Jazzy Brick

If you want a traditional look for your home, you ought to think about wooden house shutters, either inside or outside. For years, we have been using wooden window house shutters to dress up our homes, and to protect them from the weather.  Interior wooden shutters make attractive window covers that add privacy and can block light.  Outside the house, they are most often used as ornamental details, but a few can be closed for added defense against wind and rain.

Wooden house shutters are made out of hard woods.  The species used are usually oak and cedar as they are some of the hardest woods.  The shutters have to be sturdy to survive the elements, particularly if they are exterior shutters.  The wood you eventually use will most certainly be decided by your budget as well as the style of wood you like. 

Basswood is also an ideal choice when it comes to wooden shutters. It is resilient and very strong and can endure intense cold and heat.  Maple is another choice for wooden shutters seeing as it is an elegant wood but also very strong. 

A wooden shutter will cost more than one that is manufactured from synthetic materials.  Still, wood is ageless and stylish and is attractive inside and out.  You will need to either stain or paint the wooden shutters in advance of installation. You will also need to attend to them by re-staining them or repainting them every year or two. 

Many consumers prefer to stain wooden house shutters.  Staining them takes advantage of the grain in the wood.  Staining is uncomplicated to do and involves spreading an oil based translucent coating onto wood and then wiping it in to the wood.  It is easier to do than painting which, when done improperly, will create drip marks and spots on the wood. 

Since wood is not naturally watertight, it ought to be sealed after staining or painting.  Sealing the wood will guard it from damage from the elements.  Wood is plant material, so termites can take a liking to the wooden shutters and gnaw on them.  Termites could cause some serious damage to all of the wood in your home. 

Wood is strong and durable and looks great on the inside of a home as well as the outside.  If you are looking for wooden shutters for your home, you should check out the value online.  Here you can usually get the best prices for the styles you want.  You ought to additionally think about staining and sealing the shutters after you buy them, as this is not complicated and you will save some money on shutters without stain or sealant. 

There are alternatives to wooden shutters and many people choose other cheaper that are cheaper and are easier to maintain than wood.  Wooden window house shutters, on the other hand are timeless.  They will not go out of style and can last a lifetime if treated properly. They also bring richness and class to every home.  A lot of homeowners feel wood is the best quality and value when it comes to choices in shutters.

If you have two good hands and know how to use an electric drill you could install your own house shutters.  If you won’t have time to do the job, you may want to hire a handyman to install some shutters on your home.  However, installing house shutters is relatively easy and can be accomplished by anyone with basic knowledge.

Do not be intimidated by the prospect of installing your new house shutters.  If others can do this undemanding job, so can you.  You simply need to get acquainted with a few simple procedures.  There are two standard procedures to follow when installing your shutters.  You can choose between an inside mount or an outside mount.  It is preferred to install an inside mount because it can be completed straight from your open window. 

Inside mount installation

With an inside mount installation, the shutter is connected flush with the inside of the window casing on the window jamb.  This is ordinarily a easier process of installation and is used primarily by professionals as it is neater and does not require any framing strips. 

First, make sure the window jamb is solid.  Next, you should attach the shutter hardware with screws.  This will require drilling a hole in the jamb at certain points so that the unit can be mounted into the window jamb.  The jamb should be solid so that the hardware will be secure. 

Now that you have screwed on the hardware, you need to ensure that the shutters align properly with the window.  You will want to use a level to insure that they are aligned. Follow the enclosed literature as each type of inside mounted shutter is different.  If you can use simple power tools, you will be able to easily complete an inside mount for your shutters. 

Outside mount installation

Obviously, an outside mount is connected to the outside of the window, normally into the trim, or even the wall.  If you intend to install an outside mount for interior shutters, avoid having to screw the hardware into sheetrock unless it is anchored because the unit will likely rip itself out of the wall.  Some people prefer an outside mount which allows the shutters to be a little “off” when it comes to the measurements, unlike with an inside mount. Of course this means that the outside mount does not look as finished as the inside mount.

