A variety of interior and exterior shutters are available for homes constructed from durable fiberglass, vinyl, solid wood, and composite wood and every design is customizable according to size and color. Though traditionally fully functional, shutters today are commonly used purely for decoration as they can add class, charm, and depth to every home or project they grace.
Choosing your type of shutter
Wood composite shutters are made from different types of wood being bound together. They represent the latest technology in maintenance-free materials. Because there are so many choices and different species of trees, solid wood does not compare with reconstituted wood. Unlike traditional solid wood, composite wood is robust and impervious to water.
Fiberglass shutters are made using pultruded fiberglass, which means that the glass fibers are pulled through a resin and into a heated die, where the resin undergoes polymerization for added strength. Pultruded fiberglass can also be reinforced by high-density PVC (polyvinyl chloride, or hard plastic) to create shutters that meet storm codes.
If desiring exterior shutters purely for decoration, Vinyl Louvered Shutters are a wonderful alternative to Fiberglass and Wood. Still intensely durable, exterior vinyl shutters are maintenance-free after installation as they cannot rot, swell, warp, and are not an attractive material for termites. They also help insulate the home better than wood, are easier to keep clean, and many designs do not show dents or scratches making it a perfect addition to those families with children, not to mention they are lightweight and easy to install.
For a warm, authentic look, traditional solid wood shutters are the best choice and they continue to be the top pick for home or project remodeling. Solid wood shutters give customers a larger variety of customization options such as precise color matches, and the option of staining. Solid wood shutters can also be made to fit arched, angled, or other specially shaped windows. The types of wood available for shutters are:
Pine (This is the most common wood species used for shutters).
Cypress (Decay and insect resistant, ideal for interior or exterior use, beautiful, distinct, and durable).
Southern Yellow Pine (The strongest softwood, highly resistant to wear, easily pressure treated, durable, high quality standards).
Western Red Cedar (does not easily warp, light weight, insulating properties, durable, and can be stained or painted).
California Redwood (Durable, long lasting, used to withstand environmental factors, cost effective).
Rough Sawn Cedar (Natural looking cedar wood grain, non-weight bearing).
Measuring for your shutters
Measuring for your shutters plays a big role in the type of shutters you should purchase.. Although it is not hard to do, it can be a bit intimidating. Measuring the window opening is the most important part, and the more accurate the measurement, the better. Measuring the opening to the closest 1/4 inch is more sufficient than measuring to the 1/16 th of an inch. Even if you only plan on using your shutters for decorative purposes, you still need an accurate measurement.
First, you will need a good, metal tape measure to measure the width of your window opening. Once you have the width, divide by two and this is the width you will need for each shutter. Next, measure the height of the window opening. Be sure to take measurements on both sides of the window, especially if your windows are fairly old. Use the smaller of the two measurements as your shutter height.
For single windows, divide the width of the window opening in half. For short windows, in which the height is smaller than the width, divide the width of the opening by four. The height of the window will typically be the height of the shutter, not counting the window sill. For double windows, divide the opening four. If the measurement is about the same as that of your single window, use the single width for consistency. For triple windows, divide the opening width by six.
Choosing a shutter style
Louvered shutters
The most popular, traditional style shutters are characterized by louvers. Louver style shutters are both decorative and functional and can transform the look of a home as well as provide ventilation and protection from the sun. Two-story homes or homes with double windows are beautifully enhanced by the addition of louvered shutters. Louvered shutters are typically manufactured in fiberglass, composite wood, and vinyl.
Raised panel shutters
Raised panel shutters make a great addition along side doors and under windows. Many homeowners choose to mix and match louver and panel shutters and there are an unlimited number of options and combinations available. Using raised panel shutters allows you to use your own unique personalized shutter detailing.
Classic panel style
There are two classic panel styles available. The first is the double rectangle design in which two rectangles are built into the shutter, one on top and one on bottom. The second design choice are those with three panels, most with a large panel at the top and bottom, divided by a smaller, narrow panel at the center.
Board and Batten shutters
Board and Batten are a very similar design to those found on the early frontier homes. Most styles are available with two, three, four, or five vertical boards. They are the most suitable choice for narrow windows. Arched windows are also easily framed with a pair of arched top Board and Batter shutters., which have a quarter circle top to match the half arch top of the window. These shutters are typically available in fiberglass, wood composite, and vinyl.
Bahama style shutters
Bahama style shutters were designed to serve a dual purpose. They act as storm shutters, but they also help provide shade. This particular style shutter is hinged at the top rather than on the side, and the hinging runs across the top of the window so that the shutter can swing out from the bottom. Bahama shutters are also unique in that there is usually only one shutter needed per window instead of a pair. This means that Bahama shutters are extremely wide compared to other style shutters, ranging between 24 and 120 inches. This style shutter is also equipped with adjustable side arms which enable them to be positioned in various angles.
Shutters in any style can help provide a home with uniqueness, while at the same time offering protection from the sun or even storms. Some shutters may only serve the purpose of looking nice, but most shutters you will find today offer the combination of not only decoration, but functionality, however, no shutter is fully complete without the right hardware. Often referred to as the jewelry of your house, the exterior shutter collection includes tie-backs or shutter dogs, slide bolts, pull rings, hinges, catches, and more. These types of hardware are assembled to compliment the quality of your shutters.
Prolonging the life of your shutters
After choosing the right shutters for your home or project, the next hardest decision to be made is ‘which finish?’ You will find a wide range of finish that will help protect the color and prolong the life of your shutters. Some options available include:
Lacquer (A clear finish that brings out the attractive wood grain of shutters).
Hand-rubbed Lime wash (A finish that highlights wood grain, while still providing the opportunity for color).
Painted (Can be painted any available choice to match walls).
Natural oil (This is the more ideal choice for exterior shutters. Unlike other finishes, it will not degrade and will keep the shutters in good condition).
Making that final choice between the type of shutters you buy all comes down to the type of home you have and your personal preference. Each type certainly offers good and bad points, although traditional wood remains the most popular style. However, before you make your decision, do your homework. Compare prices and warranties available, and shop around as the prices and styles may vary from store to store. If possible, don’t make too many assumptions based on prices. Remember, it’s just as important to check the quality and manufacturer of each product as well. Whatever your choice of shutters may be, you are sure to be extremely satisfied with their function, beauty, and the way they increase your home or projects overall value.