Frequently asked questions
Don't see your question? Call us at 949-951-0600. You'll reach the same team that builds the shutters.
About Golden West
Are your plantation shutters really manufactured locally in Orange County?
Yes. Every panel we sell is designed, milled, finished, and inspected at our factory in Lake Forest. Nothing imported, nothing warehoused from somewhere else. If you ever want to see how your shutters are built, walk in any time during business hours.
What is the advantage of buying from a local manufacturer instead of a retailer?
A few things matter. Lead time is the biggest factor: most of our orders ship and install in 3 to 5 weeks, while an imported set typically takes 8 to 12. We also build for the specific opening, so off-square bays and unusual arched tops aren't problems. And when you call us, you reach the team that built your shutters, not a 1-800 line.
What kind of wood do you use?
We use North American Basswood for our wood shutters. While all wood species used in manufacturing have their pros and cons, we particularly value the stability of North American Basswood: it does not warp. This durability is one of the key reasons for the high quality of our products.
Products & options
What is the maximum width of a shutter panel?
We build panels up to 48 inches wide and guarantee their structural stability. The trend in plantation shutters is toward larger, more open designs with fewer visual obstructions, and we build to those sizes.
What's the most popular plantation shutter in Orange County?
The Catalina White basswood plantation shutter is our most sought-after configuration: a 3.5" louver with a smooth finish and a standard detail frame. It works in most living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms in a typical Orange County home.
Can you match my paint?
Certainly. Yes, Golden West Shutters offers custom color matching services. If you provide a specific color, we will match it exactly. If the color information is not available, we will match the paint or stain, and provide you with a physical sample for your approval before finishing the shutters. Your shutters will not be finished until you have approved the sample.
Are shutters easy to clean?
Yes. Our ten-step finish leaves a hard, smooth surface that doesn't trap dust the way unfinished wood or vinyl can. A dry cloth handles weekly upkeep, and a damp cloth handles anything stubborn. Louvers 3.5" and 4.5" are particularly easy to wipe down.
Are Golden West shutters energy efficient?
Yes. Solid basswood and our Polylux composite both absorb heat rather than conducting it through the panel, which means closed shutters meaningfully reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. They also let you fine-tune light without giving up the whole room.
Process & timing
How long do shutters take to order and install?
For all new orders of shutters, our lead times typically span from 3 to 5 weeks, influenced by seasonal variations and demand levels. Most installations are completed within a single day, though larger projects may require up to two days. Our installations are conducted exclusively by our trusted team of in-house installers.
How do I get started?
Call 949-951-0600 or submit the contact form for a free in-home consultation. A Golden West designer comes to your home with samples, measures every opening, and provides a written estimate. No charge, no obligation, no follow-up sales calls.
What does your installation process look like?
Our crew handles every install. No subcontractors. They arrive on schedule with floor and wall protection in place, hang each panel to your measured opening, adjust hinge tension and louver alignment on the spot, and walk you through every panel before leaving. Most few-room projects wrap in 2 to 4 hours.
Do your shutters come with a warranty?
Yes. Every shutter we manufacture and install carries a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship. If something fails because of how we built it, we make it right.
Visiting the factory
Can I visit your factory and showroom before purchasing?
Yes. Walk in any time during business hours. The showroom is open continuously. If you want a guided tour with one of the owners through the milling, finishing, and inspection floor.
Do I need an appointment to visit?
No appointment is required for the showroom. Our address is 20561 Pascal Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630, just off the 241 Toll Road.
Is there a discount for visiting the showroom?
Yes. Place your order during a factory or showroom visit and we take 5% off your final price. No coupon, no asterisks. It's our way of thanking you for showing up in person.
Still have questions?
Pick up the phone or schedule a free consultation. You'll talk to someone who actually builds the shutters.