Monday, April 30, 2012

Shutters are the Eye Lids to your home....




Consider that if windows are the eyes of your home, plantation shutters are the eye lids. Plantation Shutters add a dressy, finished touch to your home, giving it a unique personality and style all its own.








Because the architecture , design and construction of shutters differs from every other type of window covering, we custom design, engineer, and build precision shutters to fit any window shape or opening imaginable.  We use the latest building techniques, machinery, and technology available, and employ the use of a CNC router capable of cutting any shape with pinpoint accuracy. Out shutter engineers are factory trained with Stanfield's proven construction and manufacturing techniques, which results in beautiful high-quality shutters built to last a lifetime.





Eyebrow arches shutters have been a wonderful addition to the shutter industry. These custom built and shaped shutters have opened up a wide variety of interior design possibilities. In order for an arched window to accommodate the inner-panel design the window must be a continuous single jamb without any obstructions separating the bottom square part of the window from the top arched part of the window.


The Eyebrow inner-panel arches built by Stanfield Shutter are unique in the shutter industry. The louvers in our inner-panel arches are fully movable and functional. Even the louvers at the top of the arches are movable thanks to the incorporation of a jalousie rod connecting the upper and lower louvers. 




Another unique attribute of our design is the reinforced joints of the top arched rails and the side stiles. Many manufacturers do not realize that the joints on inner-panel arches suffer more stress then their square counterparts resulting in faulty panels. Stanfield Shutter reinforces the arch joints on all our inner-panel shutters. This reinforcement also allows us to put hinges on these custom shaped windows so you can swing the entire shutter open and closed just like the square shutters. 
























In addition, since we manufacture all our shutters from scratch right here in Utah we can also make inner-panel arches out of any material available. A good portion of our competition purchases their shutters or components from national manufacturers, or even from China. This limits their ability to provide you with exactly what you want. In our opinion, close is just not good enough. Whenever you have an eyebrow arched topped window you can’t go wrong with an inner panel shutter built by Stanfield Shutter.

Wood Shutters for an Elegant Statement


Our Colonial shutters are made with premium Basswood. The name Basswood is derived from the inner bark, or “bast” of the tree which was used by Native Americans to make rope. Basswood is one of the most versatile hardwoods available in the United States because its natural color is a light creamy white and it has a relatively smooth grain structure which makes the wood adaptable to almost any application.


Because of these characteristics Basswood can be either painted or stained depending on the needs of the customer. While painted finishes on Basswood are satisfactory, most of our customers do not have us paint Basswood because it is more expensive then other products. The smooth, clear grain structure of Basswood gives the stained Colonial shutters a classical or traditional look and feel. Basswood usually does not have very many knots and even when they are present the knots are small and tight. If the rustic, open-knot look is what you prefer you may want to consider the Georgian Lodge shutter made from Knotty Alder.

The light, natural color of Basswood makes it very versatile when staining. Stain colors may vary from the lightest maple to the darkest cherry, oak, or walnut. No matter what stain color you have Basswood can be stained to match. This gives you the beauty and natural variation of hardwood combined with the ability to select the exact stain color that matches your décor. Our Colonial shutters are also well suited to mimic other natural hardwoods like Cherry and Oak. Since the natural grain of Basswood is so light it can be stained to match almost any color or species of hardwood.

While it is possible to make Cherry or Oak shutters most, of our customers prefer not to pay the premium that would be charged for those woods, especially since it is the color they are really looking for and not the expense. If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive traditional shutter the Colonial shutter is a perfect choice. Because stain grade shutters allow the natural grain of the wood to show through the finish it is important to choose a hardwood that best matches the grain patterns of the wood in your home. The Colonial shutter made with Basswood has a clear grained (small or no knots) wood. Because of that unique pattern, Basswood lends itself more to a classical or a traditional decorating style.


Basswood is one of the more versatile hardwood species since the natural color of its grain is very light and its grain structure is relatively smooth and consistent. These pictures illustrate the light and dark extremes that can be achieved using Basswood. Basswood is frequently used to mimic other natural hardwoods such as Cherry, Oak, and Maple. When decorating your home it is not always necessary to use the same specific species of hardwood in all your stained applications. It is more important to make sure your colors blend well together.



The Leading Edge of Shutter Design


Stanfield Shutter has always been on the leading edge of shutter design and style. Many of the designs currently used in shutters were developed right here at Stanfield Shutter. Because we have always been at the head of the shutter industry many of our customers have asked why we don’t promote the supposedly revolutionary hidden tilt rod or “rodless” design. The following is a comprehensive response to that question and provides multiple concrete explanations why we keep the standard tilt rod.


First, a standard tilt rod is made of solid hardwood. This gives the standard tilt rod strength, durability, resistance, and rigidity. Hidden tilt rods are usually made of thin aluminum, steel, or plastic. The metal hidden tilt rods have a tendency to bend and crimp because they are so thin and they are only held in place on one side instead of both sides. The plastic hidden tilt rods have problems becoming inflexible and brittle under the intense sunlight causing them to break. Either way, a plastic or metal hidden tilt rod is inferior to its standard wooden counterpart.


