When choosing between wooden shutters vs. 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.
Full Answer
What is better vinyl or wood shutters?
Vinyl Shutters
- Advantages of Exterior Composite Shutters. ShutterLand uses an innovative engineered wood product called Extira™ to construct louvered, raised panel, grooved shaker panel and board and batten shutters.
- Benefits of Exterior Vinyl Shutters. ...
- The Bottom Line: Composite Vs. ...
How to compare wood and vinyl plantation shutters?
Wood Vs Vinyl Shutters: 5 Major Differences You Didn’t Know About
- Composition. This is a big wood vs vinyl shutters difference. ...
- Health Risks. This is another important wood vs vinyl shutters difference that we must debunk. ...
- Structural Integrity. Here is another wood vs vinyl shutters difference that many people forget to think about. ...
- Design. ...
- Appreciation. ...
- Conclusion. ...
How to build modern wood shutters?
You’ll need:
- tape measure & pencil
- miter or circular saw
- dimensional lumber- we used 1’x8″ boards
- nail gun
- wood glue
- stain (one mixed with Poly is ideal)
- square
- sanding sponge
What glue is best for vinyl to wood?
- It will be more difficult for vinyl to stick to rough wood so sand your surface before beginning.
- Painting your wood is a great way to seal it and help the vinyl really stick. A standard acrylic paint works great.
- Wait 24 hours after you have painted the wood to stick on your design. This will ensure that the paint is cured.
- Get a squeegee! ...
Should I get vinyl or wood shutters?
When choosing between wooden shutters vs. vinyl shutters, wooden shutters are the better choice. They look authentic and are more durable and versatile than vinyl shutters.
What type of exterior shutters are the best?
Aluminum Shutters 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.
What are the most durable exterior shutters?
Aluminum is the most durable exterior shutter material. Great quality at an affordable cost. These shutters could last up to 20-30 years and more years.
Which material is best for shutters?
The most common choice of material for solid window shutters is wood. As well as being a noticeably hardwearing material, the natural features of wood (grains, textures and colours) can give your shutters an authentic look and feel that is becoming of a traditional and stylish home.
How long do exterior wood shutters last?
Wood shutters are relatively long-lasting AND they can be repainted. Generally speaking, you may get anywhere from 10 to 20+ years out of use out of your shutters. However, they are more vulnerable to rot, termites and moisture damage comparatively.
Are outdoor shutters in Style 2021?
Expect to see more external shutters outside the standard square or rectangular options in 2021.
What kind of shutters do not fade?
2. Choose the Right Shutter MaterialAluminum—sturdy and some styles are storm rated.Composite—looks like wood but lasts twice as long, needs less maintenance and won't rot.Fiberglass—lightweight and resists expansion.Vinyl—most budget-friendly material.
How long do vinyl shutters last?
Plantation shutters can easily last 10 - 25 years! And they don't need much help getting there as they are perhaps the most low maintenance window covering out there!
Are exterior shutters out of style 2022?
Trim & Shutters Often, home builders paint the trim and shutters of a home in a muted color that will blend or hide, as not to stand out. But painting trim and shutters to stand out and add to the home's visual exterior is the way to go in 2022.
Are wood shutters more expensive than vinyl?
Vinyl shutters are cheaper than wood and still provide many practical advantages. Thanks to the hard-wearing nature of this material, these shutters benefit from a long life span.
Are wood shutters worth it?
If properly installed, a wood shutter can reduce heat loss by 75-90% and provide an insulation value (or R-Value) between 4.0 and 10.0. Up to 50% of a home's heating and cooling escapes through the windows.
Do wooden shutters warp?
Do wood shutters really warp? Wood is a natural material that is subject to humidity so it's true that some woods are prone to warping. Some shutter companies have been known to produce louvers that warp over time, but there are certain precautions that a reputable shutter company will take to avoid this.
Which is better, wood or vinyl shutters?
According to amazingplans.com, vinyl shutters are better installed in locations where there is high humidity or moisture such as in a bathroom next to the shower, solariums, or near a pool, jacuzzi, or sink. Wooden shutters, on the other hand, are much stronger than vinyl so they come in a larger variety of shapes and sizes.
What is vinyl shutter?
Our vinyl shutters are specially designed to make them exceptionally strong. They are reinforced in major stress points with interior aluminum bracing and resin blocks for extra strength and stability.
