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Plantation Shutters for 1/2 Circle Window

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

Arch windows that are full half circles often represent a challenge for homeowners. These windows, which add architectural interest, often sit above large rectangle windows. By treating only the lower window sun damage and light control can often continue to be an area of concern.

Kirtz Shutters builds only the finest of custom plantation shutters, so when a homeowner came to us wanting to not only treat a large window with a 1/2 circle top with a plantation shutter, but also add decorative millwork, we were happy to oblige.

arch window before shutters

This sunburst, over 60″ in width makes a dramatic statement itself. Combine it with the large casing and keystone located at the peak, and the window changes this room from blah, to WOW!

arch 1/2 circle window with plantation shutters and sunburst top

A sunburst this large can only be made out of the true hardwood. Kirtz uses only maple for our painted product, not poplar or basswood like most manufacturers. That is because maple is twice as dense as basswood, letting us build a wider, taller and STRONGER shutter than average.

If you are searching for a shutter company that will build a product with excellence to address even your most complicated of windows, Kirtz Shutters is the company for you!

Tags: 1/2 circle shutter, arch shutters, best shutter, custom shutters, plantation shutters, sunburst shutter
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A traditional take on plantation shutters + installation with corner block trim

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

This project shows the Kirtz Custom Shutter in a very traditional application. The panels are small, the louvers a 2 1/2″ wide. The shutter were built of Red Oak and custom stained to match the homeowners mill work.

The home, colonial in style, has corner blocks in window mill work. The windows were double hung and had about 1″ of mounting space. Although many shutter professionals will tell you the obvious choice was an outside mount, perhaps around the casing- that unnecessarily increases your cost by making the shutter unit larger, not to mention covers up what, in this instance, was very nice mill work.

Our solution?

An L frame that sits inside the window jamb, and protrudes out slightly past the casing. This allows the shutter to be inside the window, showing off the mill work, and yet allow enough room for the louvers to tilt without hitting the glass.

Then, to help make the transition, we sent our standard trim. The installer then cut a groove into the trim onsite so that it would miter flush around the corner blocks.

The result?

Shutters that look like they were part of the homes design, not an after thought.

: Bedroom Before

: trim notch corner block

: close up of shutter on corner block with trim

: traditional shutters in master bed

Tags: 2 1/2" louvers, custom color shutters, red oak shutters, stained shutters, traditional shutters
Posted in Plantation Shutter Design, Plantation Shutter Installation, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Bahama Style Exterior Shutters by Kirtz Shutters create Privacy

Monday, June 20th, 2011

This homeowner found her deck was no longer a private retreat for her family due to new construction in her neighborhood. Looking for a tasteful, long term solution she browsed the web until she found information about our Bahama Style Exterior Shutter. A conversation began via email and since she was so close to our shop, we handled the project turn key.

Shutters are built from Cypress, which is a long lasting choice for exterior products
The color is custom to match to the deck stain, which was Sherwin Williams Deckscapes, Hawthorne
Hardware is fully functional
Louver size is 3″- which is a nice scale for this size panels (apx 35 x 72″), but provides limited visibility when opened. Not a concern for this homeowner since the whole point of the shutters was to block the new less than desirable view

: This homeowners deck needs some privacy!

: View into deck before shutters

: Bahama Shutters Installed

: These bahama shutters help the deck feel intimate and private

Kirtz Shutters can help with your interior or exterior shutter projects! Give us a call at 800-416-6455.

Tags: custom shutters, exterior shutter installation, exterior shutters, fixed louver shutters, privacy shutters
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Plantation Shutters in Modern Design

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

This project is one of my favorites, as it show how versatile plantation shutters can be. They are right at home in this distinctly modern interior. The design work was done by David Smith Ltd, a firm based out of Chicago. I love working with these men– they are detail oriented and precise in the vision they have for their clients.

In this space…

3 1/2″ louvers were used to maximize the view, as this is a lakefront property.

Built out of white oak, Kirtz hardwood shutters were custom stained to match the hardwood flooring in the home.

Kirtz created a custom framing profile to compliment other mill-work in the space.

Here are a few before and after photos~

before1

Dark plantation shutters pop in this visually clean space

stairway window, almost 10 feet tall

Shutters on almost 10' tall window

custom trim profile milled by Kirtz

Whatever the shutter project, or the customized demands of the job, Kirtz Shutters is ready and able to take on the challenge. From on-site consultation and specification, custom mill-work to professional installation by our crew, we are ready to take care of your needs.

