tnwebtech, Author at Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta

wood-plantation window interior shutters

Things You Should Know Before Buying Atlanta Plantation Shutters

Written by tnwebtech on December 20, 2022. Posted in Atlanta Window Coverings, Plantation Shutters. Leave a Comment

Plantation shutters are an outstanding addition to your home, giving a classic, timeless look. They’re also ideal for keeping the weather at bay, the sun out in summer and the warmth inside during the winter. But before you go all in and buy new plantation shutters, there are a few things you should consider first. Read on to learn more in this guide for Atlanta plantation shutter buyers.

1. You can change the entire look with different louver sizes

Plantation shutters are available in three different louver sizes; 2½-inch, 3½-inch and 4½-inch. The size you select can change the entire look of your windows and is something you need to consider carefully. 3½-inch louvers are the most popular as they provide a balanced appearance on most windows. The larger the louver, the fewer cracks there are for light to creep through, but if they’re too big it will look off-balance with only a few louvers.

2½-inch louvers are ideal for small windows so may suit older styles of home and vintage buildings with their much smaller windows. Finally, 4½-inch louvers are perfect for large, tall windows and will provide a more open view, so they’re an excellent choice if you have a view that you want to see or a room that needs a lot of light. Talk to your Atlanta plantation shutter installer about the best option for your home.

2. Choosing the right materials makes a big difference

Most traditional plantation shutters are made from wood, but there are some circumstances where this might not be suitable. For example, moisture can warp and damage wooden plantation shutters, so fitting them in a bathroom, kitchen, loft or garage is not the best choice. Instead, there are more robust materials you can use, including:

Polyresin 3®. This is a type of plastic that, unlike many plastics, will not lose its color during prolonged exposure to sunlight. Shutters made from this material won’t warp, shrink, fade or peel and you won’t ever need to paint them.
Paulownia wood. As well as being a robust, fine-grained timber, this wood is beneficial for the environment. It absorbs far more carbon than most trees during its life, and the tree will even regrow from the stump once it’s been cut.
Basswood. An American hardwood that’s ideal for hand carving, basswood remains stiff after it’s been dried and remains very stable during its lifetime as your shutter. Its pale texture and fine grain also make it ideal for painting.

3. You can make big changes to the look with small upgrades

Although it might seem like a simple picture, there are many upgrades you can add to your plantation shutter. You can add hidden hinges, shutter locks, shutter pulls and more to attain the look and functionality that suits you best. Extra fittings come in a modern-looking brushed nickel finish and each one is usually relatively inexpensive. For example, if you have kids, you might want to add shutter locks to keep out prying small fingers. Hidden hinges can add a more contemporary look. Take the time to talk to your installer before you order and see exactly what’s available and how it will impact the overall look and functionality.

4. Professional installation matters — and here’s why

Plantation shutters are a significant investment, and you might be tempted to do some DIY installation to save a few bucks. However, there are a few reasons this is a bad idea. Firstly, you might void the manufacturer’s warranty; professional installers pay attention to every detail, and this is essential. Improperly installed plantation shutters might be prone to warping if they are not fitted true and square, as hinges can become pinched and extra stress will be placed on the shutter panels and louvers.

Remember that your plantation shutters will be covered by lengthy warranties and, if correctly installed, will last anywhere between 25 and 50 years. So hiring factory-certified installers is a small price to pay over having to replace warped and damaged plantation shutters after only a few years.

5. Consider motorized plantation shutters

Traditional plantation shutters can be fiddly to open and close and it might even take a bit of effort. But maybe that’s a small price to pay for something that looks authentic and classic. Motorized shutters used to be clunky affairs and quite noisy, as well as being expensive and difficult to install. However, advances in technology have made them much more accessible, quieter and easier to control. Battery technology has also moved on so that they last much longer on a single charge.

You will also be amazed at the level of control you can have over your motors. You can program them to open at certain times of the day, respond to light levels outside and react to temperature changes. If the hot sun is shining through your windows, plantation shutters that close automatically can save your carpets and furnishings from damaging UV rays, as well as keep your room a bit cooler. Programming is straightforward, with a remote control that can control one shutter or all of them with equal ease.