Make sure you use a plumb bob and level when installing house shutters so you can be certain that they are straight.  Your eyes can play tricks on you, but a level will not.  You will want to have an electric drill, a drive socket and the right apexes, and perhaps some wall mounting inserts if you are installing on a wall panel without a stud. 

Do not think you can’t install your house shutters yourself.  This is not a difficult job and once you have installed one piece, the rest will be easy to do.  All you need are the proper tools, including a screwdriver, drill, toggle mounts (if installing into drywall) and a level, you are capable of doing this job easily and quiclky.

Exterior house shutters are made with many different materials. They are also offered in many different styles.  Shutters nowadays are made from vinyl, aluminum, wood, and wood composite. Shutters made from any material could make your home appear more appealing. When you are considering shutters for your property, you ought to make time to see the range of styles and types of shutters available before you choose your shutters.  This decision will most likely last the lifetime of the home. 

Buying shutters is fairly easy. Check out various shutters on line or on houses in the neighborhood to decide what designs you like in addition to materials and colors.  Once you have established your preferences, you can research some prices and then be ready to order your shutters for installation.

Shutter Styles

There are two basic styles of exterior house shutters. There are the narrow paneled shutters which include small louvers. These are basically the more conventional shutters normally installed on homes.  Others are the wider louvered shutters that are known as plantation type shutters.  Take a look at both styles before making a decision. 

If you are unsure, take another look at homes similar to your own that have shutters.  You can ask your local carpenter about available kinds of shutters if you are unsure.

Shutter Finish

If you purchase wooden shutters, you are going to have to have your shutters either stained or painted.  Staining is the process of applying a transparent color and then wiping it off.  You are able to see the grains of the wood when the wood has been stained. Painting gives wooden shutters an opaque look. Just as with the style and materials, the ideal finish depends on personal taste.  You must see to it that they are sealed, however, whether they are painted or stained. 

If you choose vinyl shutters, they do not need to be painted and cannot be stained.  Vinyl shutters are ready to hang and are maintenance free.

Unit Sizes

The size of your house shutters should be in proportion to the size of your windows.  Although they will most likely remain open, the shutters should still seem as though they could be shut and shield the whole window opening. Consequently the shutters need to be large enough to close the whole window.  You need to know the dimensions of your window so the shutters will look right.  Also be aware that you can use double tiered or single tiered shutters, a choice that could make a difference. 

Price

Research the prices of manufacturers in your town as well as those on the internet.  You could get made to order shutters from a carpenter, and should visit any in your area that manufacture shutters. That will probably not be your most economical choice, though. You should usually find house shutters at a better price online than in a store because you will not have to offset the cost of sales commissions or overhead.  Buying shutters from the factory can be more affordable.  Just remember to check your measurements and ask the customer service center questions before purchasing the shutters.

Exterior house shutters can be manufactured from quite a few different materials. They are also for sale in many different styles.  Shutters can be made from vinyl, aluminum, wood, and wood composite. Any kind of shutters could make your home appear more appealing. When you are purchasing shutters for your property, you ought to research the various styles and types of shutters available before you make your decision.  This purchase will most certainly last for as many years as the home. 

Purchasing shutters is simple enough. View different styles of shutters at your home improvement store or on houses in your area to settle on what types you like and also which materials and colors.  When you have an idea what you like, you can do some price comparisons and then be ready to order your shutters for installation.

Shutter Styles

There are two different types of styles of exterior house shutters. Some are the narrow paneled shutters sporting small louvers. These are generally the more standerd shutters normally installed on homes.  The other style is the larger louvered shutters that are known as plantation type shutters.  Find some examples of both styles before making a decision. 

If you are having trouble deciding, take some more time to look at homes similar to your own that have shutters.  You can ask your local carpenter about available kinds of shutters if you are unsure.

Shutter Finish

If you purchase wooden shutters, you will have to have your shutters either stained or painted.  Staining is the process of brushing on a translucent color and then wiping it off.  You will continue to see the grains of the wood with staining. Painting gives wooden shutters an opaque finish. Just as with the style and materials, the ideal finish depends on personal taste.  You must make sure that they are finished with a sealer, however, whether they are painted or stained. 

