Wood or
Composite Plantation Shutters? Pros & Cons
Working
in the shutter industry for over 20 years the one question that I am asked most
often is “what is better wood or composite shutters”. Shutters were for
long time only made of wood. But, the synthetic shutter category has really
grown with new materials and improvements coming out all the time. In this
article we will discuss all the materials and options for each so that you can
make an informed decision when looking and purchasing the right shutter for
your home.
Wood
Shutters
The
first use of plantation shutters was over 500
years ago in Tudor England and it was very common for homes to have wooden
shutters. Today many homeowners still use wood shutters in their windows. Wood shutters today are typically made from either
popular or basswood construction. Popular is generally used when having a
shutter made in a stain finish because of its beautiful natural wood grain and
color variations in the wood. Basswood is used when having a shutter made
in a painted finish. Basswood is used with painted finishes because of it
being a very tight grain hardwood that gives a very nice painted finish. When
looking at wood shutters one thing to discuss is how many coats of paint are
used when making the shutter and also the process in which they are
coated. Some of the less expensive shutter manufactures may only use two
coats. Some higher end lines may have many coast of paint and have a true
furniture grade finish. How the shutter is finished will determine how
the shutter looks years down the road. With wood shutters you
will have the choice for both the standard tilt bar on the front and also the
hidden tilt bar feature. If your windows have a window panes this is
something to think about since your traditional shutter will add another
vertical line to your window. When making the shutter with the hidden
tilt feature you will have a more cleaner look. Check out this video of
how Graber manufactures their wood shutter.
Pros
Unlimited
color choices. Wood shutters can be painted or stained to any color.
Wood
shutters are much lighter weight than synthetic materials. This allows for
panels widths up to 42'
Specialty
Shapes. Wood shutters can be made to fit any shape window
Motorization
is available also can be tied into a home automation system
Excellent
insulating value for both hot and cold climates
Standard
tilt bar and also hidden tilt feature
Cons
The need for repainting the shutter in the future. Like
any painted surface in your home, the painted finish on your shutters will age
over time.
Synthetic Shutters
The
synthetic shutter category is the fastest growing shutter material on the
market. With each year manufactures are making improvements and new
materials are coming out. When exploring the different synthetic shutter
materials available each will have their own way of formulating the material.
We have them listed for you below with the pros and cons of each. One thing you
will notice with most of your synthetic shutter materials is that they are very
heavy when compared to wood. This factor will come into play if you want to
have wide or tall shutter panels.
MDF
Medium density fibreboard
(MDF) is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood
into wood fibers. Often it is combined with a wax or resin binder at very
high temperature and pressure. It is then coated with a
polypropylene coating to provide a nice solid finish. Plantation shutter panels
wider than 30" will need to be made with a reinforced slat. Going with a
reinforced slat will then allow you to make shutter panels up to 36"
wide.
Pros
The polypropylene coating
resist staining discoloration and warping
Has one of the nicest
finishes to wood out of the synthetic material
Moisture resistant
No need for repainting in
the future
Standard tilt bar and
hidden tilt feature available
Cons
If polypropylene coating
can delaminate in extreme moisture areas. Once coating delaminates or is
scratched to the MDF core the shutter will be unable to repaired.
Weight. MDF
material is extremely heavy which comes into with large shutter panels
Specialty shapes
not available
Limited color selection.
No stain colors
Polycore
Poly core shutters are
made from a solid polymer all the way through. Your maximum width
shutter panels will range from 28"- 30". Poly-core shutters come in a
range of whites and neutrals. Poly-core material has more of a matte
finish. The structural integrity of poly-core is one of the best
of the synthetic materials. Being a solid polymers it
resist scratches and nicks very well.
Pros
Water and fire resistant
Uv inhibitor keeps
the shutter from fading in the sun over time.
Never have to repaint
Excellent insulating values for
both hot and cold
Standard tilt bar
and hidden tilt available
Some specialty
shapes available
Cons
Is a very heavy
material.
Has limitations on
width and length of shutter panels
Does not offer reinforced
slat for large doors
Material prone to
cracking if shutter panel is dropped
Limited color selection
offers no stained colors
Vinyl-PVC
Pvc or vinyl shutters
were the first of the synthetic material to hit the market in mid to late 90's.
Vinyl shutters do not have a nice as finish as the
other synthetic material no available. However there are still
places where vinyls shutters can be used. Extreme wet areas vinyl
shutters are the only material that can be used with no risk of damage. Being
the least expensive shutter material and is good for those on a tight budget.
Vinyls shutters can come in both a hollow core where shutter panels can not
exceed 24" wide. There is a reinforced slat which will allow panel
widths up to 30" wide.
Pros
Least expensive shutter
material
Best choice for areas
of extreme moisture.
Cons
Color
selection extremely limited to white and off white
Shutters have more of a
plastic sheen
Shutter components are
very fragile and prone to break easily.
_______________________________________________________
Hopefully this
information will help you make a informed decision when purchasing
shutters. I would suggest talking to a
few different plantation shutter companies in
your town and friends that might have shutters in there
home. Ask them question about what warranty does the shutter have and how
experienced is the installer. You can have the best quality shutter but
if not installed correctly can look horrible.
Below is a video that
shows the different option that Hunter Douglas offers.
Unique Perspective window
coverings, plantation shutters , window shades , blinds Wilmington NC ,
Wood plantation shutters, Composite plantation shutters , blinds ,
Saint James Plantation , Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach , Leland , Ocean
Isle , Brunswick Forest , window treatments ,