Second, in order to attach the hidden tilt rod to the louver the back side of the stile must be routed out to allow a place for the hidden tilt rod to rest. This exposes the pins upon which the louvers rotate. Exposing the pins reduces their strength and durability. It also exposes them to sunlight damage which can cause them to become brittle and break just like the plastic hidden tilt rods. 


Third, since the stile is routed out the shaft of the louver pins must be made longer than normal. The longer pins do not retain the same tension strength and resistance as their shorter counterparts. The longer pins are also not as strong because more of the shaft is exposed which causes them to break more. 



Fourth, the hidden tilt rod, which is placed only on one side of the shutter panel, causes an unbalanced
distribution of force across the louvers. This reduces the functionality of the louvers and causes the
louvers to close unevenly.




Fifth, in order to attach the hidden tilt rod to the louver a nail must be driven through the hidden tilt
rod and into the very edge of the louver. This particular position is a weak point on the louver which results
in nails splitting the louver blade or nails not holding properly and working their way out. If the nails
work their way out they will at least damage the back side of the stile when the blades are rotated and at
worst will split the louver apart requiring the replacement of the louver itself.


Sixth, we are creatures of habit. We eat the same way, tie our shoes in the same manner, and we
open and close our shutters in the same way. If the shutter does not have a standard tilt rod we must use
the louvers themselves to rotate the shutter open and closed. Individuals tend to use the same louvers each
day. Those louvers weaken over time and eventually break which requires their replacement.


Seventh, shutters are purchased not only for their longevity and quality, but also for their architectural
and aesthetically pleasing design. Part of a shutter’s architecture is the tilt rod in the center of the
panel. Without it the shutter takes on the appearance of a blind. It begs the question why anyone would
spend more for a shutter only to get the look of a blind instead. Shutters are a status symbol. We want
people to know we own shutters. But how will they know you purchased shutters if they look like blinds?


While Stanfield Shutter has the capability and expertise to produce the hidden tilt rod shutter we
strongly discourage it for these reasons. In the end, the choice is always left to the consumer and we will be happy to provide you with whatever shutter design you prefer.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Window covering specialists come to you....

Conveniently located near the heart of downtown Salt Lake City is Stanfield Shutter Company.  Utah's first locally owned shutter shop was began by Paul Stanfield way back in 1950.  From humble begins as a one man wood working shop, the company has grown into Utah's largest and most up to date shutter manufacturer.  Using state of the art equipment Stanfield Shutter company has evolved into the most specialized and artistic shutter shop in the Intermountain west.


In the mid-70's Gary Stillman worked as general manager for Paul Stanfield and shortly thereafter came to an agreement with Paul to purchase the company.  With his big ideas and strong work ethic, Gary expanded the company in to the largest custom shutter company within the intermountain west.   From the traditonal 1" louvers slats of days gone by to the elegant popular larger louvers or 4 1/2" and even 5 1/2", plantation shutters have taken on a tasteful desing all their own.


Shutter are known for there aesthetic beauty and environmentally friendly plantation shutters currently used today.  Finding that the beauty of shutters is not only in the curb appeal but also in the benefits of helping to regulate your homes climate. With shutters you gain the benefit of keeping the harsh UV rays out of your home during the hot summer months, thus helping to keep your home cool.  As well as keeping your home warm during the cold winter months as the plantation shutters close tight and help to fight off the cold chill from 'old man' winter. 


Since purchasing the company many years ago Gary has worked along side his family to build a successful family business.  Stanfield Shutter has been in business for OVER 60 years.  Gary attributes his success to the dedication of his employees to work with individual home owners and to assure that each shutter is custom manufactured, professionally finished and expertly installed to exceed the expectations of the customer.


Custom plantation shutters are just the beginning at Stanfield Shutter, other services offered include artist architectural shapes or geometric shapes too.  Stanfield Shutter also can refurbish shutters as well as professionally repaint and restore time worn shutters. You are only limited by your own imagination with the work and professional craftsmanship offered by Stanfield Shutter Company.

Friday, April 6, 2012

The Lion House a Historical Landmark

Salt Lake City -

Downtown Salt Lake city with all of it's historical charm and interest was the site of a recent project for Stanfield Shutter Company. Located near the corner of South Temple and State Street is the Lion House. The Lion House gets its name from the lion that sits on top of the front patio. Constructed in 1855-56 it was a residence for Brigham Young, who was the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and later the first territorial governor of the state of Utah.

Local Contractor Interior Design Solutions was awarded a contract to remodel the Restrooms of the Lion House. Stanfield Shutter was called into action to replace the traditional shutter that had been in use in the restroom for years. It was an exciting opportunity to go behind the scenes of one of Utah's most notable building and see the historical craftsmanship of the Pioneers of Utah.

Going from 1 1/4" traditional smaller sized panel style shutter to the 2 1/2" plantation shutters was a nice update to the traditional feel of the building. A trademark look of the Lion House is the original triangular shaped windows crafted from the pioneers of decades ago. It was a good idea to stop the shutters in a "Cafe Style" at the base of the triangular shape. Leaving the Steeple top open gives the benefit privacy for the lower section in tum leaving the top open gives you natural light.

It was an honor and privilege to construct shutters and help beautify such a historical building. We appreciate working with each one of our valued customers, and by completing a project such as this we can definitely say that quality and satisfaction are dear to our business and we delight in the ability to continue to provide quality products to everyone.