6. Plantation shutters are simple to clean and can keep allergies at bay

Drapes and Venetian blinds are two of the most common methods of controlling the light coming into your home. However, they both have one big disadvantage in common; they are not easy to clean, and they hold onto a lot of dust. If someone in your household suffers from allergies, this can be a major disadvantage, as that dust is certain to blow around your home and be breathed in.

On the other hand, plantation shutters are incredibly easy to clean, especially if you have the largest 4½-inch louvers. You can run a feather duster along the louvers in the open and closed positions for a quick clean. Alternatively, use a cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, but avoid polyester cloths as they can attract more dust. If there are some particularly tough stains, use a damp cloth. However, you should never immerse your shutters in water or use strong chemical cleaners as this can cause the wood to warp.

7. Plantation shutters appear on your home appraisal as a hard fixture upgrade

When fitting plantation shutters, you might only be thinking of their utility and visual improvement as something to improve your own day-to-day life. However, most of us move home several times during our lives, so any permanent changes to your home should be done with an eye toward how they will affect the future price of your property.

Fortunately, plantation shutters are an excellent investment in both regards. When realtors appraise your property, plantation shutters are the only window covering that they will include on their report. Quality plantation shutters that are correctly installed with a full warranty can actually add to the value of your property and help you get the asking price more quickly when it does come to the time to sell up.

8. Check your estimates to ensure you get quality plantation shutters at a good price

When you do a search, you will find plenty of Atlanta plantation shutter installers, and it can be difficult to know which to choose. Not all installers are reputable, and not all will be factory-certified. So you need to choose one that offers value for money, quality plantation shutters and the assurance that your investment is safely covered by a warranty for years to come.

First, do some research. Check companies for positive reviews on independent websites such as Yelp or Google. This should narrow down your choices and rule out the more disreputable companies. If you find a make of plantation shutters, you can then check to see that they are factory-certified to install them. There should be a certificate on the installer’s website which you can check with the manufacturer. Next, it’s time to get your estimate. This shutter cost calculator from HomeWyse can give you an indication of a fair price for your area to compare your estimate against.

9. Know what you’re getting — manufacture quality of plantation shutters varies a lot

Plantation shutters are made to varying levels of quality in locations worldwide, from here in Atlanta, to American factories across the 50 states, to factories overseas. So, when buying your shutters, it’s best to know how and where they are manufactured and what materials are used.

When ordering, ask how your plantation shutters are made; do they use dowels or mortise and tenon joints? How is the wood cured? Different wood curing treatments lead to massively different outcomes and can affect how long your shutters will last. The paint and finish options are also crucial in determining how long they will last.

Often, shutters made in overseas factories are made to standard sizes and may not work well with your windows, especially if you own an older property. At Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta, we custom make all our plantation shutters here in Georgia, made to measure to fit your windows perfectly.

10. Hidden tilt or invisible tilt?

The tilt rod is the part of your plantation shutter that enables your louvers to move in unison, and there are two ways to remove it. The first is an established, traditional method known as hidden tilt. The hidden tilt rod has a steel connector on the street side of the connector which is very thin and barely visible, no matter which side you look from. This is attached to each louver by a small steel screw so that all the slats move when you move one.

The hidden tilt system has been around for a long time, but premium plantation shutter manufacturers have begun using a new upgrade in recent years. The invisible tilt moves the louvers using an internal gear and completely removes all rods from view. It’s a very reliable system that provides a sleek modern look and can be incorporated into a broad range of designs.

11. Which rooms are you covering?

Each room of your home may require a different approach when it comes to letting in light. As mentioned earlier, bathrooms and kitchens will require a material that can resist moisture adequately. But there are other considerations, too; for example, you might want to choose smaller louver sizes in more intimate rooms such as your bedrooms, while having larger ones in an open living room where you want more light.