Tags: custom match shutters, Kirtz Shutters, modern shutters, oak shutters, planatation shutters
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Kirtz Shutters at the Tulsa Home and Garden Show

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

Visit with Kirtz Shutters most experienced field representative, Don Watson, this weekend at the Tulsa Home and Garden Show. New to the Kirtz Booth this year are shutters made from reclaimed woods — wormy chestnut and reclaimed oak. Reclaimed materials not only add unique patina and beauty to your windows, but they are the ultimate way to “GO GREEN” and minimize your carbon footprint!

Also on display this year is our new line of exterior shutters. Whether for the front of your house, or as added protection and privacy in your exterior living space, Kirtz Shutters is willing to help design a shutter solution to fit your needs.

Located in the Quik Trip Center at Expo Square, you can find Kirtz Shutters in booth 841

Show Days and Times are as follows

Thurs March 10 5pm-9pm

Fri, Sat March 11-12 10am-9pm

Sunday March 13 11am-6pm

Tags: Kirtz Shutters Tulsa, Plantation Shutters Tulsa, Tulsa Home and Garden Show
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Securing a Shutter: Magnets and Ball Catches

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

A common question from a shutter customer is “How are these shutters secured?” In the early days of shutters, (especially small, cafe style shutters) it was common to see a small latch on the front of the shutter panels where they join together. Although popular, it was a poor method of securing the shutters. A breeze from the window could easily strain the latch.

Today, plantation shutters typically fill up an entire window opening, not just half, and are often the size of the window itself. This makes for a substantial shutter panel and a different method of securing it is necessary.

Magnets

The Kirtz Shutter standard is to use magnets. These are not your ordinary magnets. Each magnet holds up to 25 lbs of weight and each shutter panel is held in place with at least two magnets. These magnets are placed opposite the hinge side of the shutter either on the framework that comes with the shutter, or the customers existing window jamb. They are located near the top, bottom and sometimes center of the unit. A catch plate is then attached in the same location on the back of the shutter panel itself. The result is that when the panel is closed shut, the magnets hold it in place tightly. So tightly that you need to give the shutter panel a substantial tug to get it open.

Magnet used to hold plantation shutters shut

catch plate installed on the back of the panel that connects to the magnet

Ball Catches

At times, do to special applications, unusually large shutter panels, or consumer preference, a ball catch will be used instead of magnets. A cylindrical hole is drilled into the stile (vertical part) of the shutter at the bottom and/or top of the panel. The ball catch is then inserted into the hole and secured in place with screws. A catch plate is secured onto the header and sill of the frame or the customers jamb. The amount of force needed to open and close the shutter can be changed by adjusting the ball to sit either deeper in the panel for an easier open, or further proud of the panel for more resistance.

ball catch located in the bottom of the shutter panel

100_2022

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Kirtz Shutter at the Southern Oklahoma Homeshow, Ardmore OK

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

Spring is upon us, and at Kirtz Shutters, its a busy season full of home shows. We are excited to try a new show this season, in Ardmore, OK.

We are displaying our plantation shutters, including our motorized shutter, at the Southern Oklahoma Homeshow March 19 & 20, 2010.

The event will be held at the Ardmore Convention Center, which is right off I35 in Ardmore. Show hours are Friday 19th 9am-8pm, and Saturday 20th 9am-6pm.

Kirtz Shutters will be in booth 55&56

Come out and see the quality of Kirtz first hand and meet Mack Tietz, Kirtz Shutter representative for Central and Southern Oklahoma.

Tags: ardmore, home show in ardmore, oklahoma home show, oklahoma shutters, plantation shutters, shutters
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Cafe Doors

Monday, October 26th, 2009

We have produced a variety of cafe doors for both public and private use. Interested in cafe doors? Consider the following when designing your doors.

Fixed louvers- typically, all cafe door louvers are fixed. The purpose of these doors is to obscure the view from one area into another and provide easy access, making fixed louvers a natural. If you prefer the look of a tilt rod, it can be ordered as such. You may want to tighten the louver tension so that the louvers are not moved unless that is your intention.

Design- the top of the cafe door can be a simple rectangular top, slightly curved or elaborately designed. See example photos below or submit your own unique design.

