Aluminium is inherently stronger and more durable than timber or PVC, making Aluminium Shutters the ultimate choice for withstanding the wear and tear of everyday living. There's a reason our Aluminium Shutters come with a 25-year structural warranty. We know they last.
Due to the strength of Aluminium as a material we are able to build sleeker more refined panels, the PVC has to be a bulkier design as the material is heavy but less strong. Ultimately the wider more stable panels mean we can have less panels in a wider window, less cluttered, better view out.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A shorter window lifespan means more repairs and subsequent installations. The lifespan of PVC is estimated to be around 15-20 years, while aluminum windows retain their properties for up to 50 years due to their greater resistance to corrosion and sunlight.
Aluminium is a considerably stronger material than uPVC and can subsequently hold frames that are not only thinner and sleeker but bigger too; allowing more light into the property and making living spaces feel fresher and more spacious.
If you're looking to update your outdoor entertaining area with new window coverings, aluminium shutters are a good option. Outdoor aluminium shutters are great for insulating your outdoor area as in summer, they keep your space cool and in winter, they keep the heat in.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your home's shutters should coordinate with your front door. While it's a “safe” approach to match your shutter color with your front door, you can also simply go one shade lighter or one shade darker (without the risk of clashing!) to add some uniqueness and style to your home's appearance.
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.
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.
One of the biggest disadvantages of vinyl shutters is they don't always look as good as wooden shutters . Depending on the quality of the vinyl, they can look downright bad. Over time, vinyl shutters warp and crack. Even when well-maintained, they won't last as long as wooden shutters .
PVC Shutters
PVC is an ideal choice for outdoor building projects because it is resistant to oxidation. PVC is designed to last a lifetime, never needing to be replaced. Like composite, PVC is resistant to rot, mold and termites. You can paint PVC without needing a primer and it requires very little maintenance.
Waterproof and Steam Resistant – PVC shutters are highly waterproof and moisture resistant. The material is smooth and non-porous, meaning they will never rust in areas that are rife with humidity and water.
PVC shutters (or uPVC shutters) are light, easy to install and look fantastic without too much effort to clean and maintain them. Compared to real wood, plastic window shutters are often also the more affordable option. But one down site of opting for upvc window shutters is that they aren't easy to adapt.