Custom-made versus customized. Some companies individually measure each window and custom-make each panel specifically to fit the window. Each louver in the panel is sized specifically for the window. Other companies keep an inventory of standard panels and trim the stiles and rails to fit each window. To tell if plantation shutters are truly custom-made, simply compare the stile width on windows of varying sizes. If the stile width is exactly the same, the shutters are most likely custom-made. In general terms, customized shutters are of lower quality but are a lower cost option.
Material type. The three most common plantation shutter materials are wood, vinyl-clad wood, and solid vinyl. Wood is the traditional plantation shutter material. It can be painted to match the room trim and can be repainted if the room colors later change. Vinyl-clad wood incorporates the strength of wood, but is generally less expensive. Because vinyl cannot be painted, you must usually choose from a small number of available colors. The solid vinyl option is usually less expensive than either wood or vinyl-clad wood. It cannot be repainted, is generally not as strong, and is usually available in a limited number of colors.
Thickness. Lower-end shutters usually use thinner louvers, stiles, rails, and frames. In general, the thinner the members, the more susceptible the plantation shutter is to damage. However, thinner is also more affordable.
Painting. Paint is another area where quality varies. To lower cost, some companies put very little paint on the plantation shutters. When comparing quotes, make sure you are comparing apples to apples.
