An Open Shutter is the brand name of Australia’s No 1, most popular and custom made shutter. It is usually fitted with blades and often fitted in pairs. These are all Australian made - with an extensive range of styles and materials for interior and exterior applications.

Where can I use Open Shutters?

Open Shutters are fitted to windows and glass sliding doors, inside or outside. They are also used to enclose balconies in part or all around. The Ultimate shutter can even be used to cover rounds, arches and special shapes such as bay windows. They can be used as doors, for special cupboard fronts, and as room dividers.

Why are Open Shutters so popular?

Open Shutters are popular because they are the best value way to control light and air flow whilst still maintaining privacy. Open Shutters are treated so they resist attracting dust (anti static), which helps allergy and asthma sufferers. Because we use the right materials and take extra care with the fit, Open Shutters are also one of the best window insulators available. Well-made Open Shutters are also low maintenance. Open Shutters add style, beauty and value to a home whether the décor is modern or traditional. Open Shutters installers are well trained and work reliably and neatly. Finally, Open Shutters are here in Australia to support each installation, anywhere in the country.

Can I move them from house to house?

No. Shutters are installed to stay permanently in place, as they are made specifically for your individual openings.

Do Open Shutters increase the value of my home?

Yes, we have heard reports of up to 10% added to the value of a home.

How long do Open Shutters last?

If treated well, Open Shutters will last a lifetime and beyond.

What do Open Shutters cost?

On average, allow $600-$1200 per window and $2-$4,000 for larger areas, such as sliding doorways. Don’t forget they add value to your home.

What are the Open Extras?

If you go the extra for shutters, get the shutters with the OPEN extras.

Benefit from our extra experience – Australia’s specialist shutter makers,
for 20 years we’ve been designing and making shutters for Australian demands.
Custom made, custom designed to ensure a professional fit to your unique needs.
Extra choice in shutter styles – flexibility of a bigger range, interior and exterior.
Extra care – fine-tuned proprietory construction techniques by master craftsmen.
Mortice and tenon joints, the strongest possible – others make do with dowel joints.
Extra strength, only waterproof and heat resistant glues – others won’t last.
Extra fine – sanded components to furniture grade, don’t settle for a rough finish.
Extra details – designed to minimise sharp corners for better paint coverage.
Non-corrosive components – no steel pop rivets or shelf supports for blade pivots.
Extra widths are possible – longer blades are reinforced against sag where needed.
Leading edge manufacturing technology for consistency and accuracy.
Panels designed to classic proportions.
Proven interior paint system: developed by OPEN for UV protection and flexibility.
Paint won’t fade or yellow.
Extra health benefit of paint being both an isocynate and lead free finish.
Touch-up care kit available.
Express order service available.
Extra reassurance your warranty is from a local company, here for the long haul.
Expertise you can trust – the most awarded shutter maker in Australia, OPEN is
world leader.
Same high standard of product available nation wide.
The extra reassurance your shutters are made by Australians for local conditions.

What does “custom made” mean?

For us, “custom made” means that every single component is individually specified for each shutter. Each shutter is made to the unique dimension of your window or door. Each installation is unique.

What is the difference between Open Shutters and louvres?

Louvres were the traditional type of shutter with slats spaced at a fixed angle, which could not be moved. Shutters are a modern version of louvres where the slats (blades) can be adjusted to any angle at different times of day. Open Shutters do offer a heritage louvre style shutter for those seeking the traditional exterior look.

What is the difference between one Open blade size and another?

90mm blades are the most popular size, but blade size is really a matter of personal preference. Some people think a slimmer blade gives a more traditional décor look, but the decision is up to you. Our representative will carry samples of the different blade options and finishes to help with your decision.

Why is it better to make timber shutters from Western Red Cedar, rather than other types of wood?

With experience, we have found Western Red Cedar is the best type of wood for shutters. Firstly, it is a lighter weight, which makes it easier to move the blades and hinged panels. Also, WRC is farmed sustainably, has the best insulation of any wood and will not bow or warp as much as other timbers. Finally, there is a rare beauty in the grain of Western Red Cedar, which we think, makes it more attractive then other woods.

Timber is the traditional material for shutters. Unfortunately the price of timber, especially cedar, has caused opportunists to pass weak composite materials, such as "mdf" off as "timber".

What is the difference between Open Shutters made from timber and Open Shutters made from synthetic materials?

