For Carolina homeowners, Bahama shutters (also known as Bermuda shutters) offer an unmatched combination of tropical style, cooling shade, and formidable storm protection. American Hurricane Shutters is the premier installer of high-quality decorative and hurricane-rated Bahama shutters for homes in Wilmington, NC, and across the coast.
Unlike other systems, Bahama window shutters are propped open from the bottom, providing privacy and ventilation while shielding your home from the harsh sun. When a storm approaches, they are closed and secured to the wall in minutes, offering a robust defense against wind and debris.
Key benefits of our bahama hurricane shutters include:
Rapid response to storm threats – closes quickly to protect your opening in the event of a storm.
One of our most popular options, since they add so much aesthetic value to beachfront and coastal homes
Articulating blades allow for a nearly unobstructed view as opposed to other rated bahama shutters which are backed by perforated metal.
Over 200 powder coat color options available for no added cost
Energy efficient – Bahama shutter blades and projection can be adjusted to reflect a percentage or all of the sun’s harsh rays or add additional insulation in the winter.
No storage space needed – permanent installation of shutters frees up valuable storage space.Â
Quick deployment
Your Bahama Shutter Options: Rated, Articulating & Decorative
We are experts in installing a wide range of Bahama exterior shutters to fit your specific needs—whether you want hurricane-rated defense or a purely decorative accent. We are proud to be expert installers for ASSA and Town & Country, offering premium options you can’t find at big-box stores.
For the homeowner who wants it all, our Town & Country UltraView and Fullview articulating shutters are the ultimate choice. These rated shutters allow you to adjust the louvers from open (for a clear view) to closed (for privacy and shade). They are fully impact-rated, giving you hurricane protection without ever sacrificing your natural light.
Fixed Blade Rated Bahama Shutters
This is the workhorse of hurricane-rated Bahama shutters. Made from heavy-duty, extruded aluminum, these fixed-louver shutters provide 24/7 shade and are engineered to meet the toughest building codes for hurricane protection.
Decorative Non-Rated Bahama Shutters
Get the look of Bahama shutters at a lower cost. Great for commercial buildings, buildings with impact windows looking for extra curb appeal, or to snazz up the look of your home.
How Much Do Bahama Shutters Cost?
We believe in 100% pricing transparency. Your keyword research shows cost is a primary concern, and here is a clear breakdown of our pricing. The price reflects the engineering, materials, and (if applicable) the articulating mechanism.
Articulating Blade Rated (Town & Country): $60-68 per square foot
Fixed Blade Rated (ASSA): $54-58 per square foot
Decorative Non-Rated Bahamas: $50-54 per square foot
For a custom quote based on your window sizes, please use our Online Shutter Cost Calculator or call us for a free, in-home consultation.
A two-story blue beach house with white trim, featuring large windows with shutters. There is a wooden garage door on the lower level. Palm trees surround the property, and the sky is clear with a few clouds visible. The house number “123” is displayed near the entrance. in either North or South Carolina
A multi-story building with large window shutters hanging loosely, appearing damaged. The building has beige walls with white accents along the edges. The sky is clear and blue in the background. in either North or South Carolina
A single-story, modern building with light gray siding and white trim, featuring a front porch with steps and black railing. Palm trees and blue potted plants decorate the exterior. A parking lot with marked spaces is in the foreground, and the sky is clear and sunny. in either North or South Carolina
A white building with a sign reading “Lowe’s” on the front. The facade includes large windows and a wooden overhang covering an outdoor seating area. The sky is clear and blue with a few clouds. A single person sits at a table in the shaded seating area. in either North or South Carolina
A multi-story building with light brown and white exterior walls featuring rows of panels and large windows. Palm trees line the front, and a street lamp stands in front of the building. A tall section of the building extends to the left. The sky is clear and blue. in either North or South Carolina
A closed turquoise shutter attached to a light gray, horizontally paneled exterior wall. A small potted plant with dark leaves sits below, and a palm tree is partially visible on the left side, casting shadows on the wall. in either North or South Carolina
Close-up view through a set of turquoise window blinds, showing an outdoor scene. The background reveals a blurry image of a street, a few trees, and other structures bathed in sunlight. The focus is on the blinds, with the outdoor elements providing a soft backdrop. in either North or South Carolina
Comparison with Other Shutters
Panels
Panels are vastly harder to deploy
Bahamas can be deployed in a fraction of the time
Bahamas add aesthetic value to the home
Can be deployed from the inside
Accordions
Accordions are generally regarded as unattractive, while Bahama shutters will add aesthetic value to your home
Accordions can be used on decks/over doors
Much vaster range of color options for Bahama shutters.
Colonials
Bahama shutters can be closed from inside or outside, a rated colonial close is only done from outside
Colonials can be installed on decks/doors, where Bahama shutters are either not recommended or possible
Similar price
Rolldowns
Electric rolldowns are easier and quicker to use
Bahama shutters are easier to use (in most cases) than a manual rolldown
Similar price
Hurricane Screens
Bahama shutters can be used on any opening that is not a door (not recommended on decks)
Screens are not recommended to be placed directly against openings due to the potential to break the glass during impact events
Screens are easier to use on all openings, including on patios where either can be used.
