Quality manufacture ...
Timber shutters from British Blinds are manufactured by S:CRAFT, the world leader in shutter production, utilising a combination of state-of-the-art manufacturing with hand crafted finishing touches. They are guaranteed for 3 years.
S:CRAFT are unique in the production methods they employ and -
UNLIKE MANY OTHER SHUTTER MANUFACTURERS:
• S:CRAFT wood is kiln dried twice in a computer-controlled drying facility. The wood is specifically dried to take into account the climate of the country to which the shutters will be exported. This is very important as the shutters are manufactured for installation in climates as varied as Alaska and Australia! By utilising these methods frame warping is greatly reduced.
• S:CRAFT engineer the ‘stiles’ or side bars of the shutter panels. Rather than producing these as solid pieces the wood is cut into strips which are then bonded back together in opposing layers for greater strength. This has the effect of breaking the capillaries in the wood through which moisture travels. This and the strength of the bonding agent ensures that S:CRAFT panels are unlikely to warp and will give you years of enjoyment.
• S:CRAFT use mortise and tenon joints between the rail and the stile. These are far stronger than dowel joints and will minimise movement between these elements. Movement means cracking in the paint or stain finish and this will spoil the aesthetic look of the shutters. Again, just in case there is some movement the S:CRAFT panels are engineeredwith an additional grooved overlap that ensures any movement is handled by this expansion joint.
• S:CRAFT use a high quality, proprietary paint system developed specifically for S:CRAFT shutters. Cheaper shutters use cheaper paints and stains and utilise less coats. S:CRAFT use 6 coats of either paint or stain and to ensure that the shutters supplied are less susceptible to fading and yellowing the last layer is UV protected.
• S:CRAFT do not compromise on the thickness of our louvers as they believe thinner louvers, although less costly to produce, are much more susceptible to warping.
• S:CRAFT supply shutters with a large choice of frames rather than attaching them to battens. Not only does this give you the choice of how you frame your window and match it with your décor/style but it also gives a much stronger and appropriate fit for ease of installation.
• S:CRAFT assemble their shutters prior to shipping to ensure that all the components fit together perfectly. Once photographed these are then disassembled and packed into custom made packaging to ensure your shutters arrive in perfect condition. When shipping by airfreight the shutters are double-packed for additional security.
... & expert installation
As an approved stockist and installation Partner for S:CRAFT shutters you can be assured that British Blinds has had to comply with the highest of standards. British Blinds experts can not only provide informed advice on wooden shutters, but are trained to be able to accurately measure up, produce detailed specifications for manufacture and then carefully install the finished product.
In order to achieve Partner status British Blinds has satisfactorily demonstrated a number of audited criteria to ensure that the levels of expertise and service provided comply with S:CRAFT’s rigorous standards.
As part of this audit S:CRAFT send all consumers who inquire through British Blinds a two minute survey 8 weeks after the initial inquiry so that feedback on the levels of service provided and the quality of the installation can be monitored.
