+1 (647)-646-9979Choosing the Right Window Shutters: A Guide to the Pros & Cons
The Pros and Cons of Window Shades: Which Are Best for You?
In the last two articles, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the different varieties of window shades. We’re going to take it up a notch this time and shift our attention to a different type of window covering that is timeless, elegant, and lasts longer: window shutters.
Installing window shutters can really reinvigorate your home from an aesthetic as well as functional standpoint. That said, it does require more of an investment compared to other window coverings or treatments. With this in mind, how do you select the right window shutters? Do you base your decision on your budget, the latest interior design trends, functionality, or preferences?
This article seeks to answer these questions and provide a balanced overview of the different window shutter styles available based on the materials they’re made of.
Are you ready to find out which window shutters are right for you? Read on.
Table of Contents
Window Shutters: An Overview
1. Vinyl Shutters
These shutters are manufactured from a thin layer of vinyl that is formed around a mould. This is some of the most common material used for interior window shutters and are widely available.
Here are some points that speak for and against vinyl shutters.
Pros
Cons
- They’re resistant to high levels of moisture
- Won’t warp, fade, or peel
- Minimal maintenance is required and they’re easy to clean
- Flame retardant
- More affordable compared to wooden shutters
- Limited colour options
- The louvers have a hollow interior, which makes them less durable than some of the other materials used for window shutters
- Vinyl isn’t very strong and can crack easily
- It can’t be painted, stained, or refinished
- Limited sizes available (not recommended for large windows)
Pros
- They’re resistant to high levels of moisture
- Won’t warp, fade, or peel
- Minimal maintenance is required and they’re easy to clean
- Flame retardant
- More affordable compared to wooden shutters
Cons
- Limited colour options
- The louvers have a hollow interior, which makes them less durable than some of the other materials used for window shutters
- Vinyl isn’t very strong and can crack easily
- It can’t be painted, stained, or refinished
- Limited sizes available (not recommended for large windows)
2. PVC Shutters
These window shutters are manufactured from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC for short. Many of the California shutters or plantation shutters available on the market are made of this material and have become increasingly popular due to their timeless look and durability.
Here are some of the pros and cons of PVC shutters.
Pros
Cons
- They’re durable, tough, and last longer
- They’re weather resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures
- A good choice for parts of the home that are constantly subjected to high levels of moisture (kitchen, washrooms)
- They won’t warp, fade, or crack
- More affordable compared to wooden shutters
- They’re lightweight and easy to clean/maintain
- The design is timeless
- The colour options are limited
- The panel sizes are also limited
Pros
- They’re durable, tough, and last longer
- They’re weather resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures
- A good choice for parts of the home that are constantly subjected to high levels of moisture (kitchen, washrooms)
- They won’t warp, fade, or crack
- More affordable compared to wooden shutters
- They’re lightweight and easy to clean/maintain
- The design is timeless
Cons
- The colour options are limited
- The panel sizes are also limited
3. Composite Wood Shutters
Also known as “faux wood”, composite wood shutters are made of medium-density fiberboard that also contains a vinyl coating. For the reasons we’re about to explore, these shutters are an excellent substitute for real wood shutters.
Here are the pros and cons of composite wood shutters.
Pros
Cons
- Composite wood is a durable material that can last long
- They’re more affordable compared to some of the other materials, and has a higher tolerance for moisture
- They’re waterproof, and won’t crack or warp even after facing tough weather conditions
- The material is thick enough that it can help trap heat in the winter and deflect heat from the sunlight in the warmer months (this will help you to save energy)
- The material is strong, so there’s a low risk of damage
- It’s lightweight and easy to clean
- The design is timeless
- Over time, the paint can get chipped which will make the wood visible
- The slats will loosen as time passes, so you’ll need to tighten the screws on a frequent basis
Pros
- Composite wood is a durable material that can last long
- They’re more affordable compared to some of the other materials, and has a higher tolerance for moisture
- They’re waterproof, and won’t crack or warp even after facing tough weather conditions
- The material is thick enough that it can help trap heat in the winter and deflect heat from the sunlight in the warmer months (this will help you to save energy)
- The material is strong, so there’s a low risk of damage
- It’s lightweight and easy to clean
- The design is timeless
Cons
- Over time, the paint can get chipped which will make the wood visible
- The slats will loosen as time passes, so you’ll need to tighten the screws on a frequent basis
4. Aluminum
As the name suggests, these shutters are made of aluminum and can be used for exterior as well as interior purposes and applications.
Here are the pros and cons of aluminum shutters.
Pros
Cons
- They’re weather resistant and won’t crack, warp, or fade
- They’re easier to maintain as compared to wood shutters
- Aluminum is versatile and can be used for both interior and exterior applications
- They’re strong and lightweight
- They have a stylish and more modern look and come in a variety of colours
- They don’t look very authentic, which might not appeal to some homeowners
- They’re costly and can be more expensive than timber shutters
- They require a lot of maintenance (regular painting and cleaning)
- They can be prone to damage and bending
Pros
- They’re weather resistant and won’t crack, warp, or fade
- They’re easier to maintain as compared to wood shutters
- Aluminum is versatile and can be used for both interior and exterior applications
- They’re strong and lightweight
- They have a stylish and more modern look and come in a variety of colours
Cons
- They don’t look very authentic, which might not appeal to some homeowners
- They’re costly and can be more expensive than timber shutters
- They require a lot of maintenance (regular painting and cleaning)
- They can be prone to damage and bending
5. Natural Wood Shutters
Having window shutters made of materials like timber, cedar, mahogany, pine, or other hardwoods can help to give your home an aesthetically pleasing and natural look.
Here are the pros and cons of natural wood shutters.
Pros
Cons
- They have a beautiful natural look that adds character to your home
- As they’re made of hardwood, they’re durable and strong
- They’re easy to clean/maintain, and are available in different colour varieties available
- Wooden shutters can be customized with stains and paints, which is something you can’t do with composite wood
- Wood shutters tend to be more expensive than the other types of shutters
- They need to be constantly maintained and repainted
- They’re prone to moisture and warping
- They’re susceptible to damage from sunlight and weathering over time
- As it is a natural material, the colour or quality will be inconsistent
Pros
- They have a beautiful natural look that adds character to your home
- As they’re made of hardwood, they’re durable and strong
- They’re easy to clean/maintain, and are available in different colour varieties available
- Wooden shutters can be customized with stains and paints, which is something you can’t do with composite wood
Cons
- Wood shutters tend to be more expensive than the other types of shutters
- They need to be constantly maintained and repainted
- They’re prone to moisture and warping
- They’re susceptible to damage from sunlight and weathering over time
- As it is a natural material, the colour or quality will be inconsistent
Conclusion
As may have noticed from the comparisons that we highlighted in this article, there is no such thing as the perfect set of window shutters. What you do have, however, is an assessment of the types of window shutters available that are made of different kinds of materials. Some are more visually or aesthetically appealing while others have a more practical function. Some are relatively low maintenance while others require frequent care.
Which window shutters would be a perfect fit for your home? Feel free to peruse our website or contact us at ShutterLux, and our team would be delighted to provide you with some professional advice, consultation, and recommendations that will help give your windows (and home) a new look.
In our next article, we’ll explore the different types of window blinds.
Feel free to peruse the rest of our website or contact us for more information.
