Frequently Asked Questions |
About WSD
Who is Wood Shutters Direct? |
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Could I have some general info about WSD? |
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Customization
Can I get my shutters made to the exact size I need?
Absolutely. We do not carry pre-made inventory. Every shutter is made to order. You can have any shutter size you desire (down to the 1/8”)
Do you offer discounts on custom shutters?
Yes. We offer discounts based on quantity. Whether it’s custom or not, the more shutters you order, the larger your discount will be!
Do you make any shutters in standard sizes?
Yes. We make shutters in standard and non-standard sizes. The difference is, we don’t build 200 pairs of the same shutter, stick them on a shelf and wait to sell them. We build ‘em as you order ‘em; besides, cedar smells better when it’s freshly cut.
What kinds of customization are you able to do?
Our standard shutters are closed louver, open louver and board and batten. Besides being built to the exact size needed, each of these can be customized with arched tops, faux tilt rods, partial cross pieces, thicker, thinner, wider or narrower stiles, rails and/or louvers. You can even change the degree of pitch of the louvers if you’d like. All you have to do is ask. Many of these modifications don’t even require an upcharge.
I need to order custom shutters – what info do you need from me?
We need to know the style shutter you want, the dimensions you want, and what the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow is. Just kidding about that last one of course.
Do you custom match shutters?
Yes. Many times a customer has existing shutters that have been damaged or otherwise needs replacing. Sending us a photo (jpeg) of your existing shutter sure helps us to match it.
Hardware
Do you sell shutter hardware?
Yes. To view our selection, please go to www.acornmfg.com. If you see what you want, please call us for a price.
What style of hardware do I need for my exterior shutters?
That really depends on what you like. Check out the shutter dogs and hinges at www.acornmfg.com. We also recommend using nothing more than screws to mount your shutters directly to the wall of you house.
Installation
Will I able to install the shutters myself?
Yes. Assuming you can use a drill, hammer and screwdriver, and don’t mind getting up on a ladder, you should be fine. You may need the help of another person to hold the shutters in place as you put them up, but otherwise they’re pretty easy to install.
How do I install my shutters?
Again, if you can drive a nail or screw-in a screw, you can do this. Take a look at our handy installation guide (included with your shutters) for tips and techniques. If you aren’t the do-it yourself type, ask your painter do it – they’ll more than likely be happy to.
What types of surfaces can our shutters be installed on?
Our shutters can be installed on pretty much any type of surface. For brick and stucco on concrete surfaces, you’ll need a masonry bit.
Measuring
How do I measure for my shutters?
Take a look at our Measuring Guide
What size shutter is right for my window (Width)?
The general rule of thumb method to figure out the width of your shutter is to look at the single windows on your home. Measure the width of that window and then divide it by 2. That number, is the width of the shutter you’d order. For example, if your window is 40" wide then your shutter width would be 20". You could even reduce that number by 2" without compromising the architectural appeal.
What size shutter is right for my window (Length)?
The height is the actual height of the window, excluding the sill if you have one. Some folks prefer to have the shutters slightly taller than the actual window opening. Some prefer to have the shutters slightly shorter than the window opening. It’s totally a matter of taste.
What would the width be for double or triple windows?
For double windows, you can divide the total opening by 4. For example, let’s say your double window is 80" wide. Divide 80 by 4 and you get 20 - that’s your shutter width. If you have triple windows you’d divide the total opening by 6.
Ordering
How do I order shutters?
You simply go to the Quote Calculator, enter your shutter specifications and follow the steps. It’s about as easy as it gets.
What if I don’t see what I want when I try to order shutters?
We’ve got the most attentive, friendly and easy-going folks to answer any questions you may have or to take your order over the phone. If you don’t see what you need, please call us. We’d love to speak to you – (201) 531-0016
Painting/Staining
Can your shutters be painted?
Of course!
Do you paint your shutters?
Although we prime them if requested, at this time we do not paint our shutters.
What kind of paint should I use on my shutters?
Our shutters are solidly built and meant to last a long time. This will particularly hold true if you use a reputable brand of paint that is as glossy as can be. The higher the gloss, the more protection the paint will offer your shutters.
Will paint cover the knots in the wood?
Sort of. Besides being a different color, knots have a different texture than the regular grain of the wood. While the primer and paint may completely hide that color difference, the texture change may be visible especially if the shutters are painted with a glossy paint. Usually a dab of wood filler and a bit of sanding will solve this, but if you’re worried about it, you’re probably better off ordering a clear wood.
