As there are many types of shutter materials available, the biggest rivalry continues to be composite wood shutters vs vinyl shutters. Fortunate for you, we break down different categories to determine which material to choose for your exterior shutters.
Durability:
While wooden shutters are a popular choice for historical accuracy and customization, composite wood shutters offer superb durability at a fraction of the cost! Composite wood shutters are typically crafted from Extira which is an environmentally friendly product designed to stand up to mother nature.
On the other hand, vinyl shutters are an inexpensive option that is synonymous with the all too familiar saying, “you get what you pay for”. Vinyl shutters have a tendency to crack, warp, and fade quicker when compared to composite shutters, leaving homeowners to replace their exterior shutters more often.
The Aesthetic:
When considering the look of your exterior shutters, composite wood shutters can cater to many tastes and can be customized in a plethora of ways. With vinyl shutters, you lose the authenticity of real looking shutters since they are just hollow molds that give off that “plastic” type of texture.
Functionality:
If your intentions are to have exterior shutters that can be used for decoration AND function, you’ll want to avoid vinyl shutters since they are installed onto the face of your home. However, if you decide to invest in quality, composite shutters can be installed as either fixed or functional depending on your vision. A great way to capture those authentic details is with shutter hardware like hinges, tiebacks, shutter locks, and pull rings!
Maintenance:
Though both of these types of shutters are easy to maintain, composite wood shutters will undoubtedly look good for longer with the same amount of upkeep. If you find yourself cleaning out the gutters or repainting the exterior trim of your home, give them a quick dusting to make them look good as new. After all, exterior shutters are a great investment.
