Plantation shutters feature a series of adjustable louvers to allow air and light to enter the house while keeping a sense of privacy and safety. Frequently used outside, these shutters can serve a simple cosmetic function, or may be fully functional, designed to protect against storms and changing weather. While wood has functioned as the most popular stuff for plantation shutters, vinyl and other synthetics today provide greater options for homeowners in the market for new shutters.
Size and Strength
Because the natural strength of timber is a lot higher than that of vinyl, wood plantation shutters come in a much larger variety of shapes and sizes than their vinyl counterparts. According to Bay Home and Window, vinyl shutters can’t be manufactured any bigger than 29 inches wide because the vinyl is not powerful enough to cover this span. Even when your windows are smaller than 29 inches in width, many big vinyl plantation shutters need divider rails or other service members who may interfere with the conventional expression of the shutters. When you’ve got large windows, then stick to timber plantation shutters to prevent problems with cracked or puffy louvers.
Colors
When it comes to vinyl plantations shutters, what you see is what you get. These shutters come in a limited variety of neutral shades, and can’t be painted, stained or refinished. Wood plantation shutters, on the other hand, come in a huge variety of species, finishes and colours. They can be stained or painted to modify their appearance as required to match changes in your decor, or simply to give your house a brand new look.
Care
Vinyl shutters serve as the optimal choice in areas prone to high moisture, like toilets, kitchens and bathrooms. This substance won’t soften, swell or peel irrespective of humidity or moisture levels. While wood shutters tend to be stronger than vinyl ones, they’re vulnerable to moisture damage, and may not be the ideal choice for moisture-prone places. Wood shutters also may suffer harm from insects in some specific areas, while plastic shutters are immune to this type of damage.
Crunch the Numbers
When it comes to buying plantation shutters, vinyl represents an economical choice, particularly when compared to more expensive wooden shutters. Purchasing plastic shutters may result in savings of 10 to 30 percent above wooden shutters, according to Shutter Elite.
Finishes
Since many vinyl plantation shutters are intended to resemble their expensive wood counterparts, the quality of this faux-wood finish can vary significantly between different models. Viewed up close, a few vinyl shutters are simple to differentiate from timber, and simply can’t come near the timeless warmth and appeal of authentic wood. Before you buy shutters, visit retailers to see various models and materials in person to comprehend the differences in quality you may encounter. Whenever possible, arrange shutters only after you have examined product samples to ensure you understand exactly what your brand new plantation shutters will appear to be.