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.
Both wood, PVC, and composite shutters can be good choices for small shutters. However, larger shutters need more stability and durability, which limits your options to materials such as wood. Wood is much stronger and lighter than PVC or composite material, so it is a good choice for large shutters.
The architectural style of your home: Raised panel shutters are best for Colonial, saltbox-style and Georgian homes, while louvered shutters work with all architectural styles. Exterior brickwork: Louvered shutters can look too busy or cluttered if you have a lot of brickwork or decorative detailing on the exterior.
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.
Shutters should be sized to cover the window if closed and convey the believable appearance of actually being usable even if theyare non-operable. Also, the shutters should mirror image the window. Rails should line up with the lock rail, transom, muntin or other architectural elements of the window.
Remember, whether shutters are operational or decorative, the shutter should be big enough to cover the window if the shutters were closed. If the window arrangement looks too crowded and there is little to no “resting” space between shutters when they are open, you should probably avoid shutters.
Adding Color to Shutters
Or, simply select a shutter color that is three shades darker than the siding color. In order to keep the overall number of house siding colors to a minimum, doors and shutters can be painted the same color. This would be a good choice if there is concern that the exterior may become too busy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Faux Wood Shutters are the most energy efficient shutter option. They are made of PVC or vinyl with a hollow core, which creates an air pocket that resists heat transfer.
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.
High end wood and composite shutters will be much better quality wise than any vinyl shutters available. We should face the fact that no vinyl shutter brand is going to be a precision product that some high cost wood and composite shutters can be.
vinyl shutters , wooden shutters are the better choice. They look authentic and are more durable and versatile than vinyl shutters . But that's not to say vinyl is a bad option. There are many great-looking and durable vinyl shutters that will look great on your home.
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.
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.
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.
There are many shutter colors to choose from, but the most popular is a stately black. Because they fit with any home exterior, black shutters are universally appealing. White is another popular exterior shutter color.
The color of your shutters can either match your front door or complement it with a contrasting color. Your home's shutters should coordinate with your front door.
Curtains with shutters work best when the curtain pole is raised higher than your window frame and when they fall floor length. Don't be afraid of pairing shutters with curtains. While it might seem like an unusual style choice, with a little consideration it can be a fabulous and elegant feature of any room.