Plantation Shutters Cost Calculator
Standard (3.5 inch vane)
Cafe Style (4.5 inch vane)
Room Darkening (5.5 inch vane)
Composite (Vinyl/ABS)
Wood (Basswood/Poplar)
Premium Wood (Maple/Birch)
Polyresin (High Humidity Areas)
Inside Mount
Outside Mount (additional charge for frame)
Standard L-Frame
Z-Frame
Decorative Frame
Understanding Plantation Shutters Costs
Plantation shutters offer a timeless aesthetic and excellent light control, making them a popular choice for homeowners. However, understanding their cost can be complex due to various factors. This calculator aims to provide an estimated cost per window, helping you budget for your project.
How the Cost is Calculated:
The cost of plantation shutters is primarily determined by the size of the window, the type of shutter, the material used, and any additional features or mounting options. Our calculator uses the following logic:
- Square Footage Calculation: We first calculate the surface area of the window in square feet. The formula is:
(Window Width in Inches * Window Height in Inches) / 144. This gives us the total square footage for one window. - Base Cost per Square Foot: This is determined by the chosen material and shutter vane size. Each material and vane size combination has an associated cost per square foot (e.g., Composite shutters with 3.5-inch vanes might cost $15 per square foot, while Premium Wood with 5.5-inch vanes could be $35 per square foot).
- Frame Style Cost: Some frame styles incur an additional cost, either as a flat fee or an add-on to the per-square-foot price.
- Mounting Option Cost: While inside mounts are standard, outside mounts may sometimes involve additional costs for specialized framing or installation considerations.
- Total Cost Per Window: The total cost for a single window is calculated by multiplying the square footage by the base cost per square foot, and then adding any applicable frame or mounting option costs.
- Total Project Cost: Finally, we multiply the cost per window by the total number of windows to give you an estimated project cost.
Key Factors Influencing Price:
- Window Size: Larger windows naturally require more material and labor, increasing the cost.
- Material: From durable composites to premium hardwoods, the material significantly impacts the price. Wood shutters are generally more expensive than composite or vinyl options.
- Shutter Vane Size: Wider vanes (like 4.5 or 5.5 inches) are often considered more premium and can sometimes come with a slightly higher price point than standard 3.5-inch vanes.
- Frame & Mounting: Special frame styles (like Z-frames) or specific mounting requirements can add to the overall cost.
- Complexity: Non-standard window shapes (arched, circular), bay windows, or bi-fold/bi-pass track systems can increase the complexity and therefore the price.
- Brand & Manufacturer: Different brands have varying price structures based on quality, warranty, and reputation.
- Installation: While this calculator focuses on material and component costs, professional installation is a separate cost that can add a significant amount (typically 10-25% of the material cost).
When to Use This Calculator:
This calculator is ideal for homeowners and designers who are in the early stages of planning a plantation shutter project. It helps provide a ballpark estimate for:
- Initial budgeting for window treatments.
- Comparing the cost-effectiveness of different materials and styles.
- Getting a general idea of the investment required for a specific number of windows.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides an ESTIMATE based on average industry pricing. Actual quotes may vary significantly based on specific product lines, regional pricing, custom options, and installation complexities. Always obtain a professional quote from a reputable supplier for an accurate cost.