Factory-direct vs. dealers and big box stores
Most shutters sold in Orange County come from an outside supplier, whether you buy from a franchise, a local dealer or a big box store. Golden West builds its own in Lake Forest and installs plantation shutters across Orange County. Here is what that changes.
Golden West
Dealers & big box
- Where they're built
- Our Lake Forest factory, since 1987
- An outside supplier, often out of state or overseas
- Who designs them with you
- An owner, Dave or John
- A commissioned sales rep
- Design
- Rail heights, louvers and frames planned for each window
- Standard catalog sizes and templates
- Materials
- Wood, Polylux hybrid or poly, chosen room by room
- Usually one supplier's line
- Finish
- Furniture-grade finish sprayed in-house, matched to any paint color
- The supplier's stock finish
- Lead time
- 3 to 5 weeks
- 8 to 12 weeks typical
- Installed by
- Our own finish carpenters, fitted on site
- Subcontracted installers, pre-assembled panels
- Warranty and repairs
- Lifetime warranty; parts made in our factory
- Claims go through the supplier
Questions to ask before you buy
Is it better to buy shutters from a local factory or a dealer?
For most homeowners, a local factory gives you more: you meet the people who build your shutters, pay no dealer markup, and get them in 3 to 5 weeks instead of 8 to 12 weeks.
Do big box stores make their own shutters?
No. Big box stores sell shutters made by outside suppliers and use contracted installers. Golden West designs, builds and installs its own, all from our Lake Forest factory.
How can I tell if a shutter company makes its own shutters?
Ask to see the factory floor, not just a showroom. A real manufacturer, like Golden West in Lake Forest, can show you the milling and finishing in person. Tour our factory.
Is factory-direct cheaper than a dealer?
It is usually the better value: there is no dealer markup or franchise fee in the price. Your price depends on the material, the number and size of your windows, special shapes and the finish. See the 2026 price guide.
How it works
Schedule a consultation
Free in-home or showroom consultation. We measure your openings, walk you through materials, and write you a quote.
Plan your showroom visit→
We build it
Every shutter is designed, milled, and finished at our Lake Forest factory, with nothing imported or outsourced.
See how we build your shutters→
We install it
Our installers handle measurement confirmation, fit, and final walkthrough. You see the work.
See our shutter installation process→Start with a visit to our factory and save 5% on your order.