Of course, the decor in some rooms might not fit with the look of plantation shutters. For example, if you have a sliding glass door, blinds will fit better. And if you want a softer, more diffuse light effect, some elegant shades might do the trick. Before you consider all these options, you also need to think about how it will look from the outside; some windows with plantation shutters and some without may give your home an unbalanced look that’s unpleasing to the eye.

Peachtree Blinds Atlanta for Top Quality Plantation Shutters

Top-quality plantation blinds are a real investment in your home that can complete the look you want and give a boost to its valuation on sale. Now you’re armed with all the information to make an informed choice when purchasing them, it’s time to consider a reputable, experienced company to supply and fit them for you.

At Peachtree Blinds, we provide plantation shutters that are custom designed and made to fit your windows perfectly and fit the look that you want for your home. We use the finest grade, kiln-dried and seasoned hardwoods that can be stained or painted in any color you choose to match your decor. Alternatively, we can supply premium poly shutters that are more moisture-resistant and can be painted any color. So look no further; you’ve already found the best place in Atlanta to buy plantation shutters. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate.

Enjoy Nature All Year Long With These Creative Ideas

Written by tnwebtech on December 12, 2022. Posted in Motorized Screens, Patio Shades, Solar Screens, Uncategorized. Leave a Comment

We all enjoy time outside taking in the sensations of nature. But there are times when that can be a real challenge; as summer ends and colder wet weather arrives, the outdoors can become less inviting. Then, when winter brings snow and ice, you probably just want to curl up inside with a warm drink in your favorite chair. Even in the summer, there are days when it’s just too hot to spend much time outside, making you want to retreat to the cool of an air-conditioned room. So what can you do to ensure you keep enjoying nature, even when the elements seem to be against you? Read on for five creative ideas to do just that!

Space Heaters

Spending time on the patio is one of the best parts of summer, and you might not want to let go of the experience when the weather starts to turn cooler. A great way to carry on using your patio is to purchase an outdoor space heater. In the past, these were inefficient appliances, but technology has moved on, and you can heat your patio nicely without breaking the bank. Outdoor space heaters come in three main types. These are:

Gas Patio Heaters. These are available in a range of styles and designs, so you can pick them to match your decor as a wall heater, parasol heater or heating lamp.
Electric patio heaters. This type of heater is very versatile and can direct the heat where you want it, as well as being easy to control. Some even come with sensors, so they switch on when you walk out onto your patio.
Solid fuel heaters. These come in the form of fire pits or log burners. They look amazing but aren’t as easy to control as electric or gas heaters.

Of course, the heater won’t keep out the worst of the kind or rain. For that, you need some retractable screens, which we will discuss later in this article.

Add Some House Plants

You don’t have to limit your plants to your garden; there are lots of houseplants that can bring greenery into your home, as well as colorful flowers. In addition, there are many plants that improve the air quality in your home. If you want some functionality, too, why not add a small herb garden to your kitchen? As well as improving the taste of your meals, herbs smell great and brighten up the room. If you want something that’s easy to look after, you can always get ferns, peace lilies or spider plants, which also all do well in rooms with less light.

Exercise Outside

If it’s too cold to sit on the patio, you can always warm yourself up with a bit of exercise. If you have kids, a kickaround with a soccer ball is fun for all the family and will warm you up nicely, as well as being an excellent way to keep fit. Installing a basketball hoop is another great way to engage all the family. If exercise by yourself is more your thing, you can put in some bars to do pullups, do pushups on the patio or even bring your weights outside.

Nature Decor

Even if you don’t have a green thumb or time to look after plants, there are other ways to bring nature into your home. Natural materials such as wood or stone bring a sense of the outdoors into any room. If it suits your style, you can decorate your kitchen cupboards with images of flowers and plant life. Art is another way to bring nature into your home; pictures of landscapes are popular, as are works showing vases of flowers or garden scenes. Finally, if you want plants without the need to care for them, artificial flowers and plants are much easier to care for, only needing a quick dust every now and then.

MotionScreen™ Motorized Retractable Screens

If you really want to carry on enjoying the patio without being subjected to the elements, Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta’s MotionScreen™ motorized retractable screens are the way to go. The screen mesh will keep the wind and rain at bay and trap heat and should the weather change quickly, you can raise or lower them at the touch of a button. On cooler days, you can always add a space heater and continue enjoying your patio.

