FAQ
Questions we get asked a lot.
Straight answers about measuring and quoting, materials, light and privacy, looking after your shutters and blinds, and repairs. Cannot find yours? Call us — we are happy to talk it through.
Measure, quote & pricing
Is the measure and quote really free?
Yes. We come to you with samples, measure the windows you are considering and give you a written quote. There is no charge for the visit and no obligation to go ahead.
What happens at the appointment?
A member of our team looks at each opening with you, talks through what you want the room to do — light, privacy, style, budget — and shows you samples of the products that suit. Then every window is measured so the quote is based on real sizes.
Do I need to know what I want before you come?
No. Plenty of people start with "something for the lounge room". We explain the options that suit each window and leave the decision with you — there is no hard sell.
Does the quote include GST and installation?
For installed jobs, our quotes generally include both. We aim to quote the real expected price of the job, not a low figure with extras added later.
Can you measure windows I might do later?
Yes. If you are starting with a few rooms, tell us about the others and we can measure them at the same visit, so the next stage can be quoted or ordered without another appointment.
How long does it take once I go ahead?
Everything is made to measure, so it depends on the product and supplier — broadly three to twelve weeks, with plantation shutters usually at the longer end. We keep you updated while your order is being made.
How much do plantation shutters cost?
It depends on the size and number of windows, the material, the frame and how the panels open. Because every shutter is made to measure, we quote per job after a free measure rather than publishing a price list.
Does the quote include installation and GST?
For installed jobs, our quotes generally include both. We aim to quote the real expected price of the job rather than a low figure with extras added later.
Is timber more expensive than polyresin?
It varies with the product and the opening, so we compare them on your actual windows. Western Red Cedar is our premium timber and is the most expensive of the four materials.
Do you ever have sales?
We do not run the permanent "50% off" sales common in the industry. We would rather price fairly all year round.
Shutter materials
Do PVC shutters go yellow?
It is the question we are asked most about the material. We only fit ranges we have seen hold their colour in Queensland light, and we will show you the actual product and its finish at the quote rather than ask you to take our word for it.
Can they go in a shower recess?
Polyresin copes with the humidity of a bathroom comfortably, but a window inside a shower recess takes direct water rather than steam. We would look at that opening on site before recommending anything.
Which timber do you use?
Paulownia most often — it is light, stable and finishes well. We work across several suppliers, so where a job suits a different timber we can specify one; we will tell you which product we are quoting and why.
Can timber shutters go in a bathroom?
We would not recommend it. Steam gets into timber over time whatever the species. Polyresin is the material for bathrooms, ensuites and laundries.
Is cedar suitable for a bathroom?
No — we fit polyresin in bathrooms, ensuites and laundries. Steam and timber do not last well together, whatever the species, and polyresin handles it better for less money.
Does cedar fade?
Any timber shifts a little in strong sun. A stained finish holds up well, and when we measure we will talk through which side of the house the shutters are going on and what to expect.
Are aluminium shutters a security product?
No. These are weather and privacy shutters, not security screens or roller shutters. If security is what you are after, that is a different product and not one we specialise in.
How do they handle salt air?
Powder-coated aluminium copes with Brisbane conditions well. For a property close to the water we will talk through the finish and what maintenance it needs before you commit — exposure varies a lot street to street.
Light, privacy & noise
Do plantation shutters block out all light?
No. Closed shutters make a room much darker, but some light gets through at the louvres and around the edges. No plantation shutter makes a room completely dark.
How can I reduce the light gaps around shutters?
The right frame, fitted carefully, makes the biggest difference. On some products, soft brush light seals along the edges help further. We will tell you what is available for the product we quote.
What is the difference between blockout and blackout blinds?
There is none. Blockout is the usual Australian term; blackout is the American one.
Is room darkening the same as blockout?
Not quite. Blockout describes the fabric. Room darkening describes how dark the room gets, which also depends on how the blind is fitted.
Do honeycomb blinds reduce noise?
They may slightly soften how a room sounds, but they are not soundproofing and will not fix significant road noise. For that, acoustic glazing is the relevant solution.
Do plantation shutters block noise?
Not in any meaningful way. Shutters are excellent for light, privacy and looks, but noise mainly comes through the glass and window frame.
Care & cleaning
How do I clean plantation shutters?
Dust them regularly with a soft cloth, a microfibre duster or the brush attachment on your vacuum, working along each louvre. For marks, polyresin and aluminium shutters can be wiped with a damp cloth and a little mild soapy water, then dried. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners on any shutter.
Is cleaning timber shutters any different?
Timber needs a gentler touch. Dust it with a dry or barely damp cloth rather than wetting it, and dry it straight away if it gets wet. Stained or oiled timber needs a little more care to protect the wood, especially around the joints and edges.
How do I clean roller and honeycomb blinds?
Most can be dusted with a soft brush or a vacuum on a low setting, and small marks spot-cleaned with a damp cloth. Fabrics differ, so check the care instructions for your particular range — we can pass them on if you have lost them.
Repairs & seconds
Do you repair shutters and blinds?
Yes — broken blades and pins, tilt rods, hinges, sliding mechanisms, roller blind cogs and chains, and more. Send us photos through the repairs page first and we will tell you whether the repair is worth doing before anyone comes out.
Can you remove and refit shutters during a renovation?
Yes. We can take shutters and blinds down for new windows, flooring or renovation work and refit them afterwards. Some products can also be cut down or modified, depending on the product.
What are seconds?
Brand-new and used shutters and blinds in our warehouse that were not quite right for their original job or were too good to throw away. You can search the list by size on our seconds page and enquire using the item code.
Ready when you are
Still have a question? Ask us at the free measure & quote.
We bring the samples, measure every opening and leave you with a clear, itemised price. No obligation.