Composite or faux wood and even vinyl shutters can be more affordable (they're also more resistant to humidity and, in some cases, lighter).
Shutters material and finish – There are three main types of plantation shutters based on material: composite or faux wood, painted wood, and stained wood. Composite and faux wood shutters are typically the cheapest option, while painted wood shutters fall somewhere in the middle in terms of price.
$145 – $347 Per Window
Plantation shutters typically cost $145 to $347 per window depending on the size and material chosen. Wood shutters cost $200 to $350 per window, while faux or composite shutters cost between $70 and $260 per window. Overall, you can expect to spend $20 to $45 per square foot.
The cost of plantation shutters will vary depending on a range of factors, but on average you can expect your shutters to start at around $300-$500 for a standard window. Installation costs for plantation shutters may be charged at an hourly or fixed rate.
Vinyl plantation shutters are made of polyvinyl chloride plastic, called PVC for short. This is a lightweight material that's significantly less expensive than wood, making vinyl a more cost-effective option for most homes.
Plantation Shutter Material Strength
Aluminium is amazingly resilient. It's low-maintenance and won't take up much of your time at all. Poplar is just as strong and tough. PVC is also a material that tends to have longevity on its side.
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.
Ask Joanna Gaines, of course. In her new design book, Homebody, Jo revealed a particularly stylish fix for this issue: Plantation shutters.
The main factors to consider are materials, colour, size and style. Buyers should also factor in their budgetary limits. All these factors can make the decision of which shutters to install where very tough.
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.
Because they're made from sturdier, higher-quality materials, they add an element of sophistication and elegance to a room. Standard blinds can experience numerous issues, such as broken strings, broken louvers and color fading.
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.
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. On the other hand, the finish you get on composite shutters doesn't quite live up to real wood – even if you apply a grain texture to them.
Wood is stronger than poly, yet lighter in weight. This allows for greater durability, but it also means that you can have a larger panel size with wood shutters.
Types of Plantation Shutters
The three main types are Tier on Tier shutters, Café style shutters, and Full Height Shutters. Tier-on-Tier shutters offer the most versatility when it comes to light and privacy control.
One of the best places to start with window treatments that suit a modern farmhouse look is a custom set of plantation shutters. Their classic design suits a wide range of interior styles, and their modern construction ensures energy efficiency and convenient day-to-day use.
Sherwin Williams – Alabaster
Joanna painted the main living areas of her own farmhouse Alabaster and she continually uses it in homes she designs on Fixer Upper as well. It's a great color to use on walls and trim both. We painted the shiplap in Mouse House this color.
Joanna Gaines started more trends than just shiplap. When Fixer Upper got going, suddenly bamboo blinds were the new “in” thing. For good reason, they pair beautifully with simple white curtains while also adding texture.
We like Maria Killam's advice, especially for DIY'ers and novices: “A good rule of thumb if you are considering adding (or trying to decide whether to keep) shutters: if your windows are wider than they are tall, they won't look good with shutters.” If you're asking why this matters, the answer makes perfect sense: if ...
ABS is strong enough to be cut and used for special shaped windows and custom bay angles. ABS is extremely easy to keep clean – just wipe with a damp cloth, making them the perfect alternatives to wooden shutters.
How Long Do Shutters Last? Shutters outclass every other window treatment on the market when it comes to their lifespan. Even Ovation wood shutters, which don't last as long as faux wood shutters, can easily last up to 15 – 20 years.
When you compare exterior shutters, vinyl shutters are generally regarded as a less authentic, yet less expensive option. Most vinyl shutters have a molded wood grain surface to provide texture and depth. However, the synthetic material still does have a plastic-like appearance when inspected closely.
The cheaper quality PVC shutters do not have UV stabilisers in the material, or in the paint. Some are even hollow inside. This means if they are put in a hot window (for example a western window of your home) they may warp or turn yellow.
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.