Our screens are manufactured in Plano, Texas from the best materials and custom-made to suit your space. This is also backed up with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, and you can choose from one of seven colors to suit your style. If this sounds like a great idea to you, contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate.

7 Ways To Enjoy Your Backyard This Winter

Written by tnwebtech on October 31, 2022. Posted in Motorized Screens, Patio Shades. Leave a Comment

It’s easy to enjoy your backyard in the spring when the flowers begin to emerge, and it’s time to do some planting and get things ready for the summer months. Summer is great too, when the sun shines, you can light up the barbeque for garden parties and everything’s in full bloom. Even autumn has its charms with the bright colors of the fading leaves and the last lingering warmth from the summer. But then winter arrives, with longer nights and low temperatures which make going outdoors less tempting. But you don’t have to abandon your backyard altogether in the winter — these 7 simple ideas will help you to keep enjoying it all year round.

1. Keep Warm With a Fire Pit

There’s something about an outdoor fire that brings out a kind of nostalgia for the simple living of our distant ancestors. Of course, you can have a traditional firepit installed in your backyard — a hole in the ground with brick surround that you build a fire in — but there are cleaner, safer and more modern alternatives available. Fire pit tables are gas-fueled and keep the fire well-controlled on top of a sturdily constructed table that keeps the flames away from pets and small children. They’re also super easy to clean, so a great option if you don’t have the time to clear away ashes and build a new fire.

2. Bring The Wildlife Closer With Bird Feeders

During the warmer months, you can usually see plenty of wildlife in your garden, but much of that natural beauty disappears over winter. However, you can bring some of it back by investing in bird feeders. Hang these in positions that are out of reach of neighborhood cats or your own pets and fill them with appropriate food to get birds through the winter. Foods that are suitable include sunflower seeds, which are rich in protein, nuts, nyjer seeds, fat balls, peanuts and fruit. You also need to ensure that the food is replaced regularly to remove any that might be spoiling. With these and a supply of fresh water, you’ll have birds in your backyard all through the winter.

3. Keep The Weather at Bay With Motorized Screens

Your patio might be a lovely place to sit in fine warm weather, but cold, rain or high winds will usually send you feeling indoors. Installing motorized screens means that you can use the space year-round, no matter the weather. Motorized screens can be transparent so you can still see the world outside in your backyard or shaded to keep the bright glare of the low winter sun at bay. Either way, they’re a great investment that allows you to keep getting the most out of your backyard through the winter.

4. Enjoy Physical Activities With the Kids

When it’s cold outside, you can add extra layers of clothing, bring in some heat — or engage in some physical activity. Kids don’t usually mind the cold as much and will be happy to shoot some hoops, throw a ball around or play soccer in the backyard, even in the coldest months of the year. To help with this, you could install a basketball hoop, put a soccer goal on the lawn or even purchase an outdoor trampoline.

5. Enjoy the Snow

If you live somewhere where snow is common in winter, then why not embrace the weather and enjoy it? There are a few fun activities you can take part in in your backyard when it’s covered in snow. If you don’t have kids, why not let your inner child out to play? Once you’re wrapped up warmly, you can have a snowball fight, make snow angels or build a snowman.

6. Stay Cozy on the Patio With an Outdoor Heater

Outdoor heaters are an excellent way to keep the cold at bay and enjoy your patio during the winter months. There are many options available these days, and they don’t all require huge amounts of energy. Gas and propane heaters are now on the market that hang from your patio roof and have tinted ceramic glass fronts that maximize efficiency. They’re also safe in winds up to 40 mph. If you’re not comfortable with gas heaters or don’t have the space for storing fuel, you can also get infrared heaters that put out between 1,500 and 6,000 Watts of heat and are very sturdy.

7. Take The Dog Out

Even if you don’t particularly enjoy the cold weather, your dog will still love to get outside and there’s no reason you can’t enjoy time in the backyard with them too. You can play fetch with a ball, frisbee or stick, or if you have the space and you’re feeling adventurous, you could design an obstacle course that your furry friend will love. Just remember to have plenty of water and treats for them at the end!