If your shutters are made of vinyl, they do not require painting and cannot be stained.  Vinyl shutters can be immediately installed and are maintenance free.

Unit Sizes

The size of your house shutters naturally have to reflect the size of the windows they are attached to.  Although they will most likely remain open, the shutters should still appear as though they can be closed and block the whole window opening. This means that the shutters should be big enough to cover the complete window.  A measurement should be taken of your window so the shutters will look right.  Also be aware that you can use double tiered or single tiered shutters, as they could visually make a difference. 

Price

Research the prices of shutter and siding companies in your neighborhood as well as those online.  You could get made to order shutters from a carpenter, and should visit any nearby that build shutters. That will probably not be your cheapest purchase, though. You should often get house shutters for less money online than at a home improvement center because you do not have the expense of sales commissions or overhead.  Buying shutters from the producer can cost much less.  Just remember to make sure you have the correct dimensions and ask the customer representatives questions before buying the shutters.

Exterior house shutters are made with quite a few different materials. They are also offered in many different styles.  You can purchase shutters made from vinyl, aluminum, wood, and wood composite. Shutters made from any material will make your home all the more appealing. While you are considering shutters for your home, you really should make time to see the different styles and types of shutters being offered before you choose your shutters.  This choice will probably last as long as the home. 

Buying shutters is fairly easy. Take a look at shutters on line or on buildings in your area to settle on what styles you like in addition to materials and colors.  When you sort out your likes and dislikes, you can do some price comparisons and then be ready to order your shutters for shipment.

Shutter Styles

There are two basic styles when it comes to exterior house shutters. Some are the narrow paneled shutters which include small louvers. These are generally the more standerd shutters that you see on homes.  There are also the wider louvered shutters that are known as plantation type shutters.  Be sure to check out both styles prior to making a decision. 

If you are still undecided, drive around again and look at homes you like that have shutters.  You can ask your local carpenter about available kinds of shutters if you are unsure.

Shutter Finish

Should you buy wooden shutters, you will have to have your shutters either stained or painted.  Staining is the technique of applying a see-through color and then wiping it off.  You will continue to see the grains of the wood with staining. Painting gives your shutters an opaque look. Just as with the style and materials, the appropriate finish depends on personal taste.  You must make sure that they are sealed, however, whether they are painted or stained. 

If you choose vinyl shutters, they do not need to be painted and cannot be stained.  Vinyl shutters are ready to hang and are maintenance free.

Unit Sizes

The size of your house shutters will depend upon the size of the windows they are attached to.  Taking into account that they will most likely stay fixed against the house, the shutters should still look as though they could be shut and block the entire window opening. This means that the shutters should be big enough to close the complete window.  You should measure your window so the shutters will look right.  Also remember that you can choose from double tiered or single tiered shutters, a choice that could make a difference. 

Price

Shop the prices of retailers in your town as well as those on the web.  You could get tailor made shutters from a carpenter, and should contact any locally that make shutters. That might not be your cheapest purchase, though. You can usually find house shutters at a better price online than in a store because you will not have the expense of sales commissions or overhead.  Getting shutters from the factory can save you money.  Just remember to measure carefully and ask the customer representatives questions before ordering the shutters.

Landscaping is the final touch put on every new home, new home project, exterior project, or home remodel.  It’s what makes the building, the exterior, and the overall project beautiful.  Landscaping also should complement the architectural style of the building, home or complex.  Residential landscaping ideas may often come from professional landscape designers or architects because of their experience in the xeriscaping and desert climate landscaping.  Landscape designers should be considerate of startup costs, installation costs, maintenance issues, and longevity. 

My background stems from many years in Albuquerque, where upfront costs were negligible, and the yearly maintenance costs (i.e. water & maintenace bills, etc.) were slim to none.  Hence came the important aspect of water-wise, sustainable xeriscaping for the desert climates.  Desert landscaping and xeriscaping is a way to provide low water-use landscaping for dry desert climates such as the southwest.  Many new residences are not allowed to have turf, and the local officials entice by offering cash rebates for converting turf areas to xeriscaping.  Xeriscaping has been a very popular method of landscaping, and landscape designers have adapted this style for many of their clients.

