What Really Sets a Professional Plantation Shutter Installation Apart
You’ve probably had the experience: You buy a premium product, wait weeks for delivery, and then a "handyman" shows up in an unmarked van, rushing to get the job done in an hour. The result? Gaps where the light bleeds through, frames that sag after the first summer heatwave, and a "warranty" that isn't worth the paper it’s written on.
While some homeowners might consider DIY plantation shutters for a standard square window, attempting to self-install on an arch or bay window without trade experience is often a recipe for costly mistakes.
Here in Perth, where the Fremantle Doctor blows salt air into our homes and the UV index hits extreme levels, a "she'll be right" attitude doesn't cut it.
We see things differently. We are qualified tradesmen, not salespeople. We know that a shutter is only as good as the installation behind it. Whether you have a standard sliding door or a complex arched window that three other companies have refused to touch, we’re here to show you what a proper installation looks like.
Choosing Materials That Actually Last
Before we even pick up a drill, we have to talk about materials. A lot of generic advice online suggests Timber is king. In Tasmania? Maybe. In Scarborough in February? Not always.
We don't push the most expensive product; we push the right product for your window's exposure.
Comparison: Shutter Materials in WA Conditions
| Feature | High-Grade PVC (Aluminium Core) | Basswood Timber | Aluminium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Resistance | Excellent. Rated for 60°C+. Won't warp or crack. | Good, but requires maintenance in direct heavy sun. | Superior. Indestructible in heat. |
| Moisture/Salt Air | Best. 100% waterproof. Perfect for coastal Perth homes. | Poor. Can swell or rot if exposed to a damp sea breeze. | Excellent. Powder-coated for corrosion resistance. |
| Insulation | High thermal efficiency. Keeps the Freo Doctor out. | Natural insulator. | Conducts heat (needs thermal break). |
| Best Application | Bathrooms, Kitchens, West-facing windows. | Living areas, dry zones, heritage looks. | Outdoor patios, alfresco areas. |
For a deeper dive into the technical differences between these core materials, read our full guide on PVC vs wood vs aluminium plantation shutters to see which one suits your home’s specific exposure.
Many budget installers use solid PVC without reinforcement to save costs. In a 2-metre wide window, the PVC will sag under its own weight within 12 months.
Our Fix: We only install PVC shutters with an aluminium core insert. It gives you the durability of plastic with the structural integrity of metal. If it doesn’t have a core, we won’t install it.
The Art of the "Scribe": Why We Don't Use Caulk to Hide Mistakes
If you walk into a home and see thick beads of gap filler (caulk) all around the shutter frame, you’re looking at a lazy installation.
Many homes in older suburbs like Mount Lawley or Cottesloe don’t have square window frames. The house has settled, and the frames are slightly out of level.
The Amateur Way: Install a square frame into a non-square window and fill the massive gaps with white silicone. It looks messy and cracks over time.
The Professional Way: We scribe the filler frame. This means we plane down the timber or PVC on-site to match the exact curvature and angle of your wall.
It takes us longer. It requires a qualified tradesman’s hand. But the result is a shutter that looks like it was born there, not stuck on as an afterthought.
We Do The Jobs Others Won't
This is our bread and butter. You’d be surprised how many calls we get from homeowners saying, "The big national company said they can't do my arched window."
Why do they refuse? Because it’s hard. It requires precise templates and custom manufacturing.
Bay Windows are another common pain point. If the angles aren't measured to the millimetre, the shutters will clash when you try to open them.
Our Approach: We use custom bay posts that align perfectly with your window mullions. We measure angles with digital protractors, not just a tape measure, ensuring a seamless 90-degree or 135-degree turn.
On a bay window, if the installer doesn't calculate the projection correctly, you end up with a "light gap" right in the corner where the shutters meet. It kills your privacy and lets the morning sun blast in.
Our Fix: We design custom corner posts that overlap the shutter panels, creating a complete light block. It’s a small detail that makes a massive difference to your Sunday sleep-in.
Conclusion: Quality That Outlasts the Mortgage
Plantation shutters are an investment that adds real value to your Perth property. Don't let a poor installation undermine that value.
Whether you're renovating a coastal home in Scarborough or building new in the northern suburbs, you deserve an installation that stands up to the salt air and high winds. We take the time to do it right, even if your windows are "tricky."
Book your quote today. – We handle the tricky jobs.