Are Wood Plantation Shutters the Right Choice for Your Windows

The Unique Aesthetic of Wood

When it comes to interior design, there are few trends as hot right now or as so deeply sought as the natural look. Natural materials are in, offering a raw, characterful expression whether it’s in stone walls or marble countertops.

Wood plantation shutters offer that exact same value, bringing a certain authenticity to the Old Southern look that they’re so inspired by.

To some people, the plastic look of vinyl and composite shutters simply isn’t real enough for them. While both options do have faux wood grain designs available, it simply doesn’t compare to the real look and feel of the genuine article.

Wood Shutters: As Much Versatility of Design as you Want

Wood plantation shutters have another great aesthetic advantage over their composite and vinyl cousins. You have as much control over their look as you like.

Because vinyl shutters are made of PVC and composite shutters are coated in it, once you’ve chosen your colour or your design, you’re stuck with it. They can’t be repainted, finished, or varnished to change their look.

The look of your wood is going to depend on which type you choose, such as teak or sandalwood. However, your ability to repaint it however you please means that you can instantly update the look of your windows and your home with only a little work and without having to replace them wholesale.

Wood Plantation Shutters: A Fit for Every Window

When it comes to structural integrity, wood is hands-down the winner in a comparison of the different varieties. Different wood grains have different strengths, of course.

But when compared to vinyl, they have the strength to fit windows of any size and any shape. Because vinyl is a lightweight material, the louvres tend to sag and bend over time if they’re fit to a window that’s horizontally longer.

Wood shutters, on the other hand, have no such weakness. That integrity, however, depends on how well you take care of the wood. If you’re repainting or varnishing it, ensure that you’re using high-quality paints and primers that offer real protection.

Otherwise, that structural integrity is compromised, and the wood will crack or warp over time. You have to maintain your wooden shutters if you want to keep them.

Wooden Window Shutters: Long-lasting Quality

The fact that wood requires a little more maintenance, and occasionally requires you to varnish, seal, and finish them again is sometimes considered a negative. However, it is a strength, in reality PVC might be long-lasting, but it does degrade over time, especially with long exposure to UV rays and heat.

Wood, on the other hand, will last for as long as you take care of it. It is not susceptible to the same cracks and discolouration as other materials. The trade-off for this long-lasting quality is that it’s not as well suited to environments with lots water and moisture as vinyl and composite shutters are.

Real Quality Means Real Value

If you see your home as an investment, then there are few better ways to improve on that investment than by adding natural materials. Wood has a unique appeal that not only adds to the aesthetic of the room and fills your neighbours with envy.

It appreciates over time, to the point that your plantation shutters may very well end up paying for themselves, if not result in a profit. Curb appeal is a huge factor when it comes to selling and adding to a home. The unique character that plantation shutters add to the home is worth a bump in your home’s value all on its own.

Your choice of shutters can depend on a variety of different factors. How much you’re willing to spend. Whether you need them for the kitchen and bathroom, the living room or the other windows. Whether you prefer a natural or a more contemporary appearance.

Regardless of your preferences, there are few who would disagree that it’s not worth budgeting a little extra to get the real appeal and strength of wood in the home.

If you need help deciding, Lifestyle Shutters are here to help you. We’re are only a call away.