Newbury Shutters - Plantation Shutters FAQs

What is the difference between your product and the product of your competitors?

Most plantation shutters which are available in the UK are of a similar high quality, although it is wise to be wary about low cost imports, especially if the suppliers give the materials used unusual names, and particularly if they give anything less than a three year warranty. The real key however is the attention to detail and the craftsmanship of the fitting. At Newbury Shutters we either install the products ourselves or use one of only two very experienced fitters, both of whom are high quality craftsmen. Some other companies who do not specialise in shutters, will sell the shutters first and then try to find someone who can fit them. When installing shutters, experience is everything. Always ask who will be installing your shutters before you buy them.

Do interior shutters improve security?

Interior plantation shutters, make it very difficult to see into your home from outside, and therefore reduce the likelihood that any expensive items will tempt a thief. It would be wrong however to claim that they would make it more difficult to force an entry into your home, although when the louvres are closed it does give an impression of a more solid barrier which might deter a would be burglar.

Will plantation shutters make my house dark?

Plantation shutters allow you to control the amount of light which comes into your room. There are many factors which will have a bearing, such as the size of louvres and the colour of the shutters, so it is possible, if you wish to give the room a darker “Autumn” feel by using dark stained woods and small louvres, or alternatively you can get a bright “summer” feel to the room by using larger louvres and bright white shades. At Newbury Shutters we believe that shutters can be used to set a “mood” in a room by getting the exact amount and quality of light which you want in your room.

How long is the lead-time for my order?

At Newbury Shutters we normally quote a twelve to eleven week lead time from us receiving your deposit to the installation date, although it is usually quicker than eight weeks, and sometimes as little as six but we never want to promise something that we can’t deliver so we will only promise an eight week delivery. This can be speeded up by air shipping the shutters to the UK, however we find that most customers are happy to wait a few weeks for an excellent quality product at a very reasonable price. (While keeping their carbon footprints to a minimum).

Can shutters be used as a form of blackout?

Shutters are not blackout due to tolerances required for slat movement and the opening and closing of panels. Due to the rebated side style and frame options our panels keep more light out when closed than most others on the market. We have fitted many bedrooms and nurseries and have never had cause for complaint. There is also an upgrade option to have a blackout blind fitted inside the shutters.

Do shutters improve privacy?

Very much so! Shutters are very popular in locations where houses have windows looking directly out onto the road. It is very easy to set the angle of the louvres so that light comes into the house but it is not possible to see inside. Sometimes people choose cafe style shutters and have the top of the shutters at head height, so that it is very easy to see out over the shutters, but from the height of the road outside it is impossible to see in.

How long will my shutters last?

Shutters have been installed in the UK for at least 20 years and there are still examples of the earliest shutters which are in place and working satisfactorily. The quality of materials and manufacturing processes have undergone extensive improvement over the years so there is no reason to expect that today’s shutters will be an less reliable.

What are the Newbury Shutters payment terms?

When you accept our quotation we will come and perform an accurate survey of the windows to be fitted with shutters, at that point we will ask you for a deposit of no more than 50% of the total price and often much less. This is payable by cash, debit / credit card or cheque – the balance will be payable in full upon satisfactory completion of the fitting of the shutters.

What about surveys and installation?

At Newbury Shutters we ONLY sell shutters which we install. As such we perform the survey and take the responsibility for the measurements, and then we complete the installation. Basically we take all the risks away from you onto ourselves. We believe that this is the only way to ensure that shutters are fitted to your complete satisfaction.

How much will my shutters cost?

Newbury Shutters will be happy to give you a “ball park” price quote via telephone if you can tell us the rough measurements, or we will come to your house and measure the windows so that we can give you a firm written price quote as well as advising you on the best configuration for your shutters, sometimes we even tell customers that shutters may not be the best solution for their particular requirement. We only carry out a full survey once a customer has accepted our quote, and this means that we do not have to make an additional charge for the survey.