Best Exterior Window Shutter Materials
ShutterLand offers exterior window shutters in three material categories. Wood, composite and vinyl shutters have unique characteristics that determine their best use.
Select the Best Exterior Window Shutters
ShutterLand crafts high-quality exterior window shutters for a wide range of applications. We understand that the best exterior shutters for a historic house renovation may not be the most appropriate selection for a short-term rental property. Or, a California beach house likely does not have the same requirements as a Vermont farmhouse.
In our broad portfolio we have a window shutter that work for your home, office building, hotel, or lighthouse. The decision of construction material will often take into account authenticity, durability, appearance, functionality, manufacturing time, and cost.
Wood Window Shutters
Three high-quality species are available for construction of ShutterLand premium wood shutters. Installation of solid wood shutters maintains the natural integrity of your home. Pair with authentic shutter hardware, including hinges, bolts and shutter dogs, for historic accuracy.
All ShutterLand wood shutters are thoroughly kiln-dried before construction in order to reduce moisture content. This process decreases wood’s natural tendency to expand and contract in changing weather conditions and greatly prolongs the life of the exterior window shutters.
All lumber used are renewable resources harvested from sustainable managed forests, reducing our impact on the environment.
Red Grandis Shutters
Red Grandis is a high quality hardwood to manufacture exceptional outdoor shutters. The straight tight grain of the Red Grandis timber is naturally durable with minimal knotting, resulting in a consistently smooth texture. The fibers are relatively uniform in color with variations from light pink to dark red, and accept paint or stain well. Red Grandis is dimensionally stable and strong, yet lightweight. This species of Eucalyptus is grown on responsibly managed FSC–certified plantations in South America, and harvested after a 20 – 30 year growth cycle.
Cedar Shutters
The most common material for construction of outdoor shutters is Cedar. This aromatic wood is resistant to both insects and decay. We use 99.5% knot free Grade B and better Cedar, resulting in straight handsome panels. Time-tested Cedar shutters paint and stain nicely and will endure harsh outdoor conditions.
Mahogany Shutters
This wood is the most luxurious choice for exterior shutters. Mahogany is one of the strongest, moisture-resistant woods available. Because of its straight, beautifully nuanced tight reddish-brown grain, mahogany shutters are the best choice for staining or finishing with a natural finish. Use of 99% percent knot free Select and Better Mahogany results in our highest grade wood exterior window shutters.
* Solid flat, shaker or raised panel outdoor shutters incorporate composite panel inserts.
Southern Yellow Pine Economy Shutters
Pine exterior wooden shutters are offered as an economical alternative to the three premium species. Use of 99.9% knot free Grade C and better hand-selected Southern Yellow Pine results in stable attractive shutters. The life expectancy of Pine shutters is shorter than our other options. A quality finish properly maintained will extend the length of service.
* Raised, flat and shaker panel shutters incorporate composite panel inserts.
Outdoor PVC Window Shutters
Exterior PVC shutters incorporate the most desirable qualities of other materials. They are built with all solid components which provide decades of dependable service. The material is weather resistant and will not absorb moisture for installation in any climate. They can be installed with functional hinges to pivot over the window and comply with historic building codes. PVC exterior shutters are offered unfinished or factory painted from a selection of unlimited paint colors.
* Solid flat, shaker and groove panel shutters use composite panel inserts.
Composite Window Shutters
ShutterLand composite shutters are constructed from an innovative engineered wood material. Extira™ is technically a medium-density fiberboard (MDF), yet developed for exceptional performance in moisture rich conditions. This impressive material is man-made from 90% pressed wood fibers adhered with marine grade resins. It is impervious to rot, termite proof, and moisture resistant. Painting results in a finished shutter that appears similar to wood. Composite shutters are approximately 30% heavier than wood and have only one presentable side making them less optimal for hinging and swinging closed. Banks of louvers are fabricated from one solid piece resulting in no space between slats.
Vinyl Exterior Window Shutters
ShutterLand vinyl exterior shutters are constructed from injection molded polypropylene components with UV stabilizers. The front surface of vinyl shutters is imprinted with a wood grain texture, and the color is infused throughout the material for longevity. Decorative exterior vinyl shutters have a material thickness of just 1/8″, with a hollow back that gains rigidity when installed. The parts are manufactured in advance, then cut to length and assembled to order. This process of semi-customization allows for a shortened production time generally around 1-3 weeks.
Compare Exterior Shutter Materials
Each material used to build exterior shutters is most valuable when installed in the right environment and for the appropriate purpose. It may be beneficial to take a deeper dive to compare just two of the materials side-by-side to determine the best for your application. It can be difficult to assess if wood or composite shutters meets your desired criteria. Some homeowners narrow the choice down to composite or vinyl shutters and need additional information. Or, vinyl or wood shutters may have emerged as the ultimate decision. Our primary goal is to help you determine the best exterior shutter for your house.