What is the least expensive shutter?
Vinyl shutters are the least expensive of the shutter options, but they still provide the same benefits and they look amazing. At Graham’s & Son, we can give you a free quote during our first visit. 2. Maintenance Free Beautiful Finish. Vinyl interior shutters will not crack, peel, fade, or deteriorate like wood.
What is Tilia wood shutter?
Tilia™ Wood Shutters are constructed of select, high-grade North American hardwood that has been kiln dried for optimal levels of strength and durability. North American hardwood is a straight-grained wood, which means that it will allow stains and paints to absorb into the wood to a better degree, giving it further protection and a richer look. Our Cashmere shutters are made from superior hardwood, which is firmer than most hardwoods. Because of its reduced moisture content, it is extremely durable.
What is a polysatin shutter?
Our Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ shutters are constructed with UV resistant Polysatin™ compound. They are plantation style shutters which come in your choice of colours. These awesome and economical shutters come with the following great features.
Is vinyl shutters the least expensive?
If you are on a budget, you can still enjoy the flexibility and beauty of shutters. Vinyl shutters are the least expensive of the shutter options, but they still provide the same benefits and they look amazing. At Graham’s & Son, we can give you a free quote during our first visit. 2. Maintenance Free Beautiful Finish.
Do Hunter Douglas shutters need to be cleaned?
Our exclusive shutters crafted by Hunter Douglas are designed to require minimal care. Cleaning is easy with our vinyl shutters. There is no need to purchase expensive special cleaning agents. They clean up beautifully with mild soap and water.
Which is better, wood or vinyl shutters?
Smaller shutters offer you more options. Both vinyl and wood will work well. Larger shutters, on the other hand, need more stability and durability which limits your options. Wood is much stronger than vinyl. Large vinyl shutters will warp and sag over a short period.
What are the disadvantages of vinyl shutters?
The Disadvantages of Vinyl Shutters. 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.
What type of shutters are used for a home?
The majority of today’s homeowners prefer the look of wooden shutters. Wooden shutters are versatile and offer a timeless look that vinyl, composite, or other shutter materials can’t achieve. The different types of wood you can choose from have unique characteristics and qualities.
Why are my shutters yellowing?
The weather can cause vinyl shutters to yellow and stain over time. Compared to most other exterior shutter materials, vinyl has a shorter lifespan.
What do window shutters do?
Window shutters make a home feel warm and look inviting. They’re visually appealing and boost your home’s curb appeal. But the wrong shutters can make your home the neighborhood’s eyesore. Picking the right material, color, and size of your shutters is key to a beautiful look.
Why are window shutters important?
Once upon a time, window shutters were necessary to keep your home warm, safe, and protected from storms. You still find many beautiful functional window shutters that slide or swing shut but today’s shutters are mainly for aesthetics. Window shutters make a home feel warm and look inviting. They’re visually appealing and boost your home’s curb ...
What type of wood is used for shutters?
Basswood and poplar are two common types of wood used for wooden shutters. They’re very durable and lightweight making them versatile. Both types of wood look great when stained or painted giving you an almost unlimited color palette. Finally, if you like the look of wider slats in your shutters, wood is the way to go.
What is the difference between wood and vinyl shutters?
Here is another wood vs vinyl shutters difference that many people forget to think about. Vinyl Shutters are not covered in paint. Companies add colors to the plastic mixture which hardens with the plastic. The paint used in many wood shutter products creates a vinyl like seal over the shutter protecting the wood from moisture and heat. Poor paints and primers give a limited protection of the wood interior , and over time the structural integrity of the wood is compromised causing it to crack or warp if not originally sealed correctly.
What wood is used for shutters?
American poplar is the most versatile hardwood used in wood shutter manufacturing since it is one of the easier hardwoods to mill. Other woods that can be used include pine, oak, cherry wood and ash. There are various degrees of wood quality ranging from select to premium grade.
Why is PVC shutter lighter?
This makes the shutter lighter and offsets PVC expansion caused by high heat exposure. Not only does this cause health risks for the consumer, but PVC as a material fails to compare with wood’s structural integrity as it is more prone to warpage in high heat environments.
Why are my shutters turning yellow?
If you install shutters near heat vents and radiator legs, they may turn yellow, red-brown or black. Exposure of these shutters to direct sunlight will result in sunlight or discoloration stains. Painted Wood Shutters without the UV Resistor will most definitely yellow over time.