Bahama shutters are only rated up to an 11ft monolithic span, so larger openings may be unable to be covered
Flat Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is only suggested on non-operable windows
Bahama shutters are a better choice on other openings
Frequently Asked Questions about Bahama Shutters
What is a Bahama shutter?
A Bahama shutter is a one-piece exterior window treatment hinged at the top. It props open at the bottom using telescoping arms, resembling a permanent awning.
What are Bahama shutters for?
They serve three main purposes: shade (blocking direct sun), privacy (louvers block the view in), and protection (locking down to shield windows from hurricane-force winds and debris).
Why are they called Bahama shutters?
Originating in the Caribbean, they were designed for tropical climates to allow cool breezes to enter while blocking the intense island sun. You may also hear them called Bermuda or Bimini shutters.
Can you see through Bahamas shutters?
Yes, from the inside looking out. Because they are propped at an angle, you have a clear view of the ground and surroundings. If you have an articulating product, you can also move the blades to be parallel to the ground, fully closed, or anywhere in between- providing a near unobstructed view. However, from the street, people generally cannot see in, providing excellent daytime privacy.
Are plantation shutters outdated in 2025?
Not at all. While heavy styles are less popular, the 2025 trend favors wider louvers (3.5 to 4.5 inches) and clean, white or neutral finishes that feel airy and modern. However, Bahamas are NOT the indoor plantation shutters you may be thinking of. These mount outs, but can provide a similar effect if desired.
What is another name for Bahama shutters?
Bermuda and Bimini shutters are the most common alternative names.
Are Bahamas shutters worth it?
In the Carolinas, yes. They are a set it and forget it solution. Unlike heavy plywood or removable panels, you dont have to climb ladders when a hurricane warning is issued—you just pull them closed and lock them down.
Do Bahamas shutters work?
Our impact-rated aluminum models are engineered to meet strict coastal building codes. When locked down, they create a formidable barrier against flying debris and pressure changes from wind (positive and negative pressures).
Do Bahamas shutters make rooms dark?
They do not make rooms pitch black unless fully closed for a storm. In their open position, they create a soft, ambient tropical glow by filtering direct glare while still allowing natural light to bounce into the room. Articulating models can uniquely be opened to have the blades parallel to the ground- providing a nearly unobstructed view when you want, or you can have them completely closed.
What are the downsides of shutters?
The main downside is the permanent change to your home’s exterior aesthetic and slightly reduced natural light compared to a bare window.
Does Joanna Gaines use plantation shutters?
Yes, she frequently uses them to add architectural interest and a farmhouse-modern feel to her designs. However, as stated before, Bahama shutters mount on the exterior of the home (not interior) but can provide a similar effect if desired.
How much does it cost to install Bahama shutters?
Typically, you can expect to pay between $50 and $65 per square foot for high-quality, impact-rated aluminum shutters.
How much do people charge to put up hurricane shutters per window?Â
Labor usually ranges from $45 to $100 per hour or a flat fee per window, often $100 to $200 per opening depending on the height and complexity of the install. We pay our installers a portion of the gross sale to ensure that their pay is based on the complexity and breadth of the entire project.
How much does a contractor charge to install shutters?
Most contractors include labor in their total quote, but pure labor costs for a standard home usually range from $1,500 to $3,500 depending on the number of windows.
How much labor does it cost to install shutters?
Labor is generally calculated at about 10% to 30% of the total project cost for professional hurricane-rated installation.
Can a handyman install hurricane shutters?
For decorative shutters, yes. However, for hurricane-rated protection, we highly recommend professional installation. To be code-compliant and insurance-eligible, they must be mounted with specific fasteners into the home’s structural framing.
What is the $10,000 grant for windows in Florida? Or the $5,000 for shutters in South Carolina?
That is the My Safe Florida Home program. It provides matching grants up to $10,000 for hurricane mitigation. While this is a Florida program, Carolinas homeowners should check with insurance providers for premium discounts and in South Carolina they offer a direct Wind Mitigation credit through SC Safe Home.
Can you see out of Bahamas shutters?
Yes, the downward angle of the louvers allows you to see the yard and street clearly from the inside while maintaining privacy from outsiders. However this is a very small opening on fixed blade shutters. On articulating blade shutters, you can change the angle of the movable blades to have nearly unobstructed views.
Can you see out of shutters?Â
Yes, all louvered shutters are designed to allow visibility and airflow while managing light. However articulating blades let in many times the amount of light of any fixed blade or decorative system.
Can you see through shutters at night?
If your interior lights are on and it is dark outside, someone standing close to the window might see light or shadows, but the louvers provide significantly more privacy than an open window.
What are the benefits of installing Bahama shutters on a home?Â
They increase home value, lower cooling costs by blocking solar heat before it hits the glass, and provide 24/7 curb appeal and storm readiness.
Where can I buy Bahama shutters online with customizable options?
