Blinds Direct’s Guide to Window Shutters

Customers often ask us what material is best for their home. Shutters can be made of a variety of materials, each with their own pros and cons. Through our research, we recommend using only premium, rot-resistant materials such as PVC or Aluminium. However, experience alone does not always answer everyone’s question of which material is the best. 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
• Composite
• PVC
• Aluminium

1. Vinyl Shutters

 

Vinyl shutters are the least expensive shutters available on the market. It is made from a thin layer of vinyl formed around a mould. It is not a solid piece of material which makes it the least durable material overall. It deteriorates the most rapidly out of all the materials we investigated and can break easily (especially when in direct sunlight for long amounts of time). These shutters are also known to fade and crack which is problematic because many cannot be re-painted. 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.
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
• Cost: Best
• Level of customisation: Good
• Colour Options: Good – Minimal Standard colours available
• Overall Value: Good

2. Natural Wood Shutters

 

Natural wood shutters have been a historic favourite. 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. They are highly customisable with a large variety of stain and colour options. Natural wood has a pretty long lifespan if treated right, however, being wood leaves it susceptible to water rot, mould and termites.
• Lifespan: Better
• Cost: Better
• Level of customisation: Best
• Colour Options: Best
• Overall Value: Better

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. Composite shutters do not absorb moisture. They are high quality and do not crack or split. They are extremely energy efficient. Their lifespan is usually twice that of natural wood.
• Lifespan: Best
• Cost: Better
• Level of customisation: Best
• Colour Options: Best
• Overall Value: Best

4. 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 customisable. 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, mould and termites. You can paint PVC without needing a primer and it requires very little maintenance.
Two negatives to using PVC is that some PVC can warp at high temperatures. The other negative is that many PVC materials do not handle black paint well so be sure to use a very high quality paint designed specifically for PVC or plastic materials.
If you would like to learn even more about PVC shutters, contact our experts!
• Lifespan: Best
• Cost: Good
• Level of customisation: Best
• Colour Options: Better
• Overall Value: Better

5. Aluminium Shutters

Aluminium is one of the most popular construction materials today and for many good reasons. If you want the best shutters for your home, aluminium exterior shutters offer a variety of benefits. They are among the leading sellers on the market.

• Lifespan: Best
• Cost: Good
• Level of customisation: Best
• Colour Options: Better
• Overall Value: Better

Pros of Aluminium Shutters

1. Durability: They Don’t rot, crack, or warp in the sun

2.Ease of customisation to suit your home’s décor needs

3.Ease of maintenance as they don’t require any special care

4.Great quality at an affordable price

5.Easy to install, operate and replace

6.Versatility and variety.

6.Neat look for aesthetic appeal

6.Great protection against the elements while also offering privacy and air/light control

Cons of Aluminium Shutters

1. Not as attractive as wood as they lack that authentic appeal

2. More expensive that other shutter materials

Choosing your exterior shutters is a big decision. You want to get the best value while making sure your home is beautified in the process. Here at Blinds Direct our experts will customize your shutters to ensure your investment lasts. Contact us to start customising your exterior shutters today!