Xeriscaping and desert landscaping is our expertise as Phoenix landscape designers.  From Sonoran desert landscapes, which include many assortments of Arizona cacti, saguaros, and agaves to Southwestern Xeriscapes that usually include many mid-level desert environments that can’t quite tolerate the hot Arizona summers.  Desert landscaping & Xeriscaping often include many of these following types of plant species:

1. Traditional Color Plants – These desert varieties are standard, normal landscaping plants that require average water useage.  Some of these flowers have many flowers, attract humming birds, and bloom forever.  Some common species that landscapers love are the cherry and russian sages, Echinacea, gaillardia, gayfeather, iris, lamb’s ears, yarrows, red valerians, coneflowers, and lavendars.
2. Arizona Desert Plants – Many of the species above would not sustain an Arizona summer, which is the reason for a supplemental list of Arizona desert plants.  The mexican bird, yellow bells, orange jubilee, rain sage and fairy duster are very popular among the Phoenix landscape contractors.  Other common plants you may see in hot desert climates may be Mexican honeysuckle, creosote bush, bursage, chuparosa, ruellia, bougainvillea, or cassias.
3. Xeriscape Grasses - Professional designers use grasses for accents or to fill in oversized areas.Pampas grass is one of the largest growing xeriscape grasses that can grow to over 6′ tall.  Muhly grass is a great selection for an accent grass.  Some groundcover grasses can actually fill in large spaces and provide a great xeriscaping environment (blue fescue, blue grama, and other ornamental grasses).
4. Agaves – There are many various species of agaves, that range from the little agave parryi to the incredible 60″ tall agave americana.  Agaves require less maintenance, have slow growth and are the prefect xeriscaping landscape plant.
5. Cacti -  Arizona desert landscaping designers have the great selection of many selections of cacti – but most commonly, the Saguaro cactus (native to Arizona).  Saguaros require little to no maintenance, no water, and provide a huge impact and focal feature for any landscape.  Cacti in desert xeriscaping will drastically cut the need for water consumption, and some incredible cacti considerations are:  Fish Hook, Golden Barrel, Twisted Cereus and Ocotillo.
6. Desert Trees – Desert climate trees also require less water and less maintenance.  A natural wind break and some shade can be provided by properly placing trees and large shrubs in your xeriscaping project.  The acacia, desert willow, african sumac and palo verde are some common desert landscaping trees.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR LANDSCAPING PROJECT:

• Review the state requirements for xeriscaping species, plant locations and restricted varieties.  Check for grass restrictions, since some locations do not allow for plants that use high water.
• Do your homework on landscaping & xeriscaping plants that are good for your specific region.  Some plants will do poorly if not planted in the proper region.
• Research precipitation for your location and this can help you determine plants and setup & plan for a adequate irrigation system.
• By using groups of plants, you can create mounds of different sizes & colors.  Large trees and shrub species are excellent for specimens, and grouping smaller plants around for a great prensenation.
• Water in the AM! – this is the best time of day so that your xeriscaping plants get the best use of their water.
• Practice great irrigation methods – watering daily is not required, you should train your xeriscaping to use less water.
• Cut dead flowers & foliage to enhance blooms & blooming times.
• If you have sod or turf in your xeriscape, then make sure you irrigate properly and reduce runoff.
• The use of a landscape designer  is a superb investment

If you want to increase the curb appeal of your house, you might want to put up exterior shutters.  Exterior house shutters were once needed to defend a home from Visigoths and squirrels. Nowadays, exterior shutters are mostly used for the way they look.  There are a plethora of shutter styles offered today and they make a home seem much more established. 

You could decide on either vinyl or wood shutters.  Wood shutters are usually cheaper, but need to be painted and maintained.  Vinyl shutters are actually less expensive in the long run.  Vinyl shutters can be purchased in many different colors and styles that will suit the exterior of your house. 

Should you choose wood house shutters, you will want to purchase shutters made of cedar.  Cedar weathers well and is fairly low maintenance.  Oak is another sturdy wood used for exterior shutters. You will need to care for these shutters regularly by either staining or painting them.  Normally, wooden shutters have neither been stained nor painted and need to be prepared prior to installation.