How many shutter styles are there in Shutter Boys?
This is where Shutter Boys Inc. is different. Not only do we currently have three molded wood shutter styles to choose from, but our product engineers are set to increase that number in the near future with an increasing customer demand. Variety is one of the ways we deliver you happiness.
What are the effects of PVC?
During the course of the PVC cycle, the toxins released can produce severe illnesses like cancer, diabetes, neurological damage, reproductive and birth defects. In addition, the chloroethene monomer is also a carcinogen released during PVC manufacture.
Is vinyl shutters bad for you?
Vinyl Shutters pose the greatest health risks to the consumer. Shutters are normally placed in windows, an area where there is a great amount of solar heat. This heat increases the rate at which phthalates are released from the vinyl into the atmosphere around us thus it poses a severe health risk to the consumer.
What are the best shutters for a window?
Wood Window Shutters – 1 These kinds of window treatments will give your home a warm and traditional feel. They are the best choice for larger windows. 2 Wood shutters can be ordered to fit any size or shape window and come in a number of slat widths. 3 Any custom color is available and can be coordinated with your home. Many wood tones and textures are also available to fit any design scheme. 4 Wooden shutters block out the sun and the UV rays impeccably and increase the level of privacy.
Can you use wood shutters on vinyl shutters?
When it comes to the different shapes and sizes, wood shutters are the perfect option for most of the homes. They can be fixed into different sizes and shapes to fit your needs. Wood shutters have no limitations and can easily be crafted into any shape required to fit the window or door perfectly. But vinyl shutters are available in only basic shapes.
Do vinyl shutters have insect protection?
So if you are looking for exterior shutters, then exterior vinyl shutters are the best choices. Vinyl shutters also carry no risk of insect infestation.
Do vinyl shutters need to be painted?
Vinyl interior shutters will not crack, peel, fade or deteriorate like wood. These shutters are scratch and dent resistant. They never need sanding, staining, or painting. Their finish looks almost identical to a finely painted shutter.
What are the pros and cons of wood shutters?
Pros of wood shutters. 1.Aesthetics: Wood shutters beast the other shutter materials hand down and they give your house a dash of classic style that is not easy to match. 2.Protection: his shutter material offer good protection against UV light and heat in summer and cold during winter. During stormy weather, wood shutters can hold their own ...
What wood is best for a shutter?
Wooden shutters are appropriate for drier areas where the effects of water will not be a problem and the best wood species include basswood, poplar, oak, maple, cedar, alder and pine. Each has its own characteristics which will determine the quality of your shutters.
Why are shutters important?
Shutters also improve privacy and boost your home’s value. This window furnishing can instantly transform your home’s curb appeal. The shutter material you choose largely determines how well the furnishing plays its role. You have to choose the best material to suit your home and this is not easy. To help you out, this article explores some ...
What is MDF shutter?
Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is a popular alternative to wood in house shutters manufacturing. This is an engineered wood composite of compacted residue from a mixture of hardwoods and softwoods. It is a popular shutter material with homeowners today.
What to consider when choosing shutters?
Other important factors to consider include the size of your windows, weather conditions in your area, architectural style of your home, common shutter materials in your area and the cost. It is also important to consider a shutter material that you can easily customize to suit your décor needs.
What is the best material for shutters?
Aluminum is one of the most popular construction materials today and for many good reasons. If you want the best shutters for your home, aluminum exterior shutters offer a variety of benefits. They are among the leading sellers on the market.
What is exterior wood shutter?
Wood has a natural appeal due to its authentic look and its timeless beauty. It is one of the most versatile materials in construction and most homeowners prefer it for their window shutters.
What are the advantages of vinyl shutters?
The primary advantages of vinyl shutters are the low price and the speed which they can be obtained . They are by far the best bang for your buck in exterior home renovations, and can quickly make a significant home improvement.
What is outdoor vinyl shutter?
Outdoor vinyl shutters are constructed from injection molded polypropylene components with UV stabilizers. The parts are cut to length, then heat welded and stapled for stable cohesion. There is a wood grain texture imprinted on the front surface of vinyl shutters to minimize the potential of a flat reflective glare. The thickness of the vinyl is only 1/8″, which feels insubstantial as a standalone shutter. However, these vinyl shutters gain rigidity when affixed to a building and prove quite resilient.
What is shutterland made of?
