How Much Do Plantation Shutters Cost in Australia and Specifically Perth? Let’s Compare PVC, Aluminium and Wood/Timber
If you’ve fallen in love with the thought of having plantation shutters installed in your home but you aren’t quite sure how much it will set you back, we invite you to give this article a read.
We’re going to look at the average cost for plantation shutters in Australia.
Then, with a specific focus on Perth, we’ll go through the average prices for three of the most popular materials used to make plantation shutters; PVC, Aluminium, and Hardwood.
This should give you a reasonable idea of what your options are and how much you are likely going to need to set aside for your window-covering transformation project. Let’s get stuck in!
What Is The Average Cost Of Plantation Shutters In Australia?
In Australia, the average price for plantation shutters is between $2,300 and $3,700 AUD. Or, approximately $350 per square metre.
These numbers are factoring in every material option and the varying quality and production of said materials. As such, these averages aren’t necessarily a very clear projection of what you can expect to pay for plantation shutters in Australia – particularly if you want a high-quality finish. The fact is, “average prices” refer to average products.
How Much Do PVC Plantation Shutters Cost Per Square Metre?
If you want high-quality PVC shutters in Perth, you’ll be looking at around $435 to $550 per square metre.
Any PVC shutters that are priced below $350 - $400 will be of a very low quality.
You see, in order to be able to successfully manufacture PVC shutters under $400 per square metre, the manufacturer would need to begin with a cheaper product. This is achieved by adding a foaming agent into the PVC moulding process which gives them poor insulation and ultimately changes the density of the material.
In other words, the resulting PVC will be inconsistent; strong and thick in some places while weaker in others. This leads to a variety of long-term issues, such as brittle materials, broken and bent blades, bent frames, peeling paint, and more.
As Terry Pratchett once famously said:
“A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while a poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet.”
It's always tempting to go with the cheapest product, but when it comes to plantation shutters, we urge you to give it careful consideration. For longevity, durability, insulation, and security, it’s always worth paying that little bit extra for a superior product.
At Perth’s Boutique Plantation Shutters, we charge as follows for our PVC shutters:
944 x 610 mm to 2100 x 2650 mm in PVC ranges from: $210 to $265 (for the smaller size) up to $1955 and $2475.
944 x 970 mm to 1540 x 2530 mm Bi-Folding plantation shutters without a track – these do not cost any extra. Be wary as many plantation shutter companies will charge extra for this if they can get away with it (although bi-fold and bi-pass on track do tend to cost more).
How Much Do Aluminium Plantation Shutters Cost Per Square Metre?
If you are in the market for some quality aluminium plantation shutters in Perth, you can expect to pay somewhere in the region of $500 to $750 per square metre.
How Much Do Wood/Timber Plantation Shutters Cost Per Square Metre?
If you prefer hardwood and would like a superior quality, the typical price for basswood plantation shutters in Perth ranges from $465 to $655 per square metre.
Which Material Is Better? PVC, Aluminium, or Basswood for Plantation Shutters?
Now that you know roughly what to expect when paying for PVC, aluminium, and basswood plantation shutters, how do you decide which material is best for you?
First, it all comes down to your budget, taste, and requirements. To make the process a little easier for you, we’ll highlight each of the materials and their qualities:
PVC plantation shutters:
PVC plantation shutters are highly affordable
They have a long life
Waterproof
Don’t require much in the way of maintenance
Impervious to water and humidity
Recyclable / eco-friendly.
Aluminium plantation shutters:
Aluminium plantation shutters are considerably stronger than PVC
They do not sag over time
They have an exceptionally long life
Resistant to corrosion
100% waterproof
Long-lasting powder coat
Many colour options
No VOCs.
Hardwood plantation shutters:
Hardwood/timber/basswood plantation shutters are arguably the most aesthetically beautiful.
They are a natural insulator
A wide variety of timber/grain types
High-quality hardwood was excellent longevity
They can require more maintenance (e.g., regular staining and protecting).
What Other Benefits do Plantation Shutters Provide?
If you still aren’t 100% certain about having plantation shutters, you can enjoy the following benefits:
Plantation shutters are a far superior window covering to curtains and regular blinds.
They offer greater light control than curtains. With shutters, you can control the slats, whereas curtains are either open or closed.
Plantation shutters last longer than curtains and blinds.
They are easy to clean and maintain over traditional window coverings.
A wide variety of styles and materials.
Plantation shutters provide additional security.
They are brilliant for privacy.
Having plantation shutters installed is a great way to moderate your home's temperature and save on energy consumption.
If you wish to add value to your home, quality plantation shutters do the trick.
Improved curb appeal and home sellability.
Conclusion
To recap:
The average price for plantation shutters in Australia is approx. $350 per square metre.
High-quality PVC shutters in Perth cost between $435 and $550 per square metre.
High-quality aluminium shutters in Perth cost between $500 and $750 per square metre.
High-quality timber/hardwood shutters in Perth cost between $465 and $655 per square metre.
Each of the three materials are an excellent choice for plantation shutters – with their own pros and cons.
All in all, plantation shutters are an excellent investment and a brilliant addition to any home.
Contact us for More Information
If you are still on the fence or have any questions that you would like to ask, please feel free to contact us today. One of our friendly representatives will gladly offer their industry expert advice and point you in the right direction.