You should use a dry clean place in which to prepare new shutters. When painting them, you will want to prime them first, otherwise the paint will not go on evenly.  Use an exterior paint on the shutters that is not water soluble.  Once the paint is dry, you’ll need to protect the paint with a waterproof sealant so that it will last longer.

If instead you stain the shutters, you will need to choose a wood stain that is made for outdoor use.  You can find some that can stain and seal with one coat which will save you effort.  Staining does not result in a monochromatic finish, but keeps the natural wood grain of the material while adding some color.  Whether you choose to stain or paint the wood shutters depends upon your taste. 

An effective way to decide what type of house shutters that you like is to drive around and search out other houses with exterior house shutters.  Viewing these shutters actually on homes can alert you to some different options and can help you form a clearer picture of how the shutters will look on your home. 

Hanging exterior shutters is not difficult, presuming that you have some basic carpentry skills that are needed to complete this task.  It would be wise to hire a handyman to mount the shutters if you are unsure about this process.  Keep in mind that they are on the exterior of your home and the neighbors will see them, and therefore you ought to do a proper job when mounting the shutters.  Normally, shutters are packaged with the hardware needed for installation and the process is fairly easy.

Exterior shutters are an inexpensive way to give a finished look to the exterior of your property and allow it to stand out from the rest of the homes.  Most newer homes do not include shutters.  By hanging exterior shutters, you can upgrade your home and your curb appeal.

If you want to quickly improve the appearance of your house, you should add exterior shutters.  Exterior house shutters used to be needed to guard a home from Visigoths and squirrels. Nowadays, exterior shutters are primarily purchased for aesthetic reasons.  There are a plethora of shutter styles you may choose from today which can make a home look much more established. 

You may opt for vinyl or wood shutters.  Wood shutters normally cost less, but need to be painted and maintained.  Vinyl shutters are actually less expensive in the long run.  Vinyl shutters are available in a variety of colors and styles which can improve the appearance of your house. 

If you choose wood house shutters, you will want to choose cedar.  Cedar easily handles wind, rain and sun and needs little attention.  Oak is another sturdy wood used for exterior shutters. You will need to maintain these shutters periodically by either staining or painting them.  Most of the wooden shutters have neither been stained nor painted and must be prepared prior to installation.

You need to choose a dry clean place for painting or staining new shutters. Should you plan on painting them, you need to prime them first, otherwise the paint will not go on evenly.  Use an exterior paint on the shutters that is not water soluble.  When the paint is dry, you should protect the paint with a appropriate sealant to extend the life of your shutters.

If instead you stain the shutters, you can stain them with a wood stain that is oil based.  There are products that can stain and seal with one coat which will save you effort.  Staining does not result in a flat color, but retains the woodsy grain of the shutter while adding some color.  Whether you ultimately stain or paint the wood shutters depends upon your taste. 

An effective way to discover what design of house shutters that strike your fancy is to drive around and view different properties with exterior house shutters.  Viewing these shutters mounted on different styles of homes may give you a new perspective and can give you a more educated opinion of how they will look on your home. 

Mounting exterior shutters is relatively easy, though it would help to have some basic carpentry skills in order to complete this task.  Perhaps you might hire a professional to hang the shutters if you are uncomfortable with this process.  Remember that the shutters are on the exterior of the house and anyone passing will see them, consequently you want to do a professional job when mounting the shutters.  Most shutters are packaged with the hardware that is required for hanging and the process is fairly easy.

Exterior shutters offer an inexpensive way to add a bit of décor to the exterior of any property and allow it to stand out from the other homes.  Most newer homes do not include shutters.  By mounting exterior shutters, you can upgrade your home and your curb appeal.

If you want to quickly improve the appearance of your property, you can easily install exterior shutters.  Exterior house shutters are no longer necessary to defend a home from mauraders. Today, exterior shutters are mostly purchased for the way they look.  There are a plethora of shutter styles available today which can easily make any home seem much more traditional. 

