Commitment To Ethical Sourcing

In an age where transparency and ethical practices in business are more important than ever, Just Shutters stands at the forefront of advocating for responsible sourcing and sustainability. We believe it is crucial for our customers and the broader community to be well-informed about the origins of the products they choose to incorporate into their homes. This is why we are reaching out to ask a vital question that concerns us all:?Do you know where the timber for your plantation shutters comes from? 

Recent global developments have cast a spotlight on the urgent need for accountability in sourcing practices, especially regarding timber products. Reports have increasingly indicated that some plantation shutters available in the market might be manufactured using timber sourced from uncertified sources, including potentially illicitly logged woods from regions like Russia. Such practices not only raise significant ethical concerns but also contribute to environmental degradation and, in some cases, the funding of conflicts. 

Just Shutters wants to assure our customers and stakeholders that we stand against such practices. Our engineered timber shutters are manufactured exclusively from timber sourced from certified, responsible suppliers in New Zealand and Australia. By choosing Just Shutters, you are making a choice not only for quality and durability but also for peace, sustainability, and ethical responsibility. 

In the competitive UK shutter market, many lower-priced hardwood options are crafted from Paulownia wood. Known for its rapid growth and lightweight nature, Paulownia, despite being labelled as “hardwood,” is prone to dents and marks due to its softness. Its grain, which is notably spaced out, often requires the application of a Gesso filler to achieve a smooth surface suitable for painting. However, this process can leave the finish vulnerable to chipping and marking. The majority of Paulownia used in shutters is sourced from regions such as Northern China and Russia. 

Contrastingly, Just Shutters’ exclusive LockWood range stands out by utilizing only high-quality timber celebrated for its fine, consistent grain alongside superior strength and durability. LockWood boasts nearly 2.5 times the dent resistance of Paulownia and offers double the strength in terms of breakage and compression resistance*. Each piece of LockWood is meticulously formed and sanded, creating the perfect foundation for our exceptional 5-stage paint process. Moreover, LockWood is FSC Certified, ensuring it meets the highest standards for sustainable forestry.? 

*Source – The Wood Data base 

The Importance of the Janka Scale in Flooring and Beyond 

Although the Janka hardness scale is primarily employed within the flooring industry to evaluate wear resistance, its relevance extends to other wood products like plantation shutters. Given the daily demands placed on shutters, especially in homes bustling with children and pets, understanding the durability of different wood types is crucial.

This durability is essential for maintaining the integrity of the wood’s finish under stress. High-hardness woods like LockWood or Premier MDF are less likely to suffer from dents and damage, thus preserving the finish. In contrast, softer woods such as Poplar or Paulownia, while easy to paint, may not hold up as well against impacts, leading to potential finish damage.

For a visual demonstration of how the Janka hardness test is performed, including the impact on different wood specimens, refer to this detailed image from ResearchGate.

View the Janka hardness scale table and test illustrations