Why CMH Shutters

CMH Shutters takes great pride in making our custom wood plantation shutters and takes no short cuts in the manufacturing process.  We want it done right, not slammed together and rushed out the door.  We work "hands-on" with each of our clients so they are assured to get exactly what they are looking for in a custom shutter.  We give a lifetime warranty because we take no short cuts in manufacturing and quality.

Why buy wooden shutters instead of plastic shutters?  The choice is very simple.  Heat is a major factor in the deterioration of window treatments.  Temperatures can range from 30 degrees to 120 degrees in a window, based on the various seasons in a year.  The quality American hardwood components we use provide the best results to hold up under these conditions.   Also, wood is a natural insulator keeping the cost of your heating and cooling bill lower.  Plastic shutters (most made with blown PVC) in a short amount of time will yellow.  Faux wood shutters have a tendency to yellow and peel over time because of their inability to breathe.  Good quality wood shutters allow for minor humidity changes and therefore are able to stand the test of time.  Plastic shutters will warp and sag over time therefore there are limits on the width and height in which they can be built.  In addition, you are limited to the amount of colors to choose from with plastic shutters because they cannot be painted while faux wood shutters are massed produced and have a limited color selection.   You take pride in your home and the way you decorate it.  So why limit yourself to a few sizes and colors?  We will custom match any color or stain you want.

Many companies use all pre-primed components and finger jointed wood to get their orders out the door quicker and cheaper.  This, in our opinion, compromises not only the finish of the product, but its durability and value.  We use unfinished parts to ensure a furniture-like finish.  If the stiles and rails are not properly sanded prior to the primer being applied, the joints (in finger jointed stiles) will show through the paint.  The finish could be (as known in the industry) orange peeled or flake off as in pictures A, B, C, D and E below.

So, with this information, ask yourself before buying; am I really gettin a quality product or just a cheap price?

Picture A

Picture B

Picture C

Picture D

Using all pre-primed components hinders the top rail and the side stile from, staying glued together.  Wood glue WILL NOT stick to primer.  We use fluted dowels that allow the glue to spread throughout the whole dowel.  We don't stop there.  We also glue the whole raw surface (not primed yet) between the rails and the stiles.  Also, if they are double hung shutters (shutters cut in the middle of the divider rail), we don't use dowels.  We use 3 inch screw to ensure a pefect bond.

Other companies also take short cuts by not mortising their shutters.  This can make bigger gaps in the frames.  They just mount the hinge on the side of the shutter.  Thats great for getting it out the door quickly.  But its not custom!  You get a better look by mortising the shutters.  Below are pictures showing the difference between non-mortised and our mortised shutters.

See how much cleaner and less gap there is on our mortised shutters

More short cuts other companies take are to route the shutters where they come together.  They just put a piece or strip glued to one shutter.  This adds bulk and can come unglued.  It also does not look as clean as shutters with routes joints that are made to fit together.  We route all of our shutters to give it a clean look.   Below are some pictures of this.  See how clean the ons on the right look?

A non-routed glued piece of wood that might come free is shown below

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A routed shutter

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We hope that the information we have provided will help you understand what truly defines a custom plantation shutter.  We realize that you, the homeowner are making an investment and we feel that you deserve only the best