You can choose from vinyl or wood shutters.  Wood shutters are usually cheaper, but need to be painted and maintained.  Vinyl shutters are actually less expensive in the long run.  Vinyl shutters come in a variety of colors and styles that will suit the exterior of your house. 

Should you decide on wood house shutters, you ought to choose cedar.  Cedar easily handles wind, rain and sun and is fairly low maintenance.  Oak is another sturdy wood used for exterior shutters. You will need to attend to these shutters regularly by either staining or painting them.  Most of the wooden shutters have neither been stained nor painted and need to be prepared prior to installation.

You need to set up a dry clean place in which to prepare new shutters. When painting them, you need to prime them first, otherwise the paint will not go on evenly.  Use an exterior paint on the shutters as an indoor latex paint is water soluble.  After the paint is dry, you’ll need to coat the paint with a appropriate sealant so you may enjoy your shutters for years to come.

If instead you stain the shutters, you can use wood stain that is made for outdoor use.  Some companies offer wood treatments that are made to stain and seal in one application which will save you money.  Staining does not produce a flat color, but retains the woodsy grain of the shutter while adding some color.  Whether you choose to stain or paint the wood shutters depends upon your taste. 

An effective way to figure out what type of house shutters which would compliment your house is to drive around and search out other properties with exterior house shutters.  Viewing these shutters mounted on different styles of homes may give you a new perspective and can help you form a clearer picture of how the shutters will look on your home. 

Mounting exterior shutters is not difficult, presuming that you have some basic carpentry skills in order to complete this task.  It would be wise to hire a handyman to mount the shutters if you are unsure about this process.  Please consider that they are on the exterior of your home and everyone will see them, consequently you ought to do a proper job when mounting the shutters.  Normally, shutters are packaged with the hardware that is required for installation and the process is relatively simple.

Exterior shutters are an inexpensive way to dress up to the exterior of any home and help it to look more established than the neighboring homes.  Most recently built homes do not include shutters.  By hanging exterior shutters, you can upgrade your home and your curb appeal.

A pretty front and backyard can only go so far. Many experts have proven that energy efficient landscaping that takes into consideration energy needs, may well save a family more then 30% of their usual heat or cooling costs – either in the winter or summer. These savings could tangibly translate to almost $250 worth of savings in a year.

So how does one accomplish energy efficient landscaping? There are various things that can be considered in both existing and soon-to-be-developed landscapes.

What About the Sun?

Where and how you can include energy efficient garden landscaping design would greatly depend on the part of the country in which you live. Your home may be hit on three sides by the sun each day making the cooling system work extra hard during the hotest part of the season. Others may have a home that is situated on their property so that it faces morth-east with lots of shady trees on the south-west side making it very cold in the cooler months.

Plant large, deciduous trees and evergreens on the south-west side of your home this will create a natural backyard landscape design and a wall of protection from the sun’s pounding rays. The deciduous trees will lose their leaves in the winter allowing the sun’s warming rays to heat your home.

By planting deciduous trees that will lose their leaves during the fall this will also allow the sun to heat the exterior walls of your home as well as the cement patio, pathways and foundation.

Break the Wind

One of the primary contributors to lowering home temperatures is the wind that blows through the house. Especially in the winter, this wind is particularly sinister as the wind chill is much colder than the normal atmospheric temperature in the area.

Plants that serve as effective windbreaks include evergreens or trees in general. In fact, even fences placed in strategic locations can serve as windbreaks.

Keeping Your Home Cool or Warm

One of the most important ways comfortable home temperatures can be achieved is by making sure the attic, walls, windows and doors are properly insulated. Having double pained windows and gaskets around openings such as vents can also help. By keeping up on home maintenance this will help decrease the possibility of giving away valuable warm or cool air.

Another way to help is through your energy effecient landscaping with thick shrubbery close to the home creating a natural barrier. This barrier should be close but leave a small space between the walls and the plants creating a dead air barrier. By communicating with your landscape architect your intentions he will know the best distance between home and shrubbery for this dead air barrier to be the most effective.

In landscaping your yard or garden, it is important to maximize the benefits by using an aesthetically pleasing landscape. After all, energy efficient landscaping in the area will effectively save energy and money in the long run.