Thread: Plantation Shutters

You'd probably be well served with some Paulownia. It's nice and light, and is fairly commonly used to make them.

I'm looking to get into some myself in the next year or so - have you figured out where to get louvre bushings, arms and so on?

There are a few thread on here about timber and costs. One recent one is Timber for Plantation Shutters

Try the search box or look into the similar threads list at the end of this page.

Thanks for your reply, I will chase it down. Must say though have not heard of Paulownia before, will read up on it.
With regards to bushes arms etc, I am getting stuff out of the US - Rockler. I ordered some stuff over the Easter long
weekend I havnt recieved it yet but it is in Australia with the couriers.
Regards

Originally Posted by estevao

G'day All,
I am seeking advice on suitable timber species available in Australia to make Plantation Shutters and any other useful tips etc.
Thanks in Advance

I asked the same question about 15 years ago.

Eventually I bought them from Freedom Furniture - far cheaper and probably better made than I would have done. Sizes were customised to fit my windows.

Many other retailers sell them including Bunnings, M10, Spotlight, etc.

Originally Posted by estevao

With regards to bushes arms etc, I am getting stuff out of the US - Rockler.

Interesting, and thanks - I've had a look through there and am keen on some of their kit - especially some of the hidden control arms: Hidden Control Arms for Shutter System

They seem a bit long for overseas shipping, so I was curious as to whether you had successfully ordered any of those?

I made some about a year ago using the rockler system. Used tas oak and they turned out great but were a little heavy. If I were to make some more I would use western red cedar.

Thanks for your reply, couple of questions if you don't mind :
how did you find using the rockler system any tips
what aspect do your shutters have
did you make the frames out of Tassie Oak also

I think if i used cedar, i would use it for the shutters only and something a little harder wearing for the frame mine will be for sliding doors and large windows

I found using the rockler system quite easy. Read through the instructions carefully and take your time with the set up checking your measurements twice before starting. Also I studied youtube a bit before starting. You could use Tassie Oak for the frames its just that it makes the shutter a little heavy. I suppose it depends on the height of the shutters, mine were 1.8 mtrs and had a middle rail.

years ago when timber trade shows were still around I bought a box on plantation shutters, I think its still out in shed collecting quality dust. I am sure there was a video with it...before DVD days.

Originally Posted by estevao

I think if i used cedar, i would use it for the shutters only and something a little harder wearing for the frame mine will be for sliding doors and large windows

I've got plantation shutter style sliding doors that came with the house (approx 18 years old now). The doors are Oregom/Douglas Fir as best as I can tell. And while they're not pristine, they're in good condition. The house was rented out for at least half of it's life, so they certainly haven't been babied either. My 2c would be you'll be fine with softer woods. Having them lighter is easier on the tracks and when I was painting the house, it was nice to pull off a full sized door and carry it around without busting a gut.