Shutters attach to your windows and allow you to control the amount of light that is allowed into the room. There are a lot of choices when it comes to shutters. There are different styles and materials. Your choices can be overwhelming.
This guide will lead you through the three most common considerations to help guide you to the best shutter to meet your needs.
Know Your Style!
There are three styles of shutters: traditional shutters, plantation shutters and panel shutters.
Traditional shutters have louvers that are 1 ¼ to 1 ¾ inch wide. The louvers are usually wedge-shaped. This style of shutter is not as popular, due to the smaller louvers that let in less light.
Plantation shutters are more popular. Their louvers are usually 2 ¼ to 4 ½ inches wide and are elliptical shaped. Unlike the traditional shutters, plantation shutters give more control over the amount of light that is allowed into the room.
Panel shutters do not have louvers like the other two styles. Instead, they may have cutouts that let some light into the room. To allow in the full amount of light, they just opened. Therefore, they do not allow for much control over the amount of light. There are some versions that are a hybrid design with louvers on the top or bottom half of the panel.
What Are Your Shutters Made Of?
The four most popular materials for shutters are: solid wood, engineered wood, polywood and vinyl.
Today’s solid wood shutters are typically made of basswood, which is a lightweight material that ensures consistent color and a tight grain that is both resistant to moisture and accepts common household paint or stains easily. However, there are exotic wood options such as bamboo, mahogany, cherry, etc.
Modern engineered wood shutters are constructed using common wood strands and fibers that have been bonded together in an innovative process. A result is a composite unit that is both tougher and straighter than natural wood shutters. Most come prefinished with a smooth or wood-grain finish out of the box.
Polywood is a common alternative to natural wood shutters. The material is made using recyclable synthetics that come engineered and reinforced for increased durability and stability. These types of shutters are renowned for being highly energy efficient. Furthermore, the surface is baked on, an innovative process that increases durability and prevents chipping, cracks, and warping.
Vinyl shutters are the perfect design for a moist or damp environment as they are resistant to warping or bending. Unfortunately, vinyl shutters cannot be painted or stained, but they do come pre-finished in a large number of available colors. Even better, these shutters come in numerous styles, such as plantation, which are a cost-effective solution.
As with any improvement that you make to your home, you need to consider how much you want to spend on your shutters. Solid wood is usually the most expensive option. Typically, you can expect to pay 20% to 30% more for solid wood. The brand of the shutter can also have a factor in the price.
You also will need to consider custom fitted shutters versus standard sizes. Likewise, custom shapes, such as ovals, arches, etc. will also be more expensive.
Your best option may be to use different materials for different rooms. It may make sense to spend a little more on solid wood shutters in the living room, dining room and kitchen. You then may want to consider engineered wood shutters in the bedrooms and vinyl shutters in the bathrooms.
At Starwood, we carry a complete selection of interior plantation shutters. We offer only the top brands, at prices that will fit most budgets. Whether you are considering a traditional look or an elegant appeal, you will find it at Starwood! As an added bonus, we bring our showroom DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR. We take the time to get to know you and your needs. Our knowledgeable design team will help you with paint colors and décor choices. We proudly serve the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex (including: Plano, Frisco, McKinney and surrounding areas). To learn more, or to get an estimate for custom shutters, please call us today for a Free In-Home Consultation at 972-464-9793 or 817-692-4166 or complete our online request form.
