In this series of blog posts, our shutter experts reveal their insights on how to get the perfect shutters based on your personal style. Blue fixed louver shutters with arch tops on tan stone homeWe asked Victor, one of our seasoned Shutter Experts, to tell us one of the biggest misconceptions people have about shutters. “Typically, homeowners start out with a particular mindset. They want wood shutters or they want vinyl, and they have a lot of assumptions around what each of those types of products are. One of the great aspects of my job is that I get to teach customers about the different materials and truly find the product that best fits their needs. Victor opens with the easy question: Do you want wood or synthetic? But then asks the really important question: Why? “That's really where the Timberlane experience begins. Understanding what is important to the customer helps me to find the right fit. We go through questions about house style, color choice, geography, lifestyle and more," Victor says. "So many times, a customer is surprised to learn that he or she has more options than they initially realized and ultimately finds a perfect product.” Victor explains that if a customer is interested in wood shutters, Timberlane's Premium Wood Shutters can be designed in a variety of styles, configuration, and colors. Some customers opt to stain the Premium Wood Shutters instead of painting them so they can get that really special natural wood look from the Spanish Cedar. “As long as the shutters are properly treated, they will have long-lasting beauty,” says Victor. “And, for those customers who really love the natural wood look, we also have some specialty wood options, like Western Red Cedar, and Sapele, a Mahogany-type wood. The natural wood grain really delivers an impact.” Western red cedar, sapele Mahogany and Spanish Cedar wood blocks “Not surprisingly, many traditionalists say they don't want synthetic,” says Victor. “That's where the real education comes in. Most people associate synthetic with the faded vinyl shutters they see around town. I tell them not all synthetics are created equal.” Timberlane's Endurian Shutters are made of a proprietary blend of materials. We combine different raw materials and technologies, such as PVC, fiberglass, and different composites, we can produce a superior synthetic shutter that is not only durable but has the customization potential to mimic designs typically only found in wood, including curves and cutouts. “The result is really impressive,” says Victor. “In fact, at the recent International Builders' Show, many custom builders and architects stopped by our exhibit and were shocked to see the Enduriuan Shutters and Premium Wood Shutters side-by-side. We got a lot of ‘Wows.” Teal bermuda shutters on white beach house“Depending on climate and lifestyle, the Endurian Shutters can be a great choice. They are available in 24 colors-plus we can custom color match to truly personalize them…and their excellent craftsmanship helps ensure durability. We can't fight all of Mother Nature,” Victor says, “but it was good to hear this recent customer story about her Endurian Bermuda Shutters: “I recently replaced one of my shutters that was destroyed by Sandy. We are very happy with our Endurian Shutters and you should know that they weathered the storm beautifully. We are 200 feet from the ocean at “Ground Zero,” where Sandy hit in Ocean County, NJ. Were it not for substantial debris from a neighboring house that was completely destroyed hitting one shutter, all would have come through none the worse for wear. Thanks for a great product.” You can view more about Timberlane's shutter products in our Comparison Chart here. “Each customer is different, so it is critical to understand what is most important to the individual customer, and what he or she is trying to achieve. That's why each Timberlane Shutter is custom-made and our Shutter Experts work with each customer personally," says Victor. ;“We want you to find your perfect shutter.” Timberlane's Shutter Experts are ready to help you select the right shutters for your home. At Timberlane, you will work with the same person from the first call, all the way to when you install your shutters, and ever afterward, to ensure 100% satisfaction. From premium materials to unlimited customization, Timberlane Shutters can help you achieve the look you want. In this series of blog posts, our shutter experts reveal their insights on how to get the perfect shutters based on your personal style. The turquiose shade of these Bermuda shutters was custom matched to make this warm fa?ade come alive with pops of cool color. Bermuda shutters are perfect for shade, breeze, and privacy.Timberlane Shutter Expert, Megan, gives us the scoop on a subject most people talk about first - color! “Many times, people call me and say they want blue shutters or black shutters, even before they have decided on their shutter style,” Megan says. “Color is so personal, but more often than not during the design phase, they sometimes fall in love with a color they haven't even considered.” Megan walks through some questions to ask yourself to find your dream color. 1. Start at the beginning. What are you trying to achieve? Is it traditional? Bold? Beach-like? “Sure, color is important, but understanding what the overall feel you're trying to achieve is a great clue to the color that will be your personal home run,” Megan says. “Shutters bring personality to a home, so selecting the right color shutter to complement your home's overall exterior experience and the look you want, will guarantee cohesiveness.” 2. Think about color relationships. Opposites attract-but so do companion colors. Megan suggests asking yourself to consider a few different color combinations as part of the planning. “A very popular color combination is a dark-colored shutter which contrasts beautifully against a light-colored exterior. However, some customers prefer white shutters on a light, earth-toned exterior for a softer look. Imagine your home a few different ways until you find the right fit.” 3. Don't be afraid of some originality. Timberlane offers 24 standard colors because of their broad appeal but also provides custom color-matching. “A fairly significant number of people opt for custom color. Sometimes it's to achieve just the right shade that matches an existing element on the house, but it really could be for any number of reasons, like alma mater colors, a tropical look, or simply just a favorite color. The customization options are endless,” Megan says. “Many times, a customer has an idea in their head about a color and I walk them through questions like these until they are sure what's right for them,” Megan says. “Other times, they really aren't sure how to get started.” For those customers who are undecided, Megan starts with the standard 24 colors we have available at Timberlane: Timberlane exterior shutter color paint chart “If someone is really unsure, I try to narrow it done by color and shade. Are they thinking red or green or blue? Light red or dark red? Then I'll walk them through the individual options of that color like Country Red or Really Red,” Megan says. Customers can also request a painted product sample to see for themselves For customers who want something other than the 24 standard colors provided or are trying to match existing shutters, Timberlane offers custom color matching. “It's an easy process where you show us the color you want and we match to the exact color,” Megan says. “You can really make Timberlane Shutters as personalized as you prefer.” exactly what the color will look like against their home exterior. Blue louver and panel shutters with functioning hardware on yellow home Timberlane also ensures its color continues to look vibrant thanks to its state-of-the-art painting process. In that process, Timberlane utilizes innovative overhead paint lines and curing ovens that balance the temperature and humidity for the paint to hold to the shutters. “The result,” says Megan, “is truly impressive.” Timberlane Shutter Experts are ready to help you select the right shutters for your home. At Timberlane, you will work with the same person from the first call all the way to when you install your shutters, and even afterwards, to ensure 100% satisfaction. From premium materials to unlimited customization, Timberlane Shutters can help you achieve the look you want.