the panels acting like little feet giving the perfect gap across the top and bottom. This allows you to set the panels in the frame then slide them into position. The magnets will do the rest.

Caution: We screw the hinges back into the panel to secure them to the side and make them look like all the other panels in your home. However, this has an effect on how guests perceive how you open the shutters. Make sure you tell family and friends that they are pop-outs. You don't want them coming in and immediately opening the panels like the others, thinking they swing open, then crash!

Overall a great solution for the sink window and any window that may have some sort of obstruction hindering the panels from opening and closing properly.

Shutters on the entry sidelights and front doors

Thu, 15 Dec 2016 13:09:37 -0500

Proudly serving Atlanta, Buckhead, Alpharetta and Duluth at (404) 861-5323.

What can you do with these small, narrow windows on each side of my front door?

I usually get this question at the end of the consultation, as I am walking out the door.

What a great question it is. Everyone is getting tired of the small metal drapery rod mounted on the top and bottom with a set of rod-pocket sheers pulled tight covering up all the view and light, which is the very reason you have sidelight windows in the first place. Not to mention the wear and tear those drapes take with the pets, kids, and guests walking in and out on a regular basis.

Don't cover them.

Enhance them with beautiful interior Plantation Shutters!

side light window Plantation Shutters

Now, some will use a shade or a 2" blind to do the trick. However, even with hold downs on the bottom, the blinds ultimately bang and rattle as the wind catches them when the door is opened and closed. Well, look at it this way, you don't need to spend money on an alarm system: you know when someone is entering your home by the slam of the blinds against the frame of the door.

Plantation Shutters stay nice and tight to the door frame when opening and closing the panels.

Installer installing Plantation Shutters on French Door turning handle

We can install these on Wood, Steel, or Fiberglass Door Systems.

You can pick from any product, any size louver, and any configuration.

front door closed window shutter

Front Door Window Shutter

We can build the frames to only wrap the opening.

The frame can cover the whole section with a large rail at the top/bottom to hide the solid panel of the door.

In many cases, the panels will be able to fold 180 degrees and lay back against the wall on the sides of the door. This gives you the best of both worlds: enjoy a full unobstructed view when you want it, and close them the other times for the privacy you desire.

How to Install a Plantation Shutter

Wed, 11 Jan 2017 11:41:56 -0500

Just a brief look at what we do and how we do it.
First of all, please excuse the quality of the photos. These pics were taken from my phone while I was installing and the customer was remodeling so poor lighting as well. That being said: I wanted to show a simple example of installing an Outside-Mount Decorative Frame on top of existing trim work.

As you can see from the frame leaning up against the window, we do a lot of the work ahead of the time at our shop. The frame is cut and assembled on the table. We also hinge and install the magnets and dry fit the panels in the frame to make sure everything fits before we show up at your house.
The first step.

Set the frame up in the window. The shutter frame has a sill plate at the bottom that will sit on top of the existing sill supporting the weight of the frame. With one hand on the frame, use the other to grab your nail gun and shoot the first nail against the t-post in the center.
Shoot the second nail at the right corner in the top frame. Repeat with the left side. We use 2 1/2" 16 gauge finish nails. The nail will sink into the frame going through the existing trim, the drywall and then finally into the stud. One nail can hold the entire frame up. Of course, we go all the way around to secure it properly.

For right now we are just tacking the frame up to get things into position. You will see from what follows why we wait to finish nailing until we have everything set into place.
Now the frame will stay up while we can move the bottom into position.

You can see from these photos that the customer has chosen an extended sill plate. This means the shutter frame sill plate will go past the edge of the frame and meet up with the edge of the existing window sill.
You simply line them up and set a nail in the bottom to hold it into place.
Set a nail into the center of the sill plate against the t-post similar to the top.

The reason we don't shoot the bottom corners yet is in case we have to rack the frame up and down or left to right. Be careful, most window sills are only 3/4" thick and stick away from the trim (called an apron) underneath. Many times we will switch out the clip and insert 5/8" nails into the gun for the sill.
Hanging the panels. With the hinges pre-hung on both the frame and the panels this is the fun part. Working from left to right, set the panels into place and pop in the hinge pins.
As you set the panels in place take a step back and look at how they lining up at the top and bottom. You can see from this pic that the right panel is lower then the left. This is an easy adjustment.
To rack the right panel up use a thin flat bar under the sill plate and raise the right side of the frame up off the window sill. With only one nail in the top right corner, you can carefully raise the frame into position without causing damage to the existing trim work. Keep the bar in place while you check the gap. When the gap is right, set a nail to hold the frame at that point. Then carefully remove the bar.
By using a special tool we like to call The Persuader, tap lightly down on the left side to lower the left. You can also rack the frame left to right or right to left with a little love from this handy tool. Caution; when racking left to right, be careful not to go too far one way or another. This can lead to the louvers looking crooked or slanted in the window. Racking up and down is more successful in this regard. You are less likely to notice the gap under the sill then you are down the sides. Especially when you are going into a corner.
Once the gaps are all good you can start finish nailing the frame. Shoot a nail at each corner on the side frames then on top and bottom of each hinge. Also, shoot a nail at each of the magnets as well to lock them into place.
All that is left to do is caulk under the sill plate to hide the light gap and wipe the panels down. Like most synthetic Plantation Shutters, these PolyWood Plantation Shutters can be easily wiped down with a wet cloth or Swiffer. Nothing too abrasive or harsh like Ammonia. Just a damp rag and you are done. Let the caulk dry for a couple of hours before you mess with the panels too much.
That is how we do it. Simple huh?

What a beautiful window treatment that will be enjoyed for years to come.