Tips For Creating The Ultimate Backyard Entertaining Space

Written by tnwebtech on October 30, 2022. Posted in Motorized Screens, Patio Shades. Leave a Comment

Whether looking to enjoy your yard with family or throw a fun party with your friends, inviting outdoor space is a great way to experience entertainment to the fullest. No matter the current state of your backyard, a few tweaks can transform it. Here are inspiring tips to get you started.

Use Retractable Patio Screens to Maximize Your Outdoor Space

Motorized retractable screens are an excellent addition to your outdoor entertainment space. They turn your backyard into an inspect-free, enclosed area while maintaining a top-notch view.

If cold, heat, or rain impacts your outdoor space, overcome this by adding a motorized retractable screen.

Consider Your Outdoor Space Size

Evaluate the size you have for your backyard entertainment space to determine how you’ll work with the area. This allows you to create an appropriate plan and decide what can fit in your backyard.

Establish Mood with Appropriate Lighting

Lighting is an effective and affordable way to transform your backyard entertainment. This is a must-have addition if you intend to host guests at night. People would want to enjoy food and drinks and chat in an inviting atmosphere with proper lighting.

Consider Fresh Plants

Patio plants, such as flower bushes, trees, climbers, decorative planters, and pot plants, can enhance your backyard entertainment area. They make your space more welcoming and fresh, and guests feel immersed in nature. Enhance your outdoor space’s vibrancy with bromeliads, ponytails, or ferns.

Smart Technology

Smart technology is hot-selling for homes, but you don’t have to limit it to indoor space. You can add finishing touches to your backyard with internet and Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

The party doesn’t have to stop at sunset. Use automatic smart lighting to turn on as soon as darkness sets in. Smart technology can make your yard effortless and sophisticated.

Bold Colors

Bold colors come in handy when designing an outdoor space as they give your backyard an exceptional fun flare. You can purchase differently sized and shaped plain planters and paint them according to your design needs.

Paint your lanterns to match your backyard entertaining space design. If most of your furniture is wicker-made, brighter pillows will match. For a covered patio or pergola, hanging pots or lanterns would do.

Consider Durability

When designing your outdoor entertainment space, select long-lasting items. While your backyard could be beautiful, dilapidated decks or old fencing could impact its appeal. Fencing and decking may require regular updates.

Choose durable products for enhanced safety and lifespan. Composite and vinyl are excellent. You could go for wood, but this may need treatment for protection against harsh elements. For your furniture, pick pieces with products that could withstand the outdoor space and is quick drying.

Layout and Design

The layout should be a priority for your backyard entertainment design. Your goal is to make the space more fun and welcoming, allowing your guests not to feel awkward and cramped.

Create unique and separate zones for different entertainment activities, such as relaxation, drinking, eating, and cooking. This optimizes your space for optimal use. It creates a good floor for people to mix and mingle freely without bumping into each other.

It’s a great idea to cover your patio. While this leads to additional expenses, it offers shade during the winter weather and summer sun, enhancing the entertainment area’s usability.

Add an Outdoor Kitchen

Fit your backyard entertainment space with an outdoor kitchen to make it more enjoyable. Prepare home-baked meals for memorable moments with your family members. An outdoor kitchen makes your backyard an excellent place for parties and gatherings.

Install an outdoor bar fridge, burner, and barbeque grill for a stress-free food supply and drinking during entertainment sessions. Fit a cabinet and install a sink for a complete outdoor kitchen. This allows a more convenient cleaning up and serving.

Install a Fire Pit

Add a fire pit to your backyard entertainment space for increased comfort during the colder months. Use your fire pit to roast some marshmallows with your guests while sharing stories or listening to music. Your family and friends can enjoy the outdoor space when the temperatures are low.

When installing a fire pit, position it in an appropriate area in your backyard. Burning can produce soot and mess up your outdoor furniture, so you should find a place where eliminating the burnt material is straightforward. Consider purchasing a portable fire pit for easy movement within your backyard.

