Graber and Norman are two of the most-installed plantation shutter brands in Canada. Blinds Concept installs and services both across Nova Scotia and PEI, and this guide focuses only on shutters — not the full product lines. If you want a broader look at brands, see our Hunter Douglas vs Graber vs Norman comparison.
Graber, part of Springs Window Fashions, offers composite, hybrid, and basswood shutters through its Traditions line. Strength: consistent factory finish and a huge stain library. Weakness: fewer custom shape options than Norman.
Norman is a shutter-first manufacturer. Their Woodlore composite, Sussex basswood, and Normandy hardwood collections lead the category on hinge quality, PerfectTilt motorization, and specialty shapes (arches, angles, sunbursts).
Norman's Sussex and Normandy hardwood shutters use furniture-grade basswood with mortise-and-tenon joinery — the difference is visible on tall panels. Graber's Traditions Wood is well built but uses simpler joinery on the frame. For humid rooms (bathrooms, kitchens) both brands' composites perform equally well.
On a typical 36"×60" opening, expect Graber composite around $360–$420 and Norman Woodlore around $380–$460, installed. Basswood pushes both brands into the $600–$900 range depending on stain and louver size. See our 2026 shutter cost guide for full pricing ranges.
If your project is time-sensitive (moving in, staging for sale), Graber's 4–5 week turnaround is a real advantage. Norman's 5–7 weeks (up to 9 for custom shapes) reflects more hand-finishing on each panel. Ask us for current factory dates — both fluctuate seasonally.
Norman is the shutter specialist and generally wins on real hardwood construction, hinge quality, and PerfectTilt motorization. Graber shutters are solid but Norman's shutter-only focus shows in fit, finish, and colour-matched frames.
Graber is usually 10–15% less than Norman on entry-level composite shutters, but Norman closes the gap on premium basswood and often costs less on motorized shutters. For custom shapes and large openings Norman typically prices more competitively.
Graber shutters ship in 4–5 weeks. Norman shutters ship in 5–7 weeks for standard sizes and 7–9 weeks for custom shapes or specialty stains. Both are made in North America.
Norman offers a limited lifetime warranty on its wood and hybrid shutters, including the finish. Graber provides a limited lifetime warranty on shutters but shorter coverage on motorization components.
Yes. Norman's PerfectTilt is the current best-in-class motorized tilt system for shutters. Graber offers motorized tilt on its Traditions line but the range of sizes and finishes is narrower.
Both brands are cordless by default on shutters, so child-safety is comparable. Norman's hidden tilt bar and PerfectTilt option add extra peace of mind in playrooms and bedrooms.