Aluminum is the best material for exterior shutters when it comes to hot and humid climates, not to mention hurricane-prone areas. After more than 60 years in business, here's what we know to be true about aluminum shutters: No rotting, cracking, or warping due to sun exposure.
Vinyl/Polymer Window Shutters
These window shutters are lightweight and durable. They come in a range of colors and styles and can last long with proper care. Vinyl is hollow, while polymer shutters are not, so polymer shutters will last considerably longer for up to several decades.
PVC is an upgrade over vinyl because it's far denser and more durable. Vinyl shutters consist of a thin layer of vinyl surrounding a mold. Because they aren't solid, vinyl shutters are prone to fading and cracking, so you'll need to repair or replace them sooner than you would PVC options.
From a performance perspective, PVC shutters are generally heavier and more flexible than shutters made from wood and or engineered wood composite materials. As most shutters are installed with hinges, PVC shutters will sag and twist under their own weight and become difficult to open and close the shutter panels.
The plastic look of vinyl and the smooth exterior is challenging to match to décor styles and is different from other real wood or faux wood products. Though they might be among the most affordable, vinyl shutters offer the least durability among non-wood treatments. Heat also affects vinyl easily.
Basswood is now the most popular wood for shutters, outpacing pine and poplar. These can be painted and stained, and are light, flexible material that makes them good for a variety of designs. However, they're not moisture resistant and they cost more than synthetic shutters.
Don't install functional louvered exterior shutters upside down. Do install exterior shutters with the louvers, or slats, aligned correctly. Movable exterior shutters in a closed position over the window opening will direct rain water away from the home.
Hardwood estate shutters are considered a more traditional material and are the most expensive option, with faux wood options offering a close look-alike at a lower cost.
Cheaper plantation shutters are made from low-quality materials, including vinyl and composite, and are often hollow. In addition to yellowing, they may also be more susceptible to warping, cracking or chipping.
If you're looking for even more light, perhaps you'd enjoy cafe plantation shutters. Tilt rods, as well, affect how much control you have over the light filtering into your space. While some plantation shutters use a single tilt rod, there is also the option to have a split tilt rod.
The solid material results in window shutters that weigh much more than the vinyl. This makes composite shutters a more sturdy option, but can be more difficult to install. The panels can be screwed directly to the structure or mounted with the included brackets.
Even treated wood is subject to warping, expanding, cracking, fading, and even rotting when it's exposed to water. But fauxwood has none of those issues. The composite materials used in our fauxwood shutters make them completely waterproof.
MDF vs wood shutters
They provide the sturdiness and warmth of hardwood shutters, but also the resilience of vinyl or plastic shutters. Most composite faux wood shutters are resistant to mildew and mould, and don't have the tendency to warp or absorb moisture like real wood will.
PVC vs Aluminium
Both are durable plantation shutter materials however Aluminium alone is prone to corrosion and PVC will not rust or corrode, making it ideal for any room in the home.
Note that in many cases, the windows are wider than the shutters, and it would be impossible to install conventional swinging shutters to cover that window. Shutters are merely a decorative feature used to make the windows look bigger.
While people tend to choose flat colors for siding, gloss or semi-gloss paints are often chosen for trim and shutters. This is because glossy paint will bring out the details, which you would want to avoid on the walls to minimize nicks and scratches – but could be great to emphasize your shutters.
By far, exterior black shutters are the most popular. It is striking against a variety of outdoor home materials – wood shingles, siding, brick, stone – and provides a great contrast that works in almost any color combination.
MDF shutters are less prone to dent and scratches. The main disadvantage of MDF shutters is their weight, making them not advisable for large windows.
Shutters should be avoided on double-mulled windows, picture windows, bay windows, and most dormer windows. Can't afford to replace the shutters? Simply adding shutter hardware is a little detail that goes a long way. A home with properly sized shutters.
MDF can be a good alternative if you still want that feeling of actual wood and want to avoid PVC. Some of the downsides of MDF shutters include the fact that this material might be prone to moisture damage in the long run, more so than actual wood.
PVC has a much lower impact on the environment, as small amounts of energy are needed to produce them. If you are looking for durable and maintenance-free shutters, PVC shutters are the way to go. They do not cost as much as wood and can keep the heat in cooler weather.