Wall Accents

Utilize your outdoor space walls to make the yard livelier. You could consider adding signs, pictures, and containers to plain walls. Add atmosphere by hanging string lights on the walls. Consider adding proper signage for increased fanciness if you have an outdoor bar.

Design Your Ultimate Backyard Entertaining Space

Creating a great outdoor entertainment space shouldn’t be challenging if you have the right ideas. Get started with the outlined tips.

Backyard Design Ideas For Your Home

Written by tnwebtech on October 3, 2022. Posted in Motorized Screens, Patio Shades. Leave a Comment

Your backyard can be more than just a patch of grass you mow often. Green space is always welcome, but it is no fun if all you can do most of the seasons is stare at it from afar. Functionality is equally significant as aesthetics for outdoor spaces.

You can add certain features to make your Georgia backyard a practical, livable space for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Here are creative things you can add to your enclosure and lawn.

Build a Pergola

Pergolas are the perfect relaxation spot and alternative for indoor spaces. You can fill it with comfortable outdoor furniture and fairy lights for day and nighttime activities with loved ones. You can never go wrong with a pergola in your backyard.

Pergolas cast enough shade enabling you to enjoy warm afternoons outside. You can always install a retractable shade to control the amount of light getting into the space. Pergolas also create the perfect focal point for your yard, breaking the monotony of grass and planters.

Install an Outdoor Fireplace

A fireplace extends your outdoor season, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors for months. They are also very flexible spaces with plenty of designs and aesthetics. You can have wooden or gas firepits or wooden or gas fireplaces. The best part about fireplaces is you do not need to worry about ventilation.

Fireplaces exude warmth and make your space inviting for friends and loved ones. You can have the hearth on your patio or build an exclusive area as your entertainment hub. Alternatively, you can maximize comfort by designing a shade around the fireplace and surrounding the space with comfy outdoor furniture and lighting.

Build an Open Air Room

The outdoor air room is a gazebo with a permeable roof that casts exhilarating shadows while providing ample shade. The structure rests on a raised deck. You can surround it with planters or a resting wall for an enclosure. Fill the space with outdoor furniture that can withstand the elements when the roof lets in a few raindrops.

Build a Tree House

A tree house is an excellent nature retreat. It is a perfect solution if you have kids, ample space in your backyard, and trees. The treehouse adds to your outdoor aesthetics. It is a feature that most people will not fail to spot. Furthermore, a tree house will encourage your children to play outside, enjoy the fresh air and engage in physical activity.

You can make it more captivating by making it themed, installing hanging lights, or having an exciting entrance. Let your kids be part of the design and building process for additional bonding time.

Set Up a Dining Al Fresco

Al fresco dining should not be a feature for hotels or eateries. You can have it in your backyard. Set up a dining al fresco in the shade if you have a leveled backyard with trees. Make those dining moments memorable while you enjoy your meals in nature with the cool breeze.

You can also enjoy nighttime activities with low-light garden lights and tree-hanging lights or add a fireplace for warmth. A dining al fresco setup is also perfect near a lit pool area. The pool provides a captivating and serene background as you enjoy your meal with friends and loved ones.

Install Motorized Patio Screens and Awnings

The unpredictable weather patterns can put a damper on enjoying the outdoor space. While you cannot control the weather, you can make adjustments to make your outdoors habitable again.

One way to enjoy your pergola, gazebos, outdoor fireplace, and patio is by having screens and awnings. Motorized screens adjust depending on the weather, enabling you to control the amount of sunshine in your outdoor space. Most importantly, the screens do not interfere with the outdoor aesthetics and ambiance. You can maximize your outdoor space because of this element of control.

They also act as shields from the elements, allowing you to enjoy outdoor spaces for months. The motorized screen is a barrier to bugs and other pests encroaching on your outdoor space. There is no need for chemical control or destabilizing your lawn’s ecosystem.

motorized screens

Creative design ideas for your backyard include motorized screens which help protect you from the elements and maximize your outdoor space.

Author: tnwebtech