It can sometimes be a little difficult to figure out exact costs when you buy plantation shutters, especially if you intend on comparing plantation shutters prices before you purchase them. For example, different retail outlets use different methods for measuring for shutters. Another problem with ordering shutters online, for example, thinking that it should be no problem to do so as you have ‘standard sized’ windows is that while the window itself may be standard sized the measurements need to also take into account factors such as the surrounding drywall and putty used to affix it in place may make the size alter slightly.  It is for this reason, then that it is suggested you carefully take exact measurements if you are planning on installing expensive plantation shutters.

Lowes pricing for plantation shutters is based on grid measurements, as they offer preset standards for their plantation shutter prices. Thus whether your window is 40 inches wide, or 46 inches wide you will be charged the same price for the shutter.  They do make allowances for the actual size of the shutter, meaning that they will customize your order to the exact size you want it, however because of the pricing structure you will basically be charged the same price for a 46 inch shutter even if you ask them to customize it so that it is only 42 inches wide. In effect, due to the pricing in place you actually end up paying more for a 42 inch window that you would were you to order to exact dimensions from another store.

This is where there is more flexibility when ordering Home depot plantation shutters. Unlike Lowes, they charge per square foot, with ever shutter perfectly custom made to your size window. In other words, you end up paying for exactly what you order with Home Depot. If you are installing many shutters or you have large windows, the saving made by having your shutters custom designed to the exact measurement and paying per square foot can be considerable, especially if you purchase the more expensive shutters. In summary, paying for your shutters by the square foot, rather than paying by the grid structure that Lowes use, is actually quite a bit less expensive even though at first glance it may appear that you are getting a better deal, or cheaper shutters, by ordering the standard sized plantation shutters.

For the best deal on plantation shutters, however, you may want to check out your local dealers.  They are often more flexible on their plantation shutters plans and pricing, most will charge per square foot as Home Depot does, and they often do a much better job at tailoring the shutters exactly to your specifications. What’s more, they will also often send someone to take exact measurements and install the shutters for free afterwards.  Smaller businesses, knowing that they need to compete against bigger chain stores, offer something that the larger stores cannot really accommodate: Great customer service and genuine pride in their work.  This is especially important if you are planning on installing shutters throughout your entire house, or large sections of it. With so much more attention to detail and personalized service, you will probably find that the purchase and installation is much faster and that the shutters are custom designed to an exact fit, no matter how your windows are actually installed.

If you are planning on installing shutters on one or two windows and you are not going to be spending a lot of money on them, then by all means check out the interior shutters Home Depot or Lowes have to offer. But remember, even though Home Depot only offers ‘customized shutters’ you can actually end up saving more money by purchasing from them, due to their pricing structure.  The plantation shutters Home Depot has to offer may not be exactly what you have in mind, if that is the case you will need to look elsewhere, with Lowes plantation shutters being a secondary option.