How Panel Count Influences Shutter Selection
Shutters provide style and control over light and privacy. The number of panels each shutter has is an important detail …
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One of the biggest choices to make when purchasing plantation shutters is material. Not just color and styling, but what type of physical material would you like for your louvers? We have a lot of great options available at Colorado Shade and Shutter, but the question often comes down to wood vs. polymer. If you are stuck between wood vs poly shutters, here are some of the pros and cons to consider before you make a purchase.
Part of the classic design that makes plantation shutters so desirable is tied to hardwood louvers. Natural hardwoods are available in a number of different colors, ranging from softer whites to dark shades of walnut. There is also a large price range available, giving buyers plenty of options. Hardwood louvers, just like furniture, are durable and will last for decades if properly cared for. Wood is also a great natural insulator that will help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
There are some tradeoffs to choosing hardwood, of course. Maintenance will often be required more often than for polymer options. As a natural material, wood is also susceptible to moisture and can shrink or expand to some degree. You may also want to routinely treat wood shutters with wood-cleaning products that you might use on your floor, to increase their lifespan. Despite there being a price range to choose from, wood shutters will almost always cost more than similar polymer options.
There are a lot of different specific materials used to make “poly” shutters, but most of them come with similar benefits and drawbacks. Weight is a big factor here. Poly shutters will be much easier to handle, install and move around than hardwood plantation shutters. Weight plays into safety as well. If you have little ones running around, it may not be a bad idea to choose a lighter material than wood should anyone bump into them. Poly shutters will also save you from a lot of the moisture concerns that come with real wood. If you are looking to install shutters on an outdoor patio, or in a bathroom where there is a lot of moisture, poly may be your best option.
Choosing between wood and poly plantation shutters depends on your priorities and budget. Still unsure? Contact us today for a free quote and expert advice to help you make the right choice for your home!
