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 Composite or PVC. 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 (Cedar, Pine, or another natural wood)
- Composite
- PVC
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 mold. 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 customization: Good
• Color Options: Good – Minimal Standard colors available
• Overall Value: Good
2. Natural Wood Shutters
Natural wood shutters have been a historic favorite. 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 customizable with a large variety of stain and color options. Natural wood has a pretty long lifespan if treated right, however, being wood leaves it susceptible to water rot, mold and termites.
• Lifespan: Better
• Cost: Better
• Level of customization: Best
• Color 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. Here at Affordable Exterior Shutters we pride ourselves on using MiraTEC Composite materials, so if you are thinking Composite is the way to go, contact our experts to learn more.
• Lifespan: Best
• Cost: Better
• Level of customization: Best
• Color 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 customizable. 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, mold 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 customization: Best
• Color Options: Better
• Overall Value: Better
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 Affordable Exterior Shutters our experts will customize your shutters to ensure your investment lasts. Contact us to start customizing your exterior shutters today!