This composite material is made from 90% sustainable wood fibers held together with marine-grade resins, pressed into large straight sheets, then cut into outdoor shutter components. It is similar to medium-density fiberboard, but it is twice as strong. This process results in exterior composite shutters that are extra durable in high-moisture climates.
How long does it take to make vinyl shutters?
Vinyl shutters are not as customizable as their composite equivalent. The standard production time for vinyl exterior shutters is about 4-7 weeks. Some styles remain in stock and generally ship within 3-5 business days.
What is composite shutter?
Composite shutters are sturdy and best simulate wood shutters. The solid material results in window shutters that weigh much more than the vinyl. This makes composite shutters a more sturdy option, but can be more difficult to install. The panels can be screwed directly to the structure or mounted with the included brackets.
How wide are vinyl shutters?
Vinyl components are made in limited widths and heights in 1/4″ increments up to 86 inches. There are thousands of size combinations to best match the window dimensions. The components are produced in advance and assembled to order for a fast turnaround. Vinyl shutters are not as customizable as their composite equivalent.
Which is better, wood or composite shutters?
In short, composite produces a more solid, sturdy exterior shutter that will more closely approximate the look of wood shutters. They are usually the better choice for a project that has adequate funds and requires a more upscale appearance. However, vinyl shutters are better for budget-conscious consumers or projects where a quicker update is ...
What is the best material for shutters?
Let’s take an in-depth look at the various shutter material that are available for your home. Typically shutters come in the following materials: Vinyl. Natural Wood (Cedar, Pine, or another natural wood)
What is the difference between natural wood and composite shutters?
Natural wood has a pretty long lifespan if treated right, however, being wood leaves it susceptible to water rot, mold and termites. 3. Composite Shutters. Composite shutters are premium products made of faux cedar wood grain. They look and feel like real wood, but are resistant to rot, mold and termites.
What is PVC shutters?
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. 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.
What is the least expensive shutter?
Vinyl shutters are the least expensive shutters available on the market. It is made from a thin layer of vinyl formed around a mold. It is not a solid piece of material which makes it the least durable material overall.
What are natural wood shutters made of?
Natural wood shutters have been a historic favorite. Most commonly made of cedar or pine, they offer unmatched beauty. Cedar is a particularly durable wood, able to withstand even hurricane force wind. It is also a natural, healthy choice as natural wood shutters are chemical free.
Why do shutters fade?
Because it fades and breaks easily, it needs to be replaced more often costing you more over time than simply using a higher quality material.
Is vinyl siding good for life?
The pro for Vinyl is that it is very light weight making it perfect for installation over weaker exterior home construction materials. For instance Vinyl shutters are perfect for homes with Vinyl siding. • Lifespan: Good.
Composition
Health Risks
- This is another important wood vs vinyl shutters difference that we must debunk. Vinyl Shutters pose the greatest health risks to the consumer. Shutters are normally placed in windows, an area where there is a great amount of solar heat. This heat increases the rate at which phthalates are released from the vinyl into the atmosphere around us thus it poses a severe health risk to the c…
Structural Integrity
- Here is another wood vs vinyl shutters difference that many people forget to think about. Vinyl Shutters are not covered in paint. Companies add colors to the plastic mixture which hardens with the plastic. The paint used in many wood shutter products creates a vinyl like seal over the shutter protecting the wood from moisture and heat. Poor paints and primers give a limited protection o…
Design
- Shutter design is a basic wood vs vinyl shutters difference. Are all shutters flat? Not necessarily. For vinyl shutters that is a correct assumption as most companies don’t want to pay the price for bevel plastic shutter molds. So, Vinyl shutter design is basic and modernistic. That’s good, but it doesn’t deliver happiness. Consumers like variety. Wood enables manufacturers to give you tha…
Appreciation
- Who knew you could get your money back when purchasing shutters? Seriously, how can this be? We’ll tell you. Home appraisers raise the value of a home if they see that permanent home upgrades improve the home quality. For starters, vinyl does not improve the quality of a home- quality wood whether added in a staircase or window does. For this reason, appraisers can esti…
Conclusion
- Today, consumers have the necessary tools required to make the right purchase for their home and family. Wood is the natural alternative to PVC. Unlike vinyl, wood is a durable, renewable resource that is good for our environment. Additionally, wood does not give off carcinogens. Recycled PVC and plastics of different makes flood our landfills. The...