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.
PVC: The Most Cost-Effective plantation Shutters Material
Better still, PVC shutters are resistant to moisture and humidity.
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.
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 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.
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.
Unfortunately, PVC shutters do eventually begin to sag and yellow, albeit around 10 years. This is why at Simply Shutters, Awnings and Blinds we recommend our custom-made timber shutters for longevity.
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.
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.
Ask Joanna Gaines, of course. In her new design book, Homebody, Jo revealed a particularly stylish fix for this issue: Plantation shutters.
Plantation shutters typically have larger louvers, typically between three and four inches, while traditional shutters have smaller louvers, typically between one and two inches. This allows for more control over the amount of light entering the room with plantation shutters. Get a Quote!
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.
Plantation shutters add value to your house in several ways. Potential buyers will appreciate that shutters are energy efficient and can lower utility costs, making your house appear more appealing than homes without shutters. Buyers save money on energy bills throughout the year, making your property more desirable.
Black or dark colors, like cobalt, can really make the shutters pop and dress up your home's exterior. Light-colored shutters that are only a few shades darker than the rest of your home create a seamless, classic look for a more traditional home.
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.
Affordable: Vinyl shutters are typically less expensive than wood or composite shutters. Moisture-resistant: Vinyl is a moisture-resistant material, so it's a good option for use in humid or damp areas.
But of course, one size does not fit all, and there a few things to consider when deciding the best shutter louver size. 3 ½” shutter slats are the most popular choice.
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 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.
PVC shutters are an upgrade over vinyl and composite. They are made to look and feel like real wood, but are made of a plastic compound that is extremely durable, lightweight and customizable. PVC is an ideal choice for outdoor building projects because it is resistant to oxidation.
Cedar has a great reputation for use on all sorts of outdoor projects – decks, railings, patio furniture, pergolas. Because of these features, Cedar shutters are some of the most dependable accessory a homeowner can install. Mahogany is the best material for exterior shutters if one has the budget.
As most shutter installations are hinged this presents a problem over time as the heavier PVC shutters can sag and twist under their own weight and eventually this will affect the opening and closing of the panels and operation of the louvres which will scrape on the inside surface of the stiles.
PVC shutters are a fantastic and entirely safe addition to the home - when you buy high quality, toxic free ones. However, low quality, cheap PVC shutters are made from subpar materials can release formaldehyde, a carcinogenic, when they get hot.