Synthetic material shutters are useful in a variety of situations where wood would perform less well if not maintained, for example outdoors, wet areas, rented apartments, busy homeowners. Synthetic materials can also be cheaper than timber. The synthetic materials Open uses for shutters are vinyl or an extruded polymer. (However some shutters makers use polystyrene to make shutters, so it is a case of buyer beware!)

How do I move Open Shutter blades?

Gently touch the nearest blade and move it to whatever angle suits the time of day. When moving shutter blades were first put into shutters many years ago, the tilting of the blades was controlled by taking hold of the rod down the middle and moving it up and down. Open Shutters found a way to build the tilt mechanism into the back of the blade system to give an uninterrupted view. This has proven very popular, and has now been adopted by the shutter industry, but it is up to you whether you want one look over the other as we can supply both styles.

What are the parts of an Open Shutter?

One shutter is called a panel. The parts of a panel are the same no matter what material is used. Each panel has a frame and blades.

How will my Open Shutters work?

Your shutters will be sliding on tracks or hinged in panels depending on the location. Sometimes a combination of both hinges and tracks can be used.

I don’t understand “shutter speak”, what do the terms mean?

Tilt Rod	-	method of connecting blades so they can be operated together.
Blades	-	timber slats within the shutter frame. These can be: a) aerofoil shaped - gently curved at front and back like a plane wing. b) flat with splayed edge (external 80mm) - traditional blade, straight cross section. (exterior petite and exterior traditional)
Stiles	-	vertical timbers that house the blades in a shutter frame.
Rails	-	horizontal members of a shutter frame.
Panel	-	one shutter including stiles, rails and blades
Joinery	-	a piece of timber for use in the installation of shutters.
Jambs	-	a joinery frame in which to install shutters.
Reveal	-	the distance the window is set in from the wall.
Opening	-	the window, door or area to be fitted with shutters.
Bi-Fold Hinged	-	pairs of panels hinged together without tracking.
Tracked Even	-	pairs or even numbers of panels hinged together supported by a top hung rack.
Tracked Odd	-	odd numbers of panels hinged together supported by a top hung track.
Colour Spectrum	-	a colour chart of Australian Timber Shutters standard colours. All paints are free of lead and isocyanates.
Colour match	-	a painter mixes a colour of your choice, not contained in the Open Shutters spectrum.
Clear finish	-	timber is coated in a clear paint.
Stained	-	timber is artificially coloured and coated in clear paint.
Interior shutter	-	shutters used inside, away from weather.
Exterior shutter	-	shutters used outside, exposed to weather.
Special shapes	-	shutters made to fit in arches, rounds and triangles- any shape that is not a rectangle.

What is the Open Interior Shutter Paint System?

We have developed a unique acrylic paint system which can be colour matched to any pastel colours. Painted shutters provide a beautiful decorator finish to your home. The paints we have developed are UV resistant, easy to touch up and most important contain no unhealthy lead or isocyanates.

How do I buy Open Shutters?

Simply phone us or send us a Request for Quote and we will do the rest!

I am renovating/building a new home, when should I call Open Shutters?

On average it takes six weeks for your order to be made. If you are able to get a quote for shutters based on your actual renovation plans you have the opportunity to include the cost of shutters in your bank loan or finance plans.

For best insulation, should Open Shutters be inside or outside the home?

Until recently it was thought best insulation was achieved by placing shutters outside. However recent research seems to indicate the tightness of the vacuum between the window and its covering is the main requirement for good insulation. If this becomes the accepted wisdom, then it should make no difference if your shutter is inside or outside the home as long as it is a snug fit. Bear in mind that shutters outside require more maintenance and you may still want to dress your windows on the inside, which can be expensive

How are Open Shutters cleaned?

Open Shutters are anti-static, which means they repel rather than attract dust. They need a dust regularly and you can wipe them over gently with a damp cloth for soiled spots.

How often do they need to be sealed or painted?

Some types (eg vinyl) never need painting. Others may be given a fresh coat when you re-decorate.

Do Open Shutters affect my view outdoors?

No. Shutters, if anything, enhance the view because they “frame” the view and lead the eyes outwards to the view. The eyes tend to look beyond the straight lines of the Open Shutters.

How long does it take to get Open Shutters installed?

About 6-8 weeks from order placement.

What after Sales Service do you offer?

Accidents happen that can damage shutters and we are here to supply replacements when you need them. For example, we have known cats to scratch them and children to teeth on them! Just give us a call and we will gladly help you out. This is one of the many benefits of buying an Australian made product from the biggest manufacturer in Australia.