Aluminum Plantation Shutters
Built to Last a Lifetime

Operable louver shutters have adjustable slats (louvers) that can be tilted to control light, airflow, and privacy. The entire panel can also open via hinged, bi-fold, or sliding mechanisms. Fixed louver shutters have louvers set at a permanent angle — they provide consistent ventilation and screening but the panel does not open. Operable shutters are ideal for windows and doors where you want flexibility; fixed shutters are best for facade screening, privacy walls, and mechanical room ventilation.

Batten shutters use solid aluminum slats (battens) instead of angled louvers, creating a bold linear aesthetic with maximum privacy and weather protection. They block more light and air than louver shutters but offer a striking contemporary look. Batten shutters are popular for commercial facades, entrance screens, and modern residential designs where privacy is the priority over ventilation.

We offer five standard louver widths: 1.5" (38mm) for a slim, modern look; 2.0" (50mm) for a balanced contemporary appearance; 2.5" (63mm) as a versatile mid-range option; 3.5" (89mm) as our most popular size with classic plantation shutter proportions; and 4.5" (114mm) for a traditional, bold look with maximum light control when closed. Larger louvers give a more traditional appearance and block more light when closed; smaller louvers create a sleeker, more modern aesthetic.

Yes. Our shutters are manufactured from 6063-T5 marine-grade aluminum alloy with a Qualicoat-certified powder-coated finish that passes 1000+ hours of salt spray testing (exceeding AS3715 requirements). We use 304 or 316 stainless steel hardware depending on the proximity to saltwater. KAKADU shutters are installed in coastal properties across Australia, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia with excellent long-term performance.

The choice depends on your opening size and available space. Hinged shutters are best for standard windows and French doors where there is room for panels to swing open — they are the most traditional and cost-effective option. Bi-fold shutters are ideal for wide openings (sliding doors, large windows, room dividers) where you want maximum clearance — the panels fold and stack neatly to one or both sides. Sliding/bypass shutters are perfect when there is no room for panels to swing or fold, such as behind furniture, in tight corners, or on very large openings — they glide along tracks instead.

A centre tilt rod is a visible vertical bar running down the middle of the shutter panel that connects all louvers — tilting the rod adjusts all louvers simultaneously. It is the traditional, classic look. A Clearview hidden rod mechanism is concealed behind the panel, giving a clean, unobstructed view with no visible rod. The hidden rod is operated by a small knob or wand on the side of the panel. Clearview is popular for modern interiors where a minimalist appearance is desired.

Yes, motorized tilt mechanisms are available as an upgrade. These can be controlled via remote control, wall-mounted switch, or integrated into smart home systems (such as KNX, Crestron, or Control4). Motorized options are most popular for hard-to-reach locations (high windows, skylights), large panel configurations where manual operation would be cumbersome, and commercial projects requiring automated shading schedules.

Aluminum shutters require minimal maintenance — an occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth and mild detergent is sufficient to keep them looking new. Unlike timber shutters, they never need painting, sealing, sanding, or termite treatment. The powder-coated finish is designed to last 15–20+ years without fading, peeling, or cracking. In coastal environments, a rinse with fresh water every few months helps remove salt deposits.

Absolutely. Every KAKADU shutter is made to measure. We accommodate non-standard widths, heights, and shapes including arched tops, angled installations, triangular gables, circular windows, and multi-panel configurations. We also manufacture shutters for unusually large openings — our maximum panel size is 1200mm wide by 3000mm high, and larger openings can be achieved with multi-panel configurations. Contact us with your opening dimensions for a custom quote.

Standard configurations (standard colors, common sizes) typically take 3–4 weeks from order confirmation. Custom colors from the Dulux range, unusual sizes, or large commercial orders may require 5–6 weeks. We provide a detailed production timeline with every quotation and keep you updated throughout the manufacturing process. Rush orders can be accommodated subject to factory capacity — please inquire for urgent projects.

Aluminum shutters outperform timber in durability, maintenance, and consistency. They will not warp, crack, split, or attract termites. They require no painting or sealing and maintain their appearance for decades with minimal care. Aluminum shutters are also non-combustible (timber is not), making them suitable for bushfire-prone areas. The main advantage of timber is its natural grain texture, but our woodgrain powder coat finishes replicate this look convincingly without the maintenance burden.

Yes. We supply directly to architects, builders, window fabricators, and wholesalers worldwide. Trade accounts receive volume pricing, dedicated account management, technical support, and priority production scheduling. We can also manufacture shutters to your specifications under OEM arrangements. Contact our trade team to discuss your requirements and establish a supply partnership.

For most applications, aluminum shutters outperform timber in durability, maintenance, and consistency. Aluminum will not warp, crack, split, or attract termites. It requires no painting or sealing and maintains its appearance for decades with minimal care. Aluminum shutters are also non-combustible, making them suitable for bushfire-prone areas (BAL-rated zones). The main advantage of timber is its natural grain texture, but our woodgrain powder coat finishes replicate this look convincingly without the maintenance burden. For coastal, tropical, or high-moisture environments, aluminum is the clear choice.

KAKADU aluminum shutters are designed to last 20–30+ years with minimal maintenance. The 6063-T5 aluminum alloy does not corrode, warp, or degrade under normal conditions. Our Qualicoat-certified powder coat finish is backed by a 10-year warranty against peeling, cracking, and fading, and in practice typically lasts 15–20+ years before any refinishing would be considered. The stainless steel hardware (304 or 316 grade) is rated for the lifetime of the product. This makes aluminum shutters a significantly longer-lasting investment compared to timber (5–10 years before refinishing) or PVC (10–15 years before yellowing or warping).

Yes. Our aluminum shutters — particularly the batten style and fixed louver configurations — can serve as security shutters for windows and doors. The 6063-T5 aluminum alloy with 1.2–2.0mm wall thickness provides substantial physical resistance, and the stainless steel hinge and lock hardware adds an additional layer of security. For dedicated security applications, we recommend our batten shutters with fixed panel or hinged configurations, which offer maximum privacy and physical barrier properties. We can also integrate multi-point locking systems for enhanced security.

There is no product difference — 'louvered' is the American English spelling and 'louvred' is the British/Australian English spelling. Both refer to the same product: shutters with horizontal slats (louvers/louvres) that can be adjusted to control light and airflow. KAKADU uses both spellings in our documentation to serve global markets. Similarly, 'aluminum' (US) and 'aluminium' (UK/AU/EU) refer to the same material.

Yes. Aluminum shutters with adjustable louvers provide effective solar heat gain control. By angling the louvers to block direct sunlight while still allowing diffused light, you can reduce indoor temperatures by 5–10°C in summer. This reduces air conditioning load and energy costs. Our shutters also provide an insulating air gap between the window glass and the shutter panel, which helps retain heat in winter. Studies show that properly installed exterior shutters can reduce cooling energy consumption by 20–30% in hot climates.