Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you build Louvered shutters with adjustable louvers/slats so that the louver angle can be changed?

A: No, we do not. Our Plantation Louvered shutters' louvers are fixed at a 17 degree angle for 1 3/4" x 3/4" louvers and 22 degree angle for 1 3/4" x 3/8" louvers.

For our Closed Louver Style Bahamas the louvers are also at a fixed 17 degree angle for 1 3/4" x 3/4" louvers and 22 degree angle for 1 3/4" x 3/8" louvers.

Our Open Louver Style Bahamas shutter with 1-3/4" x 1/4" louvers are fixed at a 40 degree angle. The 1-3/4" x 3/8" louvers on an Open Bahamas Style shutter are fixed at a 30 degree angle.

Q: Can you build shutter designs that are not available on the website?

A: Yes! We build many types of custom shutters that are not listed on the website. Examples of other styles include Flat Panel, Shaker Style, Framed Board and Batten, Horizontal Boards, and Bermuda shutters are what we call Bahamas shutters. Some customizations that incur fees include different shutter thickness, rail and stile widths, cutouts, rabbet/ship-lap, beading, tails, horns, louver overlap, louver size, louver angle, solid arch top, combination panel and louver sections, custom arch size, etc. Give us a call so we can discuss your custom design, or email us your requirements (sales@SunbeltShutters.com). No one can beat our service or price.

Q: Can Sunbelt Shutters stain my shutters?

A: No, we do not offer Staining services.

Q: What is the difference between "Unfinished" and "Staingrade?"

A: Good question. Except for Board & Batten Rough Sawn Cedar (Common Grade lumber), we use Select Grade for building our shutters. For "Stain-grade" extra time is taken to pick out the best pieces in the lot with the least amount of natural flaws. And if they do have natural flaws, we put them on the back side, and if needed, we would only use stain-able putty to fill in any flaws rather than Bondo which can be painted over. For "Unfinished" we assume the customer is going to prime and paint their own shutters. So if there are any slight natural flaws, we use Bondo to smooth them over, and sand the shutters so that they are ready to be primed and painted by the customer.

Q: Can Sunbelt Shutters prime my shutters?

A: Absolutely. We recommend you order your shutters primed unless you are ordering a stain-grade shutter.

We offer a Free Prime upgrade for Composite shutters and for the Board and Batten shutter to insure your shutter has protection before assembly and final painting.

For wood shutters we use INSL-X® Aqua Lock Plus Primer/Sealer. For composite shutters we use Benjamin Moore's Corotech® High Performance Command primer. Both are a medium gray color that proves to work well with white or black final coats.

Q: Can Sunbelt Shutters paint my shutters with a final coat of paint?

A: Yes, we do offer Final Paint service and offer 23 In-Stock paint colors. (9 are Benjamin Moore® colors.) And we also offer to Color Match a custom color for an additional fee to the order. For both In-stock and custom colors we use the same high end quality paint: Benjamin Moore's Corotech® High Performance Command Water-Bourne Acrylic Urethane, V392, with a satin finish. A bottle of Touch Up Paint is included with your shipment.

Q: How are the shutter joints assembled?

A: Each joint is a tongue and groove joint. Each joint is joined with 2 dowels and glued with polyurethane exterior glue. A 4" ceramic coated screw is used in each joint. The screw is counter-sunk, plugged and sanded smooth. See joint drawing.

Q: How many hinges should I order?

A: For most shutters 2 hinges are sufficient for hanging a set of wooden window shutters. However, we recommend 3 hinges per shutter for wooden shutters with lengths greater than 76", and we recommend 3 hinges for all size composite shutters and 4 hinges per composite shutter taller than 86".

Q: Can I call or fax my order?

A: Sure, you can call or fax your order.

Sales: 888-778-4774
Fax: 866-526-8347
Or check our Contact Us page.

Q: How do I measure my windows for my new custom wood shutters?

