Modern Window Shutter Materials

Window shutters were once a necessary functional mechanism to keep windows and doors sealed off from harsh weather, protected from projectiles that might shatter the window’s glass, or to keep out hot sunshine or cold winter winds. Nowadays, the shutters used on our homes are probably more decorative than functional. While many old, historic homes still use functional hinged shutters as part of their design, but new window design has made the need for window shutters strictly an aesthetic one.

• Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is a building material that has many popular uses today. MDF is essentially sawdust mixed with a polymer that solidifies the material in the desired shape or configuration. MDF shutters can be manufactured inexpensively and look like more expensive solid wood products. The drawback of MDF is that it is heavier than solid wood and is subject to water damage when exposed to weather.
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a plastic material (vinyl) that is molded (extruded, really) to form a specific shape or design. PVC shutters are durable, weather resistant, and inexpensive to manufacture and install. PVC resists UV damage from direct sunlight and can be made in standard or custom colors to match any exterior. PVC shutters may look “plastic” on close inspection and are not functional.
• Synthetic foam is also a plastic material used in making shutters that are water resistant, fire resistant, nontoxic and insulating. Synthetic foam shingles are often reinforced with aluminum for rigidity and durability. They come in many designs and colors. The disadvantages of synthetic foam are their weight and they are not able to be re-painted or re-stained.
• Engineered wood is much like solid wood, only that different pieces of wood are bonded together to create some analogous to hard wood. Engineered wood has all the valuable characteristics of solid wood (durability, rigidity) but can be made from less expensive woods, making the shutters cheaper to buy. Engineered wood may be susceptible to warping.
• Laminated wood is similar to engineered wood in that multiple pieces of wood are fused together (in this case, glued together) to create a finished piece resembling solid wood. Laminated wood is strong and stable and can be used in any situation where wood shutters were used. Laminated wood may not be as moisture resistant as other materials and is not recommended for wet or humid climates.
• Solid wood is the traditional material for shutters since shutters first began being used. Solid wood is durable, weather resistant, a natural material, and easily worked into different sizes, shapes, and colors. Wood used in shutter construction are basswood, alder, and cedar.

Designs Unlimited, a painting and home improvement company serving Westchester and Fairfield counties, is your total solution for commercial and residential painting and home improvements. We have been providing expert painting, carpentry, and home improvement services throughout Westchester and Fairfield for years. We pride ourselves on immaculate painting and carpentry work for your home, attention to detail, and total customer satisfaction. Call Designs Unlimited today to get a free estimate on any exterior painting job, interior painting job, deck project, home remodeling project or carpenter needs.