I'm an Ag class of '12 and I work for Blinds.com. Great Houston company (that ships nationwide) with all U.S. based employees.
Installing shutters on your own can be a little tricky, but if you're handy you should be able to manage just fine. If you want to make your life a little simpler, we have a network of installers who can do it for you.
As far as wood vs. faux wood - Wood blinds or shutters can be vulnerable to warping and cracking when they're in super humid spaces like the kitchen or bathroom or subject to varying temperatures. We recommend sticking to faux wood in those spaces. Faux wood can also be lighter for large windows and is often less expensive.
I could tell you tons more if you have specific questions, but I don't want to drone on and on.
If you want me to connect you with one of our designers, drop me a line at pr@blinds.com.