Window Shutters...

[trowelhead]

Hi all!

We are looking to fit shutters to our 2x bay windows,

Options are between wood (more expensive) or polymer coated mdf (more durable finish, cheaper)

Leaning towards the mdf as it seems like it would not pickup scrapes and dents like wooden ones would - does anyone have these fitted and have any advice? They both look quite similar to me - but the wood seems like it would get battered quite easily... Or is wood the only one to go for?

Cheers!

[deadslow]

have the same quandary, so watching with interest

[trowelhead]

deadslow said:

have the same quandary, so watching with interest

I was not expecting the sheer amount of options, i thought they were all the same! Choosing between 10 shades of white, how far apart the louvers will be - nightmare.

[deadslow]

trowelhead said:

deadslow said:

have the same quandary, so watching with interest

I was not expecting the sheer amount of options, i thought they were all the same! Choosing between 10 shades of white, how far apart the louvers will be - nightmare.

yep

[mikees]

I have used AffordableShutters on 3 houses, they are cheap and great and fitters are very very good. Had last lot fitted today for this house. If you want I can send you a load of pics, any issues and they come out and correct for free.

Never used a more professional outfit. Smart, clean, all perfectly boxed same brand tools. Just spells professionalism and I use a lot of trades regularly.

These are Mdf which made sense.

Mik

[trowelhead]

mikees said:

I have used AffordableShutters on 3 houses, they are cheap and great and fitters are very very good. Had last lot fitted today for this house. If you want I can send you a load of pics, any issues and they come out and correct for free.

Never used a more professional outfit. Smart, clean, all perfectly boxed same brand tools. Just spells professionalism and I use a lot of trades regularly.

These are Mdf which made sense.

Mik

Cheers for the input - pics would be great!

Was that coated mdf or painted finish?

[roofer]

http://www.californiashutters.co.uk/

[aspender]

We got some last year and went with wood. One salesman extolled the virtues of MDF, another the virtues of wood. Entirely contradicting each other (and they each sold both options)

In the end we went with wood from these people and are very happy: http://www.shutterlyfabulous.com

[jep]

Believe it or not, Hillary's was the best option for us (basic white, suitable for bathrooms). Good price, well made and fully fitted.

[CornishRob]

We have just ordered shutters.

Apparently this is what I was told and experienced:

MDF: generally cheaper, heavier, harder wearing
Wood: more expensive, lighter, mark easier

We went in the end with MDF frame with wood louvrers.

First set I have ever ordered so no idea how they will come out!

[Andehh]

jep said:

Believe it or not, Hillary's was the best option for us (basic white, suitable for bathrooms). Good price, well made and fully fitted.

There is a lengthy thread on Pistonhead's warning against Hillary's. Definitely worth a read through of that before pulling the trigger!

[bogie]

About 8 years ago we had some done by hillarys, they were fine, but you are dependent on their chosen local fitter, its like a franchise really. They were nearly 3x as expensive as DIY

so after seeing them do them ended up getting kits from http://www.opennshut.co.uk/ for the next 4 windows and fitting myself