Plantation Shutter Questions

Hello all!

I am wondering if anyone has any experience with plantation shutters. I am looking to build some for my house. I have read a ton of blogs on here, watched Norm’s show on shutters, looked over a lot of different plans and gotten a lot of great tips but there’s a few things I still have questions on that none of the articles/plans/shows seem to touch on.

Is there a big difference between using nylon tension pins vs. a tension screw? Will the nylon tension pins wear out over time and loose there tension? How many tension pins should be used a shutter?

What is the best/easiest way to mount the shutters on the window? Inside? Outside? Or a Z type frame? What are the advantages/disadvantages?

What’s a good finish/brand to use? I want to do just the traditional white, using a HVLP sprayer.

Some people have said they used poplar for the frame and basswood for the louvers some just all basswood… any ideas?

Any help or tips would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance yall!

Brandon