Bravo to all these amazing creative minds. I hate wasting stuff that still has life in it. By the way, though I have read that some pallets are treated with a fumigant which is toxic. Generally, make sure pallets are stamped with “HT”, which means they haven’t been exposed to chemicals (at least not in the treating process.) Avoid unmarked pallets or those with “MB” for methyl bromide. Well, if anyone wants some really nice, bargain 2nd hand windows we just pulled out of our 12 y-o house to make way for a sliding door, and you live around Melbourne Australia, please check them out here: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/112070272414?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1586.l2649

Can't see why it will be a problem??? I assume the top of the window is the right hight align with the bottom of your wall cabinets. Your cabinetmaker will work it out. You will just need to select a range hood before they finish their design.

We have been in the Window Treatment industry for over 30 years. - In all that time I don't think I've seen such awful plantation shutters. - I really feel for you. I would suggest you contact the Blind Manufacturers Association of Australia (BMAA): Blind Manufacturers Association of Australia The BMAA actively promotes standards across the industry in this country, have a members code of ethics and have established conflict resolution processes for members. Your supplier may not be a member, however, they may be able to assist you with arranging an independent inspection. Which would be helpful should you choose to pursue the matter through Queensland Consumer Affairs. As to a solution to the light problem. - No there are not many suitable options open to you in my opinion. Plantation shutters are not designed to provide total block-out. There will be some light seepage regardless of the quality of the blinds though it will be minimal in comparison to the light seepage evident from the images you have provided in this thread However, high-quality shutter blades close evenly and the effect of a small amount of light seepage across the top of each blade is supposed to be pleasing and part of their appeal, in the right space. At the very least the supplying consultant should have advised you that shutters are not suitable as a block-out solution. Most shutters can be ordered and supplied with or without a box frame. Usually at no additional cost. The advantage of a box frame is that it can prevent any warping of the shutters once fitted and provides a better light seal not only around the edges of the shutters but provides the additional support to the entire shutter, keeping the blades aligned over the long term. The downside for the installer is that shutters with frames take longer to install because any gaps around the frame must be filled and corked which means fitting takes longer. - It is not uncommon or unusual for a window to not be perfectly in-square, regardless of the age or expense of the property the shutters are being installed into. The issue with roller shades placed behind the shutters is twofold: 1. In nearly all instances, the solution is not possible as the shutters are set into the frame and there is not sufficient room in which to install roller shades. 2. Assuming it was possible to have roller shades fitted behind your shutters, it would defeat much of the aesthetic appeal of the shutters. While you may have them raised during the day; when lowered at night you would not see the shutters or the minor light leakage (which can also provide a pleasing effect when viewing the window from the outside, at night, without compromising privacy) This may not be important to you depending on which side of the house the shutters have been installed. I would pursue this further with the supplier after first talking to the BMAA. You have invested heavily in a plantation shutter solution. - In trying to find a block-out solution - You are negating many of the reasons people select plantation shutters over other window treatment solutions. You selected plantation shutters for their aesthetic appeal and the positive impact they would have lent the ambiance of the spaces in which you had them installed. The problem needs to be fixed and not masked. If block-out is a must have for you, given your circumstances, then I think oklouise's solution is one worth pursuing. However, I would also suggest that if the shutters were performing to spec both in terms of the physical product and its fitting, you would be satisfied with the degree of block-out that the shutters would be providing you. Nancy

http://www.ecostardoubleglazing.com.au/upvc-double-glazed-windows/