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The Changing “Custom Wood Shutter” Market in San Diego
 The 2007 calendar year saw dramatic changes in the San Diego Home Improvement market, none more profound than the Custom Wood Shutter Manufacturing Industry. There are numerous factors to consider when addressing these changes. I will attempt to discuss the key issues as I perceive them.
A key factor, of course, is the building slow down. Gone are the producers that thrived on a market run amuck. Their only viable business plan was to offer cheap-low grade shutters and influence consumers with “look how cheap”, and by the way we offer a lifetime warranty so they must be ok. This was very attractive to buyers with squeezed budgets and the speculator who purchased, improved with the least capital out put possible and flipped it as soon as the tax law allowed, (two years). The home buyer who bought their two year old dream home from this type of speculator will have problems.
Another major factor is the influx of foreign made products. These products are offered through middlemen resellers such as carpet and flooring outlets, blind and drapery retailers, and the major home improvement outlets. An installer is typically used to measure these applications. They have an interest in the “easiest means possible”, not necessarily the best way or the method discussed by the sales person and the homeowner. Also affected are the local wholesale shutter manufacturers. Constantly being forced to look for ways to make their products cheaper and faster, incorporating shortcut after shortcut in their manufacturing process, hoping to influence and retain their middleman resellers. In these two examples the consumer pays top dollar and receives poor all around service and low grade products no matter which way they go.
The San Diego region lost a number of retail shutter manufacturers in 2007. These businesses tried to short cut the manufacturing process (to keep up with the foreign product and wholesale manufactures), mismanaged their enterprise or simply lost touch with the San Diego home owner. Gone are “Sherwood Shutters”, “Elizabeth Ashley Shutters”, (previously sold at Costco) and “Sterling Shutters”, all manufacturing in Los Angeles and Mexico. Also bankrupt is “Shuttermart of California” whose main business was to offer wood alternative shutter products. In fact, after 55 years Shuttermart had abandoned manufacturing wood shutters altogether.
These businesses, together with “French Bros. Custom Shutters, Inc., represented the major players in the San Diego custom made wood shutter scene for the last 55 years. With the closing of the above mentioned shutter manufactures, French Bros. Custom Shutters, Inc. survives as the oldest truly Custom Wood Shutter Manufacture in San Diego County. (Established in 1977) As a manufacturer French Bros. can match any detail on any shutter or frame produced by the now defunct companies.
Eventuality, we will see these same owners start new shutter companies claiming to have 20, 30 even 40 to 50 years “experience” in the shutter industry. Well, we now know where these people came from and where their previous experience led.
This scenario will continue to cycle through the next upward trend in the San Diego Market Place.
-Marty French
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The Function of Exterior Shutters
Exterior shutters have evolved into a standard feature on American homes. Functional exterior shutters were initially designed for ventilation, light control, and to protect from wind and rain. With functional hardware, shutters rotate closed to block direct sunlight while simultaneously allowing for air to pass through the house. Shutters could also be used as the first line of defense from precipitation and storms.
In the early American development all shutters were constructed from wood. Wooden shutters were strong and maintained integrity when built from an exterior grade lumber (often Cedar or Cyprus).
In years past, functional wood exterior shutters were far more practical than they are today. Modern conveniences make movable outdoor shutters unnecessary. Air conditioners allow homes to maintain consistent indoor temperatures when conditions rise above an acceptable level. Window screens used to protect homes from insects also prevent homeowners from operating exterior shutters when weather conditions are enjoyable.
Functional wood: Southern communities such as New Orleans or the Florida Keys regularly utilize functional exterior shutters. Without much concern for bugs, residents often close exterior shutters to allow cool moderate breezes to pass through the home. Common throughout these areas are multi-functional shutters that are constructed with movable louvers that rotate for adjustable light, ventilation, and privacy. Most all outdoor shutters are solid wood which offers moderate protection from high winds from seasonal hurricanes.
In most American regions functional shutters are primarily used to give an authentic historical appearance. Wood shutters mounted with solid metal hinges and shutter dogs present a distinct feel that non-functional vinyl shutters simply can not achieve. Towns or neighborhoods that strive to govern some level of historical accuracy regularly require the use of solid wood functional shutters. Louvered panels are the most versatile functional exterior shutters. Raised panel or closed-weave board-and-batten shutters block all light and allow no ventilation, but may offer more protection.
Non-functional exterior shutters also have their place in American architecture. Stationary shutters are a practical, inexpensive alternative to functional shutters that add definition and character to a building. Often non-functional shutters are constructed in vinyl, plastic, pvc, or other composite material. Synthetic shutters are often easy to maintain, requiring an occasional washing. An open back results in a light shutter that installs quickly and does not trap water between the shutter and the building. Wood shutters can also be non-functioning, but need to be attached directly to a building with spacers to prevent trapped moisture and often require a strong anchor. Outdoor hardware can be installed to give the appearance of functional shutters. Non-functioning exterior shutters only need to vaguely appear operable, so size is not critical.
All styles are appropriate for non-moving exterior shutters. Raised panels, louvers, or a combination of the two are the most universal and are applicable on most homes. Board-and-batten panels work best on more rustic or rough-sawn decors. Custom designs are offered by some companies for a unique one-of-a-kind application.
Functional or non-functional exterior shutters will add distinction to most any American home. (ready shutters)
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