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Home » About Us » FAQs

FAQs

As leading experts in shutters, blinds and awnings across southeast Queensland, there are very few questions we can’t answer. We understand things can get a little overwhelming at first with so many options, and that’s just in blinds alone! So, we’re here to simplify it all for you.

We’ve outlined some of our most frequently asked questions on this page to help give you some of the answers you’re looking for in one place. We also recommend checking out the page for each product where you’ll find more specific information and pictures that might help to explain a lot.

We also really encourage you to call our friendly, expert team with any queries you have about your specific needs and how we can best meet them with blind, awning and shutter solutions. We can even send our mobile showroom to you.

At Factory Direct, customer service drives everything we do so we’re looking forward to your call.

Call us today with your enquiry or to book a measure and quote, obligation-free. Our mobile showroom will come to you

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How can we help?

What product would be best for my home?

We offer a wide range of products to suit every home and application, depending on your needs. Louvred products such as shutters and venetians offer the benefit of allowing a breeze whilst still shading from the sun and providing privacy. Blockout rollerblinds and roller shutters are perfect for darkening rooms. Whatever your situation we offer practical advice. Our consultants are trained in the benefits and limitations of all window coverings and external shading solutions. Allowing you to make an informed choice on which product best suits you.

Are timber shutters better than synthetic shutters?

This depends on your needs. Synthetic shutters such as our Alto Polyresin Shutter, are very hardwearing and robust. They are unaffected by salt air or moisture so we consider them the best product for salt air environments and wet areas. Timber shutters are also very popular particularly as timber is much lighter than synthetic materials. Therefore if looking at large panel sizes, we would recommend Timber.

Can you use all of your products outside?

Not all products are recommended for external use. We offer an array of external awnings and shade solutions, as well as shutters suitable for external use. We also recommend Alto Polyresin Shutters or Venetians for internal blinds should they be susceptible to getting wet from windows or doors being left open. Our trained sales consultants can offer expert advice on which products would be suitable for your application, and how warranties can sometimes be affected by products exposed to the elements.

How do I clean my blinds?

Different shutters, blinds, awnings and curtains require different treatment when cleaning. Many of our products are low maintenance and can simply be wiped down or dusted. Some of our products have anti micro bacterial treatments and anti static treatments to reduce dust clinging to fabric. We have specific care and maintenance instructions for our entire range. If unsure, please contact your local Factory Direct Shutters office.

Are your blinds child safe?

All of our products are manufactured and installed in compliance with Australian law. The ACCC have produced Child Safety Regulations for window furnishings specifically relating to the danger of loose hanging cords and chains. Some products can be provided chain or cord free by changes in design or by motorisation of the blind. Where chains or cords are necessary, child safety devices will be attached or the cord or chain must be shortened to the relevant height legislated by the ACCC. All Factory Direct Sales Consultants and Installers are trained in child safety standards.

Are your products environmentally friendly?

All of the materials used in our products are sourced with sustainability and the environment in mind. We offer a range of pvc free, lead free alternatives and many of our products are recyclable and made from recycled materials.  Ask us about the below accreditations related to many of our products.

Most of our products are designed to reduce heat transfer into your home in summer and insulate against the cold in winter, reducing energy costs and emissions.

Do non timber shutters emit toxic gases?

Some pvc building products including shutters are believed to emit VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). VOC’s are considered toxic. Our synthetic shutter product ‘Alto Polyresin Shutter’, has been lab tested and does not emit VOC’s or any other toxic gases. Often overlooked when testing products for VOC’s is the paint used on the PVC product tested. Many imported products are painted with inferior cheap paint that does not meet Australian standards but can easily be imported into Australia. We believe this will become highly publicised in the future and that we have an ethical responsibility to guarantee that our products are not manufactured using paints that do not meet Australian standards.

Are your products made in Australia from Australian sourced materials?

As much as possible. Factory Direct Shutters believes in Australian made products and jobs for Australians. Some of our products including our Forte Aluminium Shutter is manufactured in Brisbane using aluminium profiles extruded in Australia. All of our curtains, blinds and awnings are manufactured in Australia using Australian materials and components where available. Some parts and materials are sourced from overseas if they are not available here to an equal or superior standard. Our Alto Polyresin Shutter is manufactured in Shanghai to our specifications and design. This program has been highly successful for many years due to an incredible level of consistency and high level of quality in manufacture, as well as competitive pricing. We continue to enjoy an amazing relationship with the family that operate this factory on our behalf. Recently we gained the ability to also manufacture this product in Australia to ensure that we can always offer a consistent service to our existing and future customers.

What’s involved in a free measure & quote. Is it obligation free?

Arranging an obligation free measure and quote is easy at Factory Direct Shutters. You can call us directly on 1300 077 125 or call your local area office directly using the numbers listed on this site. Alternatively you can send us a quote request from the contact form. Your request will be sent directly to the sales consultant closest to you, who will call you to make an appointment at a convenient time for you. We offer a solution based consultation and bring all the relevant products samples and colours to assist in making a selection in the home, where you can compare to your décor. Our consultants will measure and provide pricing advice all in the one appointment.

