Do Plantation Shutters Reduce Noise?: What You Need to Know

Wondering if plantation shutters reduce or block noise?. Great then you’re in the right place. In this guide you can expect to learn the following:

  • What plantation shutters are
  • How do plantation shutters block out noise
  • Types of plantation shutters
  • How much does it cost to install plantation shutters?
Plantation shutters, sometimes called plantation blinds, are interior shutters with wide louvers, usually 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 inches wide. They’re the most popular type of shutter across the country, but particularly in the warmer Southern and Western states. Let’s look at what plantation shutters are.
Do Plantation Shutters Reduce Noise?

What Really are Plantation Shutters?

Plantation shutters also known as plantation blinds are popular window treatments. They got their name from the grand houses built on south America’s cotton plantations.

Their main distinguishing characteristic is their wide louvers. A louver is a form of construction involving a horizontal arrangement of materials.

The most common materials used in plantation shutters are blades or slats of wood, glass, or metal.  The size of the blade will depend on the width of the blade.

in the past, plantation shutters were installed outside the windows. But in the present time, mostly they are installed inside the windows. They are either fixed or movable(adjustable) window treatments.

Another characteristic that makes them different from blinds is that they are fitted to the window frame and they can open out like doors instead of being opened with a pull-string.

How Do Plantation Shutters Block Out Noise?

If you are like me who live in a busy neighborhood with cars moving in a lot, you may be asking yourself, if you can use plantation shutters to reduce or block out noise.

The sound or noise you are hearing inside your house can escape or enter a room through different parts of it. It can come in through the windows, door, floor, or ceiling.

To block out noise completely will involve using the right soundproof materials to block the sound from traveling through them.

Soundproofing floors, walls, and ceilings are usually invasive and expensive. A different set of materials and rules need to be applied than when soundproof windows.

Soundproofing or reducing window noise requires entirely different techniques. Reducing noise through windows involves different methods.

Many people simply hang up noise reduction curtains or blinds. So, installing plantation shutters, especially thick ones is one of the ways of reducing window noise.

Plantation shutters are mostly made of tilted wooden slats, metal, or glass which are designed to fit perfectly into a window frame.

Due to the way they are fitted, they open like doors instead of pull-string blinds. This makes them very effective at reducing noise that passes through them.

They are better at soundproofing windows than the likes of curtains or blinds because they are able to completely shut like doors and block out noise effectively. Wooden plantation shutters are more effective at soundproofing than glass or any other material.

Now that you have got an idea of how plantation shutters can reduce noise, let’s have a look at the different materials that can be used to make them. This will enable you to choose the best material for your windows.

Generally speaking, smooth hardwood plantation shutters are aesthetically appealing hence they are the most popular because they fit into most home decors. Hardwood is one of the fast-growing woods that also has a great finish.

Smooth hardwood shutters are typically 100% lumber which means they fit well inside older-style homes and will absolutely help with soundproofing.

Wood  Hybrid

Wood hybrid plantation shutters are made from both wood and stiles. They are cost-effective but are good-looking to enhance any home interior design.

But mostly, most homeowners prefer to use shutters made from entire wood. Nonetheless, the wood hybrid plantation shutters are able to help reduce noise without costing you much.

Grained Wood

Grained wood has a classy and natural look because of its color. It also helps in reducing a certain amount of noise.

Vinyl

These types of plantation shutters are very popular in homes because of their affordability and they are usually waterproof.

They are a practical option while still looking stylish and are sometimes built with an aluminum core for durability.

Which Plantation shutters are the Most Soundproof?

Of all the plantation shutters that we have discussed above, the ones made with wood are the most soundproof. Other materials like vinyl and wood hybrid shutters will help block out a certain amount of sound but they are not as effective as solid wood.

Therefore, if you are looking for shutters that will block out noise, I recommend you choose smooth hardwood or grained wood plantation shutters.

The thickness and quality of the wood will also play a big role in how much noise it can block. You can use them for noise reduction in your apartment.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Plantation Shutters?

The plantation shutter’s cost varies depending on the material and the installation fees.

Here factors that influence the cost of plantation shutters:

  • Type of material used
  • Quality of the wood or material
  • The size of the window
  • How many shutters are needed
  • The supplier or merchandiser

The cost of plantation shutters varies and those made with solid wood can cost more than $100 and with the average price being around $200.

High-end shutters can cost even thousands of dollars. For shutters made with vinyl or other materials, you can get them at an affordable price of about $50.

Let’s now look at how much the actual installation fees will cost.

Installation Fees

The cost to install plantation shutters will depend mostly on who you choose to do the labor work.

The average cost of a general contractor or handymen is anywhere from $15 to $65, and the installation will likely take about one to three hours total.

Also Read:

How to soundproof jalousie windows

Final Thoughts On Using Plantation Shutters for Noise Blocking

Using plantation shutters is one of the great ways to soundproof your windows to block out sound. Apart from using noise reduction curtains, blankets, or blinds.

If you live in an area with a considerable amount of noise, you can install plantation shutters and then hang soundproof curtains to reinforce your soundproofing efforts.

Investing in quality shutters will help you greatly. However, if you are on a budget, you can go for vinyl or wood hybrid shutters to reduce costs. They are affordable and also help reduce a certain amount of noise but not as effective as the hardwood or grained wood shutters.

Josephine

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