Window Shutters - Comparing Wood Shutters and Vinyl Shutters

Window shutters can be made from different types of materials, the most common materials used for shutters are wood and vinyl shutters. Plastic shutters are gaining popularity because of low cost and the ability to mould these plastics to look like real wood. Faux wood is a good example of plastic materials used to make shutters cheap and affordable. You will also find window shutters made of metals that are used commonly for protection from storms and hurricanes. In this article we will only be looking at the wood shutters, vinyl shutters and plastic shutters.    

Wood shutters are very popular with people that wants a high-class, elegant look and for people that can afford the expensive price tags of good wood. Usually use in high-end properties, the wood shutters are made of different types and grades of wood. From expensive wood such as alder wood or basswood to cheaper woods like poplar or pine. The prices varies with the quality of the wood and workmanship. So is there an alternative to real wood shutters? For house owners that wants to upgrade their homes with window shutters, now you have a choice of choosing non-wood materials, that looks like wood and are a lot cheaper. Faux wood shutters were manufactured to provide home owners a greater choice of shutters selection to suit their lower budget. Because faux wood is not real wood, you will have to compare the advantages and disadvantages of wood and faux wood before deciding on which shutters to choose. Faux wood being plastic will have similar properties to vinyl shutters and thus will have similar advantages or disadvantages over wood shutters.

Vinyl shutters and faux wood (plastic shutters), have the advantage of lower prices compare with real wood. Because they are mass produced, they are easily available for purchase which makes them convenient for replacement. The advantage of vinyl shutters are: moisture and fire resistant, will not warp, crack or split due to environmental conditions such as high humidity. With their better resistance to moisture, vinyl shutters can be used in bathrooms where wood shutters are not suitable. Vinyl shutters do not look like wood, so if you want something closer to the looks of wood, faux wood shutters will be a better choice. The disadvantages of vinyl shutters are that they are limited in color matching and less natural looking. Wood shutters advantages over vinyl is very clear. Wood shutters wins in design styles and has high structural integrity. You will always feel secured with window treatment using wood shutters.