Today I’ll be sharing some things to consider when researching plantation shutters Manchester options. A friend of mine recently had plantation shutters installed in her terraced home, and while I was on the fence beforehand, I realised they were perfect once I went down a rabbit hole of research. She was super grateful for my help researching options, so I figured I’d share them here. Keep reading to find out what you should consider before ordering your own plantation shutters in Manchester.

Things to Consider When Googling Plantation Shutters Manchester

The first thing I want to bring to your attention, is that many of the companies which show up when you google plantation shutters Manchester are not based locally. Hillary’s may well be a household name, but they operate online now, and self employed fitters handle the installation. Judging by their trust pilot reviews, aftercare can be hard to come by.

When it comes to making a big purchase like custom made plantation shutters, I’d want the reassurance of using a local business, with local feedback and great reviews. The same would apply for both plantation shutter and Roman blinds Manchester installations. My friend found that when she went to Scarlet Blinds for hers.

I used this company to have vertical blinds fitted throughout my home in 2024, and was really impressed with Kam’s professionalism, and the quality of the blinds he installed for me. His business is based in Middleton, but he installs plantation shutters Manchester-wide.

Choosing a Company to Install Plantation Shutters in Manchester

Whether you’re looking for roller blinds Manchester installations or window shutters Manchester quotes, I’d be doing a good bit of research before inviting companies round to provide quotes.

The cost of plantation shutters varies, depending on the size of the window, and the materials you’d like. So if you opt for a more affordable type of plantation shutter on a small window, it will cost much less than a large window with top grade materials. Personally, I’d be asking any potential companies which types of plantation shutters in Manchester they supply and fit.

Hybrawood Plantation Shutters

Hybrawood is ideal for everyday living. The outer frame of the shutter is constructed from hardwood, with a durable aluminium core running through each of the polyvinyl slats. This means it will last significantly longer than other entry-level shutters on the market. Hybrawood plantation shutters are built to last, it’s strong, and will age well with time.

Paulownia Plantation Shutters

Paulownia plantation shutters are made from paulownia wood. This has a delicate, knot-free grain, which makes it the perfect wood for painting or staining. Although Paulownia is a hardwood, it is around 1/3 lighter in weight than other types of hardwood. This lightness makes Paulownia an excellent choice for taller or broader openings. 

Basswood Plantation Shutters Near Me

Basswood plantation shutters are the industry standard on plantation shutters in the UK. While technically a hardwood, basswood is one of the softest hardwoods available. This means it’s easy to work with and flexible. They can also be expensive, so if budget is a factor, you may want to consider other options.

Aluminium Core PVC Plantation Shutters

Aluminium core PVC shutters are usually reserved for use in kitchens, bathrooms, and wet rooms. However, they should be used in most spaces prone to damp conditions. (If you’re lucky enough to need plantation shutters in a room housing a hot tub, steam room or pool, for example). They are waterproof, but look like wood, so your plantation shutters will look immaculate for as long as possible.

MDF Plantation Shutters

MDF plantation shutters are considered a swear word with reputable plantation shutter installers. If a company offers or recommends them, chances are you should look elsewhere. While MDF shutters can look great for a short time, they won’t last long. That old proverb “buy cheap, buy twice,” definitely rings true here.

MDF is super vulnerable to moisture, and will swell or break if exposed to damp conditions. This means damp cleaning MDF shutters is best avoided. The hinges are also more likely to fail on MDF than other materials. So for that reason, I wouldn’t recommend MDF plantation shutters if you want them to last for many years to come.

Final Things to Consider Before Commissioning Window Blinds in Manchester

Before deciding which company to commission to install your new window blinds in Manchester, it’s important to check potential company’s online reviews. Doing this means you can be sure your chosen company have a good reputation, before you commission them.

These tips are all really useful for potential roller blinds Manchester customers, as well as Roman blinds Manchester installations too. So if you know anyone who is considering getting new blinds locally, why not share this post with them. Scarlet Blinds have some great offers at the moment, and they cover the whole of Greater Manchester too.