Shutters are a gorgeous and functional design element you can add to your home. They let you control the light in your rooms, which is essential on hot, sunny days when you need protection from the sun’s UV rays. Shutters also provide much-needed privacy in your home, preventing your neighbors from looking inside.
If you’re in the market for shutters, you might be a bit overwhelmed by all the material options. We’ve written this article to help you understand everything related to wood shutters and whether the material suits your needs.
What Are Wood Shutters?
A wooden shutter consists of a frame that attaches to the window and horizontal slats—also known as louvers—that you can tilt to let the light in as desired.
Wood shutters are made from real, natural wood, such as durable basswood or cedar. They’re a timeless and classic option that can match many decorating styles. Thanks to its warmth and quality, wood also adds a luxurious feel to homes.
Common Questions About Wood Shutters
Below are a few of the most commonly asked questions regarding wood shutters, how they compare to other materials, and how to maintain them.
Vinyl vs. Wood Shutters: What’s the Difference?
Vinyl is a much more cost-effective interior shutter option than wood because it is made entirely of polyvinyl chloride — a synthetic polymer. Vinyl is less durable than PVC and wood because it’s hollow. It can warp, crack and fade from the sun and high temperatures.
Wood vs. Composite Shutters: Which Is Better?
Composite shutters mimic the feel and appearance of wooden shutters by combining wood and synthetic fibers. Because of this, they also offer some benefits of synthetic shutters, like being easier to clean and more resistant to water, mold and insect damage. Wood is usually more expensive than composite but has a more luxurious look.
People typically choose synthetic shutters, such as vinyl or PVC, because they’re a more budget-friendly option. Consider the following if you’re deciding between wood and synthetic shutters and wondering what the extra expenditure of wood provides.
- Look and feel: Wood is a natural material with beautiful grain patterns and colors. While some synthetic shutters try to mimic this look, nothing beats the genuine article.
- Versatility: Wood shutters come in various types and styles. You can paint, stain and finish them to match the other materials in your room.
- Longevity: High-quality wood shutters are durable and moisture-resistant. These wood shutters will last for many years with proper care and maintenance. Human-made materials tend to become brittle after prolonged exposure to the sun and heat and break more easily under impact.
- Sustainability: Wood shutters are the more environmentally friendly option for your home, especially if you choose responsibly sourced wood. Wood is a natural material and requires less energy to produce, whereas PVC and vinyl are derived from non-renewable fossil fuels that generate greenhouse gas emissions.
- Weight: Wood shutters are lighter than most PVC or composite shutters, which makes them easier to install in hard-to-reach locations. They also place less pressure on joints and hinges, so you won’t need to replace them as often.
How Do You Maintain Wood Shutters?
Regularly cleaning your wooden shutters will keep them in top shape and remove dust buildup. Wipe the louvers with a dry microfiber cloth or duster to remove dust and dirt. You can also use your vacuum’s brush or upholstery attachment for this. If there are stubborn marks, clean them with a damp cloth or a little mild dish soap or vinegar. Wipe with a dry cloth to finish.
You should also regularly examine your shades as part of your cleaning routine. It might be time to refinish them if you see any fading, flaking or cracking. Consider hiring a professional to strip them and apply a new layer of paint or stain.
Wood Shutter Styles & Customization Options
Wood shutters are highly adaptable. If you’re looking to purchase wood shutters for your home, it’s helpful to know the different styles available and how to customize them to suit your unique home.
Styles
Various shutter styles include the following.
- Full-height shutters: The most common shutter style spans the window’s or door’s full length. It provides more privacy and reduces light in the room, creating a uniform look.
- Café shutters: Café shutters cover only the bottom half of a window, providing privacy while still letting in plenty of light from the top.
- Double-hung shutters: These shutters—also known as tier-on-tier shutters—come in two parts. You can open the top while the bottom remains closed, and vice versa. You’ll also have the option to keep half the louvers open to let the light in while keeping the others closed.
- Arched shutter: For arched windows, you’ll want to install a shutter that follows the curve. You can either have a full-length shutter that curves at the top, or a sunburst shutter, which is a separate semicircle-shaped shutter with louvers that follow the arch’s direction.
Louver Size
You can adjust the size of your shutter’s louvers to change the aesthetic and feel. Smaller 2 1/2-inch louvers are perfect for smaller windows and a more classic look. They also provide extra privacy, even when they’re open. Wider 3 1/2 or 4 1/2-inch louvers look more modern and provide a clearer view of the outside when they’re open. They’re much easier to clean than smaller louvers.
You might come across the term “plantation blinds” when looking at shutter styles. This elegant style has larger louvers. Shutters with smaller louvers are usually called traditional or California shutters.
Paints & Stains
You can customize wood to suit nearly any design preference by staining or painting it. Staining wood changes the color but lets the wood’s natural grain shine through. Paint provides more color options and a uniform color finish.
You can also finish your shutters with a matte or glossy coating.
Choose Onyx Wood Shutters
You can trust Onyx for high-quality wood shutters that fit your needs and budget. Contact us to find an Onyx shutter and shades dealer near you who will schedule a free in-home consultation. Their exterior shade experts will break down all your shade options and measure your outdoor space. They will provide you with a digital mock-up of our design before production begins, so you can be sure you love it.
If you sell window treatments, become an Onyx shutter and shade dealer here.