Transform Your French Doors with Professional Plantation Shutters: Your Complete Guide to Installation and Hardware Selection
French doors are architectural gems that bring elegance and natural light into any space, but finding the right window treatment can be challenging. Plantation shutters on the other hand work well for French doors and patio doors. Unlike traditional curtains or blinds that can snag, rattle, or interfere with door operation, plantation shutters offer a sophisticated solution that combines style with functionality.
Why Plantation Shutters Are Perfect for French Doors
Plantation shutters make the perfect French door window covering because they are some of the most resilient window treatments, guaranteed to last as long as your French doors themselves. Shutters look like part of the door itself because they attach to the frame. They won’t rattle from an air conditioner grate to swing when the door is opened and closed. This creates a seamless, integrated appearance while providing superior light control and privacy.
Shutters give more control over lighting than other window treatments. Tilt the louvers to different angles to direct natural light and reduce sun glare. For homeowners seeking quality plantation shutters euless residents can rely on professional installation services that understand the unique requirements of French door applications.
Essential Installation Techniques for French Door Shutters
L-Frame Mounting System
For French doors, plantation shutters can mount directly to the door utilizing an outside mount frame (usually a Large L-Frame to allow room for the slats to rotate open and closed). French Door Shutters are installed using the L Frame. “Outside mount” refers to the L Frame being mounted outside the glass on the face of the interior side of the door, not on the exterior side of the door.
A L-Frame is named after the L-shaped structure of the frame and works in both an inside mount and outside mount application. “Inside Mount” means the shutter is mounted within the window frame, as opposed to outside it, creating a streamlined look. “Outside Mount” means the shutters is mounted outside the window frame, usually used in situations where there is not enough window depth to mount an inside mount shutter.
Professional Installation Process
Plantation shutters are easy to install and come with hardware designed to fit onto most standard French doors. Installation should take an hour at maximum. However, professional installation ensures proper alignment and functionality. After your new plantation shutters have been custom-fitted and installed, we ensure they are perfectly aligned and work smoothly. Our team carefully inspects each shutter and won’t leave until it opens and closes effortlessly, and the louvers tilt easily.
Hardware Options and Customization Solutions
Door Handle Accommodation
One of the biggest challenges with French door shutters is working around existing hardware. One of the challenges of installing plantation shutters on doors is accommodating hardware. For instance, door handles or locks may protrude, requiring careful cutouts in the shutters. Our skilled craftsmen create precise cutouts, so the shutters fit snugly around hardware without compromising the overall appearance.
A bump is a subtly smooth sanded indentation in the shutter frame to make room for a door knob and/or lock. It is created with a belt grinder and hand-sanded to ensure the groove is as smooth and accurate as possible. For lever handles, a cut-out can be ordered as a specialty option for your shutters. A cut-out is when a portion of the plantation shutter frame is cut out, to make room for your lever.
Frame Configuration Options
When mounting shutters on French doors, the L Frame is used on all four sides, three sides or just the top and bottom of the space at the door’s handle does not permit the frame. We always recommend a 4-sided frame for French doors. This ensures maximum stability and light control while maintaining the door’s functionality.
Bypass and Bi-fold Track Systems
For wider French door openings, specialized track systems offer enhanced functionality. With the bypass track style, the shutters slide past each other on a track system. It’s a good solution for sliding glass doors since it mirrors the door’s movement. Bypass shutters let you open one side of the door while the other stays covered.
Material and Style Considerations
Ovation® shutters come in a variety of stains and colors, there is a shutter that can match the baseboard trim and accentuate a room’s style. Or a Polywood® shutter in a bright white can bring attention to the door. The choice of materials affects both durability and maintenance requirements, with options including natural wood, composite materials, and moisture-resistant synthetic options.
Working with Professional Installers in Texas
When selecting a shutter company for your French door project, experience with local architecture matters. With a decade in construction and a dedicated shutter showroom, we bring unparalleled expertise and passion to every project. Our commitment to local craftsmanship and personal service sets us apart, making us a beloved choice in Arlington and beyond. We understand the specific needs of Tarrant County homes. The area’s climate and home styles demand flexible window solutions. From the bright sunlight of Texas summers to the closed-in privacy of residential areas, our shutters are the quick fix.
We source materials like durable polywood and rich wood, built for lasting performance and style. Our installation process considers the architecture of Tarrant County homes, making a perfect fit certain. Professional installers understand the importance of proper measurements, hardware accommodation, and ensuring smooth operation of both shutters and doors.
Investment and Value Considerations
Expect to spend $15 to $19 per square foot for a custom job. Plantation shutter installation typically costs between $100 and $200, or $20 and $45 per square foot. While the initial investment may seem significant, Plantation shutters are an excellent option for providing privacy and insulation over French doors. They have a timeless appeal, come in various styles and colors, and can block out light and drafts for improved energy efficiency.
Plantation shutters for French doors represent more than just window treatments—they’re architectural enhancements that increase property value while providing decades of reliable service. With proper installation techniques and quality hardware, these shutters will maintain their beauty and functionality for years to come, making them a wise investment for any homeowner looking to elevate their living space.