What if I’m trying to match existing paint? Dark wood vs. light wood?
If you are trying to match the color on another surface on your house, find an inconspicuous spot on the piece you wish to match, scrape off a little bit of paint and see if it is a dark or light wood. Even with our white primer and a good paint, cedar is quite a bit darker than pine. The dark cedar may not perfectly match the same paint on a light wood. If the material on the other surface is light, go with pine, if the surface is dark, go with cedar.
Do you prime your shutters?
Yes indeed. Ask us about our free priming offer!
How much does priming cost?
The price varies depending on the size and style. You can price it on the Quote Calculator, but a ballpark is about $20/pair.
Do you stain your shutters?
No. Although we are purists and love the look of wood sans paint, there are way too many shades of stain for us to get into the staining game.
Payment/Pricing
How do I get pricing on your shutters?
It’s as easy as pie. Simply go to the Quote Calculator and enter your specs. You can get as many quotes as you’d like. If you have some custom requirements, you’re gonna have to call us for a price: (201) 531-0016
Are the shutters priced per pair?
Yes indeed. Each order of shutters comes as a pair. Therefore, for each window you’d need 1 pair (a shutter for each side of the window).
How do Wood Shutters Direct prices compare with the competition?
If you do your homework and shop around, you’ll find that our prices are generally 15-50% less than our competitors. Our shutters were designed and created to fill a void in the industry. We build high-quality, durable, real wood shutters for an affordable price. We’ve come up with a way for homeowners to greatly increase their home’s curb appeal and value without having to spend a fortune to do it.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We take Paypal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Cash, Check or Gold Doubloons (not really).
Why can’t I enter my credit card information online after I place my order?
We’ve found that many people are wary of sending their credit card info off into cyber space without speaking to someone about it. We feel the same.
Shipping
What is your shipping lead time?
Our target lead time for Closed Louver and Board & Batten shutters is 1-2 weeks while Open Louver shutters normally take 2-4 weeks. However, there is significant seasonal variation and you should ask our sales person what current lead times are when you place the order. If you need to lock in a firm delivery date ask about our order expediting. There is a charge for order expediting.
What are your shipping policies?
Click here for that information: Shipping Policy
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship all over the world. Please Contact Us for shipping charges.
How do you normally ship your shutters?
We use UPS Ground unless expedited shipping is requested.
How will I know when my shutters have shipped?
The moment your shutters ship, you will receive an email with your tracking number(s).
Shutter Styles
What exactly is a Closed Louver Shutter?
It’s a type of shutter wherein the louvers are affixed to a lap joint and have no spaces between them. You cannot see light through a closed louver shutter. Wood Shutters Direct is one of the few manufacturers of the closed louver shutter and we do it better than anyone.
Are your shutters functional?
Depends what you mean by that . They are primarily designed as a purely decorative shutter. The back-sides of the closed louver and the board and batten shutters are not meant to be viewed, therefore you wouldn’t want to close them over a window for all to see. The front and back of the open louvered shutter looks the same and could be functional, but neither the open nor the closed louver shutters are articulated; meaning the louvers do not move.
How thick is the material used in making your shutters?
Check out Anatomy of a Shutter for our standard specifications.
What is the size of your louver?
Ahem…uhhh…please see this link.
Are the sizes of the shutters nominal or exact?
In most cases, we’re pretty exact though we do allow for a 1/8” difference.
How much do your shutters weigh?
It really depends on the size, style, and wood used, but as a ballpark, figure on 10lbs (4.5 kg) per pair for an average sized pair (49” x 16”)
Do you make interior shutters?
No we do not.
Do you make Bermuda, Plantation or Panel style shutters?
Yes, we can build all of them with the exception of Panel shutters. We will be offering those soon, but not just yet. For the other styles, give us a call and we’ll get you squared away. 201-531-0016
Warranty
What is your warranty?
We have a great warranty policy. Please see Warranty Policy for more info.
What is your return policy?
Because our products are custom made when you place the order we cannot accept returns unless the product is defective in materials or workmanship. Please see our excellent Warranty Policy for info on this.
How do I contact your customer service department?
You can call 201-531-0016 and ready yourself for the most pleasant of experiences you’ve yet to encounter when calling a customer service line.
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