
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! ...

Are wood shutters more expensive than vinyl?
Vinyl shutters are the least expensive of the shutter options, but they still provide the same benefits and they look amazing.
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 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 wood or polyvinyl shutters cheaper?
Less Expensive. Poly is slightly less expensive than wood, so if wood plantation shutters are out of your budget, definitely consider poly.
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.
What type of window shutters are the best?
The Best Plantation Shutter MaterialsHardwood. Hardwood is a premium plantation shutter material. ... Faux Wood. Faux wood is one of the most popular styles of plantation shutters. ... Hybrid with Wood and Faux Wood. ... Vinyl. ... Composites.
How do you protect wooden shutters?
Use an adhesive exterior caulking sealant to secure the cap to the top of the shutter and to weatherproof. Exterior wood shutters must be primed before they are painted. We recommend using an oil-based primer that is tinted as close to the final color as possible and using a spray system to apply.
What type of wood is best for shutters?
Cedar is the most common material for construction of exterior shutters because of its resistance to both insects and decay. It is a straight wood that finishes very well and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions well.
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.
What is better PVC or wood shutters?
PVC shutters are not only more resistant to moisture, they also offer higher fire resistant qualities. They are cheaper, easier to clean, and quicker to manufacture than wooden shutters. Therefore, PVC might be the simplest option if you are renovating your home on a deadline or budget.
What are the most durable shutters?
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.
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.
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 color shutters look good with old homes?
Older homes look better with traditional blacks and whites while modern homes look good with vibrant blues and reds. Before you purchase new shutters, take the time to find a style and color that pairs well with your home.
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.
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.
What causes vinyl to dull?
Dirt, dust, and grit act like sandpaper and scratch the finish of the vinyl. This, in turn, leads to the emission of toxins.
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.
Do PVC shutters need to be sealed?
PVC shutter manufacturers must tightly seal the all shutter component connectors. Moisture can build up and cause deadly bacteria and mold to form in the shutter’s joints. (if not sealed correctly).
Which is better, wood or vinyl shutters?
To determine if wood shutters or vinyl shutters are better, compare side-by-side to reveal their obvious distinctions. Solid wood shutters are most appropriate on houses with natural siding and and historic homes, while vinyl shutters blend well with siding of similar material. ShutterLand is proud to offer only the highest quality solid wood ...
What is exterior vinyl shutter?
Exterior vinyl shutters are constructed without a back, so they are essentially a shell that derives strength from the structure to which they are attached. Vinyl shutters are not suitable for hinging and cannot be functional. They are best used as a cosmetic architectural accent on buildings where exterior wooden shutters are not necessary ...
What are shutters used for?
Functional exterior wooden shutters have been used internationally to protect homes from outside elements like sun, rain, snow, or the occasional peeping tom. They are typically painted to match other features on the façade and are installed with hinges to swing out to the sides of the window opening. ShutterLand’s exterior wooden shutters are made ...
What is Shutterland made of?
ShutterLand’s exterior wooden shutters are made to size from solid kiln dried woods. These custom exterior shutters are time tested and are currently installed on homes in every state in America. Shop Wood Shutters.
Do wood shutters compete with vinyl shutters?
Initially, wood exterior shutters and vinyl products seem to compete for the same market space. If you compare exterior wood shutters to vinyl shutters to see similarities and differences, they are actually adapted for different types of homes or buildings, and are rarely both sought by an individual homeowner.
Is vinyl shutters more expensive than wood shutters?
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. Exterior vinyl shutters are constructed without ...
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.

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...
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 combustion of PVC releas…