A: Measuring is easy, but keep in mind any unique situations if using functional hardware. For traditional shutters, take a look at our "How to Measure" page. For Bahamas shutters you will need to consider your placement of the hinge at the top of the shutter and the placement of the Bahamas Arms. Call or email for additional information.

Q: What is the delivery time for my custom shutters?

A: We custom build each order. Our manufacturing goal is to build the shutters in 4 weeks. You can expect delivery in approximately 5 weeks for Unfinished or Primed shutters. Typically, during peak production (spring-fall) your shutters should be built in approximately 5-6 weeks.

Q: Do you offer Expedited Manufacturing?

A: Sometimes we can expedite manufacturing. Contact us with your all of your shutter requirements (style, material, sizes, quantities, finish). Based on lumber availability and the current order volume, our foreman can determine if a deadline can be met. There is a 30% Expedited Fee for the order to leave our shop in 2 weeks. Rush orders are more often approved for unfinished shutters.

Q: Do you have a list of shutter terms and definitions?

A: Sure, we have a list of standard shutter terms and definitions and a blueprint drawing for examples.

Q: Are the wood shutters easy to mount?

A: Yes for traditional situations. Here are general "Shutter Mounting Instructions". Do take into consideration placement of pintels and the materials to which they will be mounted. For Bahamas shutters, call or email for mounting information.

Q: I have a question about my bill.

A: Please call us immediately toll free at 888-778-4774. We understand mistakes can be made. We want to make sure you are never over charged for your order. Do note our merchant name is "S & K Group, LLC", so this name may appear on your credit card statement rather than "Sunbelt Shutters."

Q: Can I check my shipment?

A: With our current shopping cart, you will need to give us a call or email us for your order status. We are working to update our website and to provide you with an online order status.

We will email you when your order has been shipped. This email will include the freight carrier, the tracking number, and an estimated delivery date. If your order is shipping by a freight truck (not FedEx) you may wish to call their local terminal the morning of the expected delivery to see what time of day they may be delivering the order. Many large orders are shipped within a large crate.

Q: Can I send a Purchase Order?

A: Yes, please call us at 888-778-4774, and we can arrange P.O. requests.

Q: Can I change my delivery address after my order has shipped?

A: Sometimes the shipping address can be changed, and there are fees to do so. Depending on the freight carrier, fees often range from $50-$145). Once the shutters leave our shop, you will be responsible for delivery receipt at the address provided when ordered. You can contact us to help coordinate the change, but any additional delivery charges will be your responsibility.

Q: Can you deliver the shutters to my home address?

A: Yes, we can ship the shutters to your home address. Small orders ship by FedEx or UPS. Most are delivered at the front door. Keep in mind that if more than a few pairs are ordered, or if they are large (>24" wide or >76" tall), they will likely ship via Freight Line. So there is a possibility that an 18-wheeler will need to come down your street, and freight companies do not move crates to a preferred location on the property. The freight company will expect you to be at home for delivery and will not just drop the order at your door. The freight company may or may not contact you ahead of time to inform you of a delivery time. We would suggest that you call the local terminal the morning of the estimated delivery to see what their delivery schedule is for that day.

Q: Are your Bahamas shutters storm rated?

A: No.

Q: How can you build arched top shutters to match my arch?

A: On the order page, enter the tallest length for the shutter's height. We also need to know the shortest side of the shutters to know where to start the arch. Enter this measurement in the "Special Instructions" section on the Order page. If they are perfect quarter arches, the distance down from the top of the shutter should match the width of the shutter. Also note in the Special Instructions if your shutters have a center rail with a 50/50 split, would you like the center rail centered on the short side of the shutters, or centered on the tall side of the shutters.

Q: Can you build the shutters with cut-outs?

A: Yes we can for Raised Panel, Flat Panel, Board and Batten, and Framed Board and Batten shutters. We have many common designs, or we can cut most custom designs. Email us your requirements for a quote.

Frequently Asked Questions...

Frequently Asked Questions