So you want to upgrade the look of your home and decide to add exterior shutters, now it’s time to decide what type of material you want and that is where things get a bit more interesting. Whether to choose Vinyl, Wood Composite, Wood or Fiberglass it can be a challenge if you have no frame of reference but no worries, we’ve got you covered!

We are going to provide you with a summary for each of the 4 most popular shutter materials from least expensive to most expensive on the market so that you can be better informed about them as you shop to make a decision on the best shutters for your home.

VINYL

Exterior Vinyl Shutters are the most economical option when it comes to window dressing. They are a great cheap way to add some color and texture to your home exterior and a great alternative to more expensive and higher quality materials on the market. One of the great things about vinyl shutters is that they are molded with color throughout the product. They will include all of the installation hardware and have a lifetime warranty. Vinyl shutters have a woodgrain textured finish to mimic real wood and are lightweight for a simple install. The quality of these units varies widely. Better quality vinyl shutters will hold their shape and color longer as well. These shutters will not have an option to be functional because they are hollow on the backside.

WOOD COMPOSITE

Wood Composite shutters have a great combination of authenticity and durability. Their materials vary between companies, but they are often a combination of engineered wood, PVC and resin with a factory applied finish. Most people compare 100% Wood with Wood Composite and in my humble opinion, while Wood shutters are stunning, Wood Composite shutters are equally stunning WITHOUT the required maintenance. They do not break down like 100% wood nor do they require the upkeep on a regular basis. For that reason alone you will get great value and include a lifetime warranty. That is what I call a win!


WOOD

You cannot beat the authenticity of 100% wood shutters. Brand new you will be hard pressed to find a more beautiful shutter, But like any other wood product in the outdoors, wood shutters do not take the impact from the elements. They will suffer the most and worst with exposure to weather conditions, and as a result may require frequent repainting or replacement. Their beauty cannot be denied, but the durability has much to be desired in comparison with other materials.

FIBERGLASS

As we always like to say “Fiberglass is the King of the class”. When it comes to the total package of elegance, durability, flexibility and profile, fiberglass is the best of the best. With a lifetime warranty, you have nothing to worry about but quite honestly, with these shutters you will not even need the warranty. They are virtually indestructible. And when it comes to the smooth finishes, color options, installation and overall quality of fiberglass shutters, you simply will not find a better option. So if you are looking for the best possible option for exterior shutters, fiberglass is exactly what you are looking for.

Hopefully this provides you with a good foundation to begin with as you shop for window shutters to give you the curb appeal that you are looking for.