I have recently noticed a lot of Plantation Shutters on TV – appearing in the background of many commercials and TV dramas. The majority seem to have the central control bar. A control bar is required as the method to open and close the louvres. Just about all of the plantation shutters we make here in Newcastle or supply would use a control bar to the side and rear of the panel or at the side and to the front. Most customers prefer this option as the panel has a cleaner look and there is less to obstruct the view.
As manufacturers we greatly dislike the central control bar, mainly because there is no satisfactory way to connect the bar to the louvres/blades. In this mass produced plantation shutter panel (see image) the control bar is connected by 2 looped staples and is clearly not a durable solution. I often see examples of a “loose” blade out of sync with the rest of the panel because the staples have fallen out.
Even the components available for a top end Western Red Cedar centre controls are not great. Small plastic elbow joints that are vulnerable to UV deterioration as the best the industry has to offer.
Avoid the problem – keep to controls to the side of panels, despite anything you may see on the TV!
Two staples linking control bar to blade- Avoid this design
Plantation Shutter with a central control bar
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