Different Materials used for Shutters

Window shutters are a great alternative for your window coverings. They are durable and elegant and offer adjustability not found with other types of window coverings. They were traditionally used in the Mediterranean countries, such as Greece, Italy and Spain, but are now used much more widely, especially in Europe and North America.

Wooden shutters are the most common type of shutters but they are made from a variety of different woods as well as other materials. Below are some of the materials used for the manufacture of window shutters.

Hardwood

Hardwood is a solid wood material. It is sturdy and therefore strong and durable. Hardwood is often used in furniture due to its quality. It is a plain material; nothing fancy but it does the job. If you choose hardwood for your shutters you get good value for money.

Premium Hardwood

Premium hardwood has more style than regular hardwood. It is a straight-grained wood and the quality is again top-notch, with it being amongst the most resistant to warping.

Larchwood

Larchwood has a nice, distinctive grain pattern, giving shutters made from it a fresh and modern look. It is a hard wearing wood and therefore very durable.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood is a straight grained wood with a distinctive grain. Its natural colour is a reddish brown. It is perfect for interior shutters in the home as it gives off a warm ambience with an elegant look. It is a good quality of wood and resistant to decay.

Craftwood

This is an MDF wood and therefore a low priced option. It is another durable material suitable for the manufacture of interior shutters. It has a smooth finish but doesn’t have as much character as other woods.

Perma Wood

Perma wood has a timber core with a synthetic outer surface. The strong core ensures build quality with the outer material resulting in durability, while keeping the cost down.

Vinyl

Vinyl shutters are generally the cheapest type of window shutters. They are, though, not of as high quality and damage and warp more easily. They give a traditional look and require little maintenance.

Faux Wood

Faux wood is made with a synthetic material. It is cheaper than genuine wood but is not considered as elegant. It is durable, though.

Aluminium

Generally used for security rather than look, aluminium shutters are sturdy and strong, and cannot be easily broken through. They are often used on doors as well as windows, and utilised by shops and other businesses rather than for homes.

Iron

Iron shutters can also be used for security, but not exclusively. They are not to everyone’s taste, and where used in homes are used on the exterior rather than the interior. They give a certain traditional look.

There are many choices of material for window shutters. Some form of wood is generally used for interior shutters, though there are many woods available. They all have their own distinctive style and suit different types of shutters. Some are stronger and more durable, whereas others are more elegant.

Andrew Marshall ©