Louvers, Which Way Do They Go?
Published: April 22, 2021
Did you just purchase or are considering new wooden exterior louvered shutters and are unsure which way the louvers should be facing when hung? The louvered shutter is the oldest shutter style and to this day is still the most popular. In fact when most people hear the term "shutters", louver shutters are what first come to mind. Louvers are horizontal slats that are angled to control the amount of light and air that can pass through. Louvered shutters mounted on functional shutter hinges are one of the few shutter styles that allow light and air to pass through when closed - which makes them ideal for both solar control and home energy efficiency.
Open Shutters
The short answer here is when the shutters are open the louvers should be pointing downwards towards the back. This allows the rain water to fall through the louvers and down behind the shutter to avoid any pooling of water on or around the shutter itself.
Closed Shutters
When the louvered shutters are closed the louvers should be pointing down and outwards away from the window. This is done so that water hitting the shutters drains towards the front away from the shutters and window and not on to the window and window sill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wood species does Estate Millwork offer?
We offer over a dozen premium hardwood species including Spanish Cedar, Mahogany, White Oak, Red Oak, Cherry, Walnut, Maple, Poplar, Sapele, Teak, Cypress, Western Red Cedar, and Knotty Alder. Each species is kiln-dried and selected for grain quality and structural integrity.
How long does it take to receive a custom order?
Most custom orders ship within approximately four weeks from the date of order. Every piece is built to order in our Pennsylvania workshop using traditional joinery methods, so production time varies slightly based on complexity and current demand.
Does Estate Millwork ship nationwide?
Yes. We ship custom millwork to all 50 states via common carrier. Every order is carefully packaged to prevent damage during transit, and tracking information is provided once your order ships.
Can I get an instant quote online?
Yes. Our online product designers let you configure your custom doors, shutters, or cabinet doors to your exact specifications and receive an instant price quote with no waiting. You can adjust dimensions, wood species, and style options and see the price update in real time.
Expert Tips for Custom Millwork Projects
- Always measure twice before ordering custom millwork. Accurate measurements are the single most important factor in ensuring a perfect fit and avoiding costly returns or modifications.
- Consider the wood species carefully based on where the millwork will be installed. Exterior applications require rot-resistant species like Spanish Cedar, Cypress, or Teak, while interior projects offer more flexibility in species selection.
- If you are unsure about a wood species or style, contact Estate Millwork at 412.641.0177. Our team can recommend options based on your project requirements, climate, and design preferences.
- For painted millwork, Poplar is the best value choice because it takes paint smoothly and machines cleanly. Reserve premium species like Walnut and Cherry for stained or clear-coat applications where the natural grain will be visible.
Build your new Custom and get a Free Instant Quote Today
Our state of the art designers allow you to design and build completely customized to fit your exact needs.
Questions or concerns contact us contact us or via 412.641.0177 .
Build an Instant QuoteWhy Custom Millwork Makes a Difference
Mass-produced doors, shutters, and cabinets are built to standard dimensions using the fastest possible construction methods. Custom millwork takes the opposite approach: every piece is built to your exact measurements using time-tested joinery techniques that have proven themselves over centuries. The result is a product that fits perfectly, operates smoothly, and lasts for generations rather than years.
Estate Millwork builds every product in our Pennsylvania workshop using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery. This technique interlocks the rails and stiles with precisely cut joints reinforced by hardwood dowel pins, creating a mechanical bond that does not rely solely on adhesive. Unlike pocket-screwed or biscuit-joined alternatives, mortise-and-tenon joints actually strengthen over time as the wood fibers compress and lock together.
Our manufacturing process begins with hand-selected, kiln-dried lumber graded for architectural appearance. Each board is inspected for grain pattern, color consistency, and structural integrity before entering production. CNC machinery cuts joints to thousandth-of-an-inch tolerances, and skilled woodworkers assemble, sand, and inspect every piece before it ships. This combination of modern precision and traditional craftsmanship is what separates custom millwork from stock alternatives.
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