At American Hurricane Shutters, we specialize in custom-built solutions for the NC and SC coast. We offer consultations to measure your windows and show you color and style options.
Are there energy-saving Bahama shutters available for purchase?
All Bahama shutters are inherently energy-saving because they act as an exterior thermal barrier, reducing heat gain by up to 30% to 50% compared to unprotected windows. There is no specific model optimized for thermal regulation.
How much do Bahama shutters typically cost per window?
For a standard sized window, the cost usually ranges from $800 to $1,500 including the shutter unit and professional installation hardware.
Can I install Bahama shutters myself, or should I hire a professional?Â
While DIY kits exist, professional installation is recommended to ensure the shutters meet local wind-load requirements and provide actual protection during a storm.
What materials are most durable for Bahama shutters in coastal areas?
Powder-coated aluminum is the gold standard for the Carolinas for the body of the shutter. It won’t rot like wood or crack like cheap PVC in the coastal salt air and sun. Combine it with long 18-8 Stainless Steel fasteners to get a minimum of 1.5″ into the framing, our shutters are built to stand the test of time in coastal environments.
Which Bahama shutter styles offer the best hurricane protection?
Impact-rated aluminum models with reinforced backing and heavy-duty locking pins offer the highest level of protection. We install all our rated Bahama shutters to withstand the expected design pressure of the opening they are destined for, by fastening them per an installation schedule. The shutters also meet TAS 201, 202, 203, and ASTM 1886e/1996e/e330.
How do I maintain and clean Bahama shutters properly?
In our salt-air environment, rinse them with fresh water every few months to prevent salt buildup. Use a dry lubricant on the hinges once a year (if desired). Reapply marine grade antiseize to the thumbscrews yearly.
Which companies specialize in Bahama shutters installation in Florida?
While many companies operate in Florida, American Hurricane Shutters focuses on the unique building codes and coastal needs of the North and South Carolina regions.
Are there local dealers who offer free consultations for Bahama shutters?
Yes, American Hurricane Shutters offers free on-site consultations all up and down the coasts of the Carolinas- such as in Wilmington, Jacksonville, Topsail, Myrtle Beach, Oak Island, Pawleys Island, and surrounding coastal areas to help you choose the right style for your home.
Maintenance
While requiring a bit more upkeep than other shutters, with regular maintenance these shutter will last a long time. Check out our maintenance section to see what you should do.
Pressure Rated
We perform design pressure calculations to ensure your shutters will not blow in/out during a storm- which can cause the home to implode.
With proper maintenance, these are one of our easiest shutters to us.
Energy Savings
Due to constantly being in front of the windows, Bahamas will cut down on solar gain/loss. Ease of use means they can be used daily if desired.
Insurance
Your insurance company may offer a discount if you protect all the openings on your home with a blend of hurricane protection products.
Get a Free Estimate for Bahama Shutters
Ready to add timeless coastal style and unbeatable protection to your home? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate on a custom Bahama shutter system.
Service Areas: Local Hurricane Protection Near You
AHS Carolinas provides certified installation and repair across North and South Carolina. Click your region below to see specific service locations.
Myrtle Beach & The Grand Strand (SC)
We are the premier provider of hurricane shutters in Myrtle Beach, serving the entire Grand Strand. Our team actively installs Bahama and storm shutters in North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and Garden City. We extend our wind-rated protection inland to Conway, Socastee, and Carolina Forest, and south to Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island. Whether you are in Cherry Grove Beach, Little River, or Arcadian Shores, we have a storm solution for you.
Brunswick Islands & South Coast (NC)
Protecting the Brunswick barrier islands is our specialty. We service Oak Island, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Sunset Beach with marine-grade shutters. Our technicians are frequently in Southport, Shallotte, and St. James. We also cover inland communities including Leland, Boiling Springs Lake, Winnabow, Navassa, and Lake Waccamaw, ensuring Carolina Shores and Sunset Harbor residents are ready for hurricane season. Includes Caswell Beach and Bald Head Island.
Wilmington & Cape Fear (NC)
Headquartered near the Cape Fear River, we are the top choice for hurricane shutters in Wilmington, NC. We protect coastal properties in Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. Our service radius includes Porters Neck, Figure Eight Island, Castle Hayne, Murrayville, Wrightsboro, Myrtle Grove, and Seabreeze.
Crystal Coast, Topsail & Onslow (NC)
From Jacksonville to New Bern, we secure homes against Atlantic storms. We provide rapid service to Topsail Beach, North Topsail Beach, and Surf City, including Hampstead, Sloop Point, and Holly Ridge. Further north, our team installs impact shutters in Emerald Isle, Swansboro, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort, Havelock, Pine Knoll Shores, and Indian Beach.
Matthew BurnsPresident
Matthew Burns is a storm protection expert and the President of American Hurricane Shutters. Continuing his family’s legacy, he combines 6+ years of hands-on experience with an analytical background from Duke University (B.S., Economics). He specializes in breaking down complex building codes and the long-term financial benefits of hurricane protection, helping Carolina homeowners make safe, informed, and cost-effective decisions.
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