Batten Down
Prepare for storm season with good, operable shutters.
1. COTTAGE LOOKS
Board-and-batten shutters in Western red cedar are available in several shapes and configurations, including Z bracing and quarter arches. Boards are 1" thick and 3 ½ " wide. $251 per pair and up. Cutouts, add $50 per pair. Shuttercraft, (203) 245-2608, shuttercraft.com
2. ENHANCED ROMANCE
Custom-fit a historic window with louvered shutters. Options include a choice of six woods and wood composites, plus such period details as rabbeting and beading. Single shutters are a custom order. Small pair in unpainted Western red cedar $226.10. Timberlane, (800) 250-2221, timberlane.com
3. IN THE SHADE
Push-out louvered shutters like this Bermuda style are a must for shade and storm protection in hot climates. The 2 ½ " louvers are set at a 50-degree pitch, allowing both ventilation and open sight lines. Call for a quote. Americana, (800) 269-5697, shutterblinds.com
4. A JIFFY KIT
The Shutters In-a-Box system provides historically accurate, operable shutters as a kit, eliminating wait time for custom. Made from PVC and warrantied against buckling, warping, or cupping, shutters are ready for simple assembly with just six cuts on a miter saw. $243 per pair and up. Aeratis, (888) 676-2683, aeratis.com
5. A PANELED PAIR
In sustainable Western red cedar, shutters come in a range of customizable styles, with such features as factory painting and functional hardware. Use the online builder to estimate cost. A shutter pair and hardware shown is about $345. Vixen Hill, (800) 423-2766, vixenhill.com