Does your showroom have all products on display?

We only feature a select few products at our various locations as our consultants are fully equipped to demonstrate our products in your home using colour swatches and samples. We have found this to be more effective as you have the opportunity to see how the products are going to look in the location they are intended for. This includes comparing colours against your existing décor. Some products such as ‘Zipscreens’ and ‘Plantation Shutters’ are very impressive in large displays so we also welcome you to visit us as well.

I live near the ocean, what products do you recommend

There are definitely some products that are far from suitable in salt air conditions. We have not seen an aluminium venetian produced yet, that will not pit very quickly when exposed to salt. There are also some products on the market that have componentry that will require replacing if salt builds up. With this in mind Factory Direct Shutters began over 20 years ago on the Sunshine Coast servicing homes from Caloundra to Noosa and all the coastline in between. We understand exactly what works and what doesn’t. What requires maintenance and what products will cope fine with salt air conditions. We can provide professional advice depending on your location and what solution you are looking for.

What warranties and guarantees do you provide?

There are definitely some products that are far from suitable in salt air conditions. We have not seen an aluminium venetian produced yet, that will not pit very quickly when exposed to salt. There are also some products on the market that have componentry that will require replacing if salt builds up. With this in mind Factory Direct Shutters began over 20 years ago on the Sunshine Coast servicing homes from Caloundra to Noosa and all the coastline in between. We understand exactly what works and what doesn’t. What requires maintenance and what products will cope fine with salt air conditions. We can provide professional advice depending on your location and what solution you are looking for.

What type of interest free finance do you offer?

Ask us about our interest free options when you get us out to quote. We have a standard interest free offer, but also have special interest free offers from time to time

Why should I buy from you?

Factory Direct Shutters has operated in South East Queensland for over 20 years. We are an industry leader and take great pride in our quality products, excellent customer service and our outstanding team of sales consultants and professional installers. We are a family owned and operated business, big enough to ensure our products and services are very competitively priced with great quality control, but also small enough that every customer has a name and not a number. In fact, we believe our success is based on the value and respect we have for our customers. We understand that choosing window coverings can be daunting. They are custom made products and you don’t get to see what they look like before you commit to buying them. In some cases you are making a considerable investment. Most customers that buy from us, tell us they did so secondly because of our great pricing. Firstly because the sales consultant took the time to explain everything. The products, the process, the cost and the wait. When we complete a job we ask our customers if they could provide a review for us on sites like Google and Product Review. We are interested in the good and the bad. We like potential new customers to read good stories about us, but also to see how we respond to customers who may feel we could have done better. Every company can always be better, and we will always ask that question, of you and ourselves.

What our happy customers are saying. See more five star reviews

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Penney
2025-02-20 via Google
Fantastic purchase from FD - Brett the salesman for my purchase of both roller double & single blinds, they look the best and great value!!! The colour blends in with the wall colour, and the linear lines look smart in my new townhouse. I am now getting more quotes for security door's.
Jess Greenaway
2025-02-17 via Google
We had Cam West measure and Isaac install. They were both lovely, professional and efficient. Cam made some great recommendations on what would suit our home the best and we’re SO happy with how it turned out. We’ll definitely be passing their details on to family and friends!
Merryl Lewis
2025-01-20 via Google
So efficient. Said it would be 6 weeks for delivery and it was only 1 week. Installer was excellent and a really happy with the blind. Many thanks for your prompt service. I will recommend your services to anyone.
Trish Jones
2025-01-16 via Google
My shutters were installed yesterday by Dan, what a great job. They make my home fresh and bright and seem to make the rooms appear larger. Could not recommend the whole process more highly. Great company to deal with, from every staff member I interacted with 👏🏻
Kathy Tighe
2024-12-28 via Google
I am delighted with my new internal blinds fitted yesterday. The entire process from the initial consultation with Wendy through to installation by Luke was absolutely seamless with FD going above and beyond in my opinion, arranging the install on a Sunday during the Christmas period!
Lana Caves
2024-11-22 via Google
A pleasure to deal with from start to finish. Cameron was professional, knowledgable and friendly on both occasions he visited our home to measure and quote. Pricing was great and installation by Daniel was fast and precise. We are very happy with our new shutters and blinds, and highly recommend Factory Direct Shutters, Awnings & Blinds.
John McDonald
2024-10-08 via Google
From initial request for quote to the measure, final quote, and then the install, each and every person we dealt with were friendly, professional and easy to deal with. Very happy with the product (plantation shutters) which have really added to our recent renovation and at a great price too!
Liz Browning
2024-08-28 via Google
We are SUPER happy with the white shutters in our bathroom and bedroom and the extreior pull-down outdoor blinds on our deck. We are all set for summer now! Wendy Simpson is so understanding and her attention to detail is second to none. Luke Taurere did an incredible job with the intallation. Thank you Factory Direct - you have made us very happy.
Tricia Pegg
2024-04-23 via Google
Richard did a fantastic job installing my new shutters. He was on time, communicated well, cleaned up after himself and even took my old curtain tracks down for me. Love love love my new shutters 😍