Plantation shutters are manufactured in a range of materials, including wood and man-made poly substances. All plantation shutters allow free air flow throughout your home whilst ensuring privacy. However, different materials offer unique benefits and challenges. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of wooden and poly shutters.
Colour
Wooden plantation shutters can be painted or stained any colour you desire to match the interior of your home. For example, they can be painted to match room trimmings or stained to compliment timber fittings or furniture. Painted wooden shutters may need periodic repainting to maintain freshness.
Poly shutters, on the other hand, are commonly manufactured in a range of neutral colours. These shutters generally cannot be painted or stained, thus limiting your design options. On the plus side, poly shutters are usually UV treated to resist fading.
Weight And Size
Poly shutters are heavier than their wooden counterparts, and this limits design choices. Due to their weight, poly louvres can sag if they are too wide. The maximum width for a poly panel is less than the maximum width for a wooden panel. This means that a window that can be covered by two wooden panels may need three or more poly panels. Alternatively, extra support rails might be needed for poly shutters.
Wood, on the other hand, is relatively light and strong. Wooden plantation shutters can be constructed in any size and dimension--presenting unlimited design freedom.
Some people prefer less panels for a cleaner look, so wooden shutters have the edge on this front. Whether this is important depends on the specific size of your windows.
Durability
Poly shutters are unaffected by moisture and resist warping or rotting. This makes them ideal in humid areas with high rainfall, coastal areas. Inside the house they are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.
Wooden plantation shutters, however, can warp and rot in humid, wet environments.
Beauty
Many people love the natural beauty of wood grain. Even though poly shutters are attractive and can be manufactured with a wood look alike finish, some may think they do not capture the ambience of authentic wood grain.
You should also pay attention to the quality of the finish of poly materials, which does vary.
Cost
Wooden plantation shutters generally cost more, so if price is paramount, poly shutters might be your best option.
For more information or advice, contact a company such as Inspired Window Coverings.