How long have you had your plantation shutters installed? Have they begun to slowly fall into disrepair and you are wondering whether they are worth fixing or if you should go ahead and replace them all entirely?

In this article, we’re going to take an honest and practical approach to answer these questions so that you can make the most informed decision for you. Here’s everything you need to know…

Can you fix broken plantation shutters?

Having functional plantation shutters can bring a sleek and stylish look to any room. Unfortunately, no matter what material you choose, plantation shutters will invariably become damaged over time, and when that happens you may be wondering what your options are.

In most cases, broken plantation shutters can be fixed, saving you from the expense of having to replace them entirely. But, is it always worth it? We’ll get to that shortly, but first, how can you go about fixing your shutters if you decide to?

The first step in fixing a broken plantation shutter is to identify the cause of the damage. If the damage is simply cosmetic, such as a broken blade or louvre, then the problem can typically be solved quickly with some minor repairs.
Once the cause of the damage is identified, you can then begin to assess the extent of the repairs that you need to make. Smaller repairs, such as replacing a blade or louvre, can often be done on your own (with the help of special tools, or with the help of a professional, you can remove the broken part and replace it with a new one).
For more serious repairs, such as replacing a frame or shutter panel, it is always best to call in a professional. They will be trained in the repair and maintenance of plantation shutters and thus can quickly and effectively assess the problem and provide the necessary solutions for you (however, if the damage is more serious, such as a broken or twisted frame, then it’s almost always worth replacing your shutters entirely as the repairs can become very costly).

Can You Replace a Blade/Louvre?

Yes, in most cases it is possible to replace a broken blade or louvre on a plantation shutter. The easiest way to do this is to purchase a replacement part from your chosen plantation shutter provider.

It is important to have the right tools in order to complete the repair correctly, such as a screwdriver, drill and saw for example. Our advice is to use a professional as different types of plantation shutters have slightly different installation techniques.

Going it alone isn’t something that we would recommend. It’s easy to make mistakes and you could end up causing further damage to your plantation shutters – which would be a nightmare.

In most cases, it’s better to call in a professional to do the plantation shutter repairs for you. Again, is it worth the risk of further damage and your time and effort?

Are plantation shutters worth repairing?

Honestly, this all depends on the extent of the damage. For example, what state are your plantation shutters in? Have the louvres started to turn yellow over time? If so, why have they discoloured and is it something that can easily be fixed?

Certain materials can turn yellow over time due to prolonged exposure to UV light. Your once nice and shiny white plantation shutters will discolour and look as though they’ve been subject to cigarette smoke, which is not a pleasant aesthetic at all. Not only that, but discoloured plantation shutters can turn brittle over time as well, making them even more prone to damage.

In this case, it’s almost always worth having your plantation shutters replaced entirely. You might think painting over the yellow slats will do the trick, but this is only temporarily masking a deeper issue.

The fact is, high-quality plantation shutters add value to your property, so don’t look at replacing your old shutters as an expense, but as an investment.

Is it cheaper to buy new plantation shutters?

Generally, for minor damage, repairing existing plantation shutters is the most cost-effective option. Depending on the condition of the shutters and the extent of the repair, the cost of repairing plantation shutters can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars; as it approaches the latter end of the spectrum, it’s almost certainly worth having them replaced altogether. Why spend thousands on repairs when you can invest in a brand-new set instead?

When you buy new plantation shutters, you can choose from a variety of materials and finishes that match your home and style preferences. This can give you a unique opportunity to breathe new life into your home and switch up the interior aesthetic if you fancy a change.

New plantation shutters often come with a warranty as well, which can also help you to keep those future repair costs down—if necessary.

The cost of buying new plantation shutters will of course depend on the material, size, and style of the shutters. Generally speaking, natural wood shutters are more expensive than vinyl or other synthetic materials, with custom-made plantation shutters costing more than ready-made ones.

It’s all about finding the right material choice for your chosen application and then going from there (e.g., aluminium plantation shutters for outdoors or PVC for a damp, bathroom environment). If you’ve had trouble with a certain material or manufacturer before, it’s worth investing in a better material and higher production quality in order to ensure that you don’t run into the same problems again in the future.

Final thoughts

When it comes to plantation shutters, the decision to repair or buy new will depend on the condition of your existing shutters – and of course, your budget. If the shutters are in good condition, then it may be worth making some minor repairs to save money (particularly if you are still under warranty).

If, however, the shutters are heavily damaged, then it may make more sense to buy new ones – especially if they have quickly fallen into disrepair and it’s a clear sign of poor manufacturing quality and thus repairing them is only temporarily masking a much deeper issue.

In Perth and can’t decide? We invite you to contact us today. We’ll gladly answer any questions you may have and help you make the right decision!

Can you fix broken plantation shutters? Can you replace a blade/louvre? Are they worth repairing? Is it cheaper to buy new ones?