Proportion- as with all our custom shutters, cafe doors are built to order. Depending on the level of privacy you need, cafe doors are usually between 3′-5′ high, possibly higher. A good rule of thumb is to take your opening height and order your shutters 1/2 to 2/3 the total height. Also pay attention to where you want them positioned. Are you taller than average? You may want to hinge them higher to obstruct your site line.

Hardware- cafe doors must be installed with cafe door pivot hardware. Unlike a standard hinge that allows 90 degree access, the pivot hardware allows the shutter to rotate a full 180 degrees. For a commercial application, bommer hinges are recommended. These are spring loaded hinges that swing the door back into the closed position after being pushed open. (Please note, width deductions taken on cafe style openings are more than a standard shutter panel. This is necessary for the hardware to operate properly and allow the shutter to swing correctly.)

Installation- Solid wood jambs are the ideal surface to install your cafe doors. If you have only a drywall opening, don’t despair. Order your cafe doors with mounting strips. These square four sided wood strips can be secured to your jamb and through a stud and provide the pivot hardware a solid surface on which to mount.

cafe style shutter, with arch top

Decorative Cafe Doors

Tags: cafe door design, cafe doors, custom shutters, swinging doors
Posted in Plantation Shutter Design, Plantation Shutter Styles, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Italian Rustic- Tuscan Style Shutters

Friday, October 16th, 2009

Tuscan interiors are very popular in the US right now. A new book, Italian Rustic, written by Elizabeth Minchilli, details a variety of authentic Tuscan homes. From wall finishes, to flooring, to windows and even shutters, she discusses the construction methods and how you can replicate this look in your home.

On my recent trip to Italy, I was intrigued with the shutters that are so common on the inside and outside of a Tuscan home. According to Elizabeth, Italians have an intricate system for setting windows and shutters. Interior shutters, called Scuri’s, are primarily designed to provide darkness. Notice how in the photo from her book, the shutter itself is designed to fit snugly in the jamb area of the glass with a bit of overlap, insuring maximum darkness when closed.

Interior Tuscan Style Shutters

If you are looking to bring a little Tuscany to your home, consider customizing your plantation shutter to be reminiscent of the style of a Tuscan shutter. For instance, by adding a raised panel to the bottom of a shutter you can maintain the functionality and light control of a plantation shutter, while attaining the charm associated with a Tuscan home.

Tuscan inspired shutter by Kirtz Shutters

Choosing rustic materials, such as knotty alder or reclaimed wood for your shutters is another way to incorporate the feeling of age and permanence found in Tuscan farm homes.

Bring your shutter ideas to Kirtz Shutters, and we help you add a little Tuscany to your home.

Tags: custom shutters, Elizabeth Minchilli, italian shutters, plantation shutters, tuscan interiors, tuscan shutters
Posted in Plantation Shutter Design, Plantation Shutter Styles, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Plantation Shutters for Sunrooms

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

Sunrooms are great, but in many parts of the country they are down right unbearable during the intense summer and winter months.

Have you ever thought about Plantation Shutters for your sunroom?

Plantation Shutters will:

Add greater energy efficency, saving you money
Allow greater control of intense sunlight that can fade furnishings
Add beauty and charm to your sunroom

In order to maximize the original purpose of the room (openness to the outside) there are a few design tips to keep in mind.

Order a large louver size (the larger the better)
Consider adding hidden tilt, to keep the least amount of obstruction to your view
Order your shutter panels as large as is reasonable with your window configuration. This will minize the presence of too many stiles (vertical piece of the shutter) taking up more space than necessary. Kirtz will build custom shutters with warranty up to 38″ wide. We’ve often successfully built larger than 38″ wide panels, consult a sales rep for more details if you are interested.

Customization for Your Needs

The standard plantation shutter in a sunroom is typically set in a frame, and the shutter panel is hinged to the frame.

Another option is to place your shutters on a sliding track. The benefit of this configuration is that one shutter panel will slide over another, fully opening up 1/2 of the window without swinging into the room. This makes furniture placement much easier. However, determining if this application will work for your sunroom is important, as a slider shutter frame is typically 5 1/2″ deep, compared to a standard shutter frame that is only 2- 2 1/2″ deep.

sunroom before shutters

plantation shutter panels closed, louver open

shutter panels slid open, louvers closed

Tags: custom shutters, hardwood shutters, oak shutters, plantation shutters, shutters for sunrooms, sunroom window treatments
Posted in Cool Projects, Plantation Shutter Design, Plantation Shutter Installation, Uncategorized | No Comments »

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