Monday, August 18, 2014

What should I look for in judging the quality of a Custom Shutter Manufacturer?













Do you make your painted shutters with real basswood?

Basswood is perfect for shutters because of it's natural properties like strength, lack of pitch, beautiful uniform grain and low natural moisture content, which makes it ideal for shutters and blinds. We kiln dry ours to match the climate here in Arizona so you don't have shrinkage.


What Grade?


(Wood is graded by FDA like meat - Grades are: Select and Better, grade 1 common, grade 2 common. Arizona Shutters and Blinds uses Select and Better - it is straighter with fewer if any "blems" or knots. This allows us to make wider and taller panels) We don't use MDF or other engineered wood or sawdust manufactured wood-like product they call wood. On our stain shutters we offer Basswood and Alder because it has the same characteristics that makes Basswood great for our climate. We can match doors and cabinets for a more custom look. We can also match distressing if you so choose.


Do you manufacture your own shutters?


Arizona Shutters and Blinds manufacture theirs in their own factory which you are invited to visit and compare our product with any others you may be looking at. This means your $$stays here in our economy. Our company is American family owned and most of the employees are part of that ownership. Many other shutter companies farm their shutters out and many have them made in China or Mexico and even by prisoners in the Lewis Prison. Our employees are extraordinary carpenters with a gift for design, application, and function.


Can I visit your factory??

You are always invited to visit our showroom and factory at 21620 N 26th Avenue in Phoenix, AZ 85027. If you call and make an appointment, we can make arrangements to be there and give you a personal tour and what we call "shutters 101" education. We can schedule a free in home quote. Our website has many wonderful ideas for decor and styles, but there is no replacement for seeing the shutters in person. Ask your other quote people if you can see their factory. If they say no -- they probably don't have one.    Call today! 480 948 3600.


What is your warranty?


Arizona Shutters and Blinds warranty is lifetime on workmanship,  labor, warping, splitting, cracking or shrinking with as high as 20 years on the paint finish. Ask about the written warranty we issue with every order.



How many separate coats of paint do you use?


Arizona Shutters and Blinds uses two undercoats and two top coats with intense sanding between each coat.  FEEL THE FINISH!! EVEN OUR "DESERT TEXTURE" finish is very smooth with a beautiful soft grain.  this makes them easier to clean.


Is your paint engineered for this climate with UV inhibitors built in and certified low VOC?


Arizona Shutters and Blinds is!  No fading or yellowing!  And we have a 20 year warranty against paint fade or crazing on our Desert Texture finish.  And we custom match your choice of custom color of paint or stain without a surcharge like others.



Do you use finger joints in the stiles, louvers or frames?


Arizona Shutters and Blinds does not use finger joints on any structurally vital parts like stiles or frames.  We also use tapered louvers for a more custom look and tighter closure. Some major manufacturers use flat louvers. 



What is the thickness of your door panels and rails?

Arizona Shutters and Blinds are 1 1/8" on our entire shutter panel. Some companies use step-down rails. They are more narrow than the stiles and they are very difficult to line up with the stiles. This allows more light to come in around the panel because it isn't as close to the light stop on the frame. We use a 1/2" light stop rather than the standard 1/4" to give you even more blockage against light and heat coming in.



How do you assemble the rails to the stiles?

Arizona Shutters and Blinds shutters uses 1/2" wood dowels (like good furniture builders).



Do you chamfer the edges of the rails and use decorative beading on the stiles?

Arizona Shutters and Blinds shutters chamfers the rails and beautiful decorative beading on every panel both on the inside and outside, giving them more of a "custom shutter" look. this is a step most cheaper shutters don't do because it takes extra time and effort.



Do you have a gift card program for people who give you referrals?


We do!  We reward all friends of Arizona Shutters and Blinds who refer their friends to us, and then choose us to do the custom work for them.  
Get Free Quote Here

Do you have Coupons?


In this economy, everyone is looking for a great deal.  Our coupons give you 10% off on a job, whether it is for 3,000.00  or 10,000.00  See our Coupon page! Our 10% is a genuine discount. Do you really think someone can give you more with first just marking it up accordingly?
Free Shutter Coupon!

Do you have a list of Customer Reviews?

We are very proud of our customer reviews and work very hard to be worthy of the praise.  From sales, to construction, to finish and installation, our goal is to exact an amazing review which will send all your family and friends to us to do the same for them!  


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