A Quick Guide to Buying Exterior Shutters

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on making your house more appealing on the outside. It can be as simple as dressing up your windows with exterior shutters on each side! Just the right shutters in just the right colors can enhance the curb appeal of your home and potentially, the resale value.

For the savvy shopper and the uninitiated, here’s a quick guide to buying exterior shutters.

Step One is knowing what your budget is. Just to let you know, wooden shutters are the most expensive shutters on the market but you can still get the quaint and cozy look of real wood with the more reasonably priced vinyl. But that’s getting ahead of ourselves!

Step Two is getting to know the choice of materials and styles you have.

VINYL

Vinyl is your entry-level option. These shutters are popular because they are durable, reasonably priced and come in all kinds of colors.

Pros:

• Affordability

• Durable

• Easy maintenance

• Fade resistant

• Available in traditional wood look-alikes

Styles available:

• Louvered

• Raised Panel

• Combination Louver/Raised Panel

• Open Board and Batten

• Joint Board and Batten

• Country

• Shaker Style

ALUMINUM

Aluminum is the material of choice for assured peace of mind, and is reasonably priced, with powder-coat finishes to lend it color. Aluminum shutters have come to replace wooden shutters in some historical districts, since the upkeep for wooden shutters has increased over time.

Pros:

• Maximum durability

• Low maintenance

• Hundreds of color options

• Offers additional protection and security than other materials

Styles available:

• Louver

• Bahama

WOODEN SHUTTERS

Wooden shutters are the original form of the product, and are the only acceptable version for traditionalists; up close, a plastic look to the grain becomes more apparent for faux-wood, and wooden shutters are much warmer to the touch. Western Red Cedar and Cypress are two available paint-grade and stain-grade varieties, produced from individual wood profiles that are assembled after being cut. They also come in decorative and functional installations. They happen to be better for large-size (74 cm+) installations than faux wood, since they’re much sturdier.

Western Red Cedar is the definitive wood for shutters, being strong for its weight, with few knots, distinctly smooth, and lends itself well to being painted; given that it retains color well, and will not fade once coated. Its natural tannins repel insects and fungus, preventing deterioration.

Cypress is a water-resistant wood, and has an attractive grain, used for many different kinds of constructions, the cypressene that it generates also making it resistant to insects, bacteria, and damage from the elements.

Pros:

• Long-wearing

• Traditional

• Variety in shape, size, and colour

Styles available:

• Open Louver

• Closed Louver

• Raised Panel

• Flat Panel

• Open Board and Batten

• Closed Board and Batten

• Bahama

COMPOSITE SHUTTERS

Composite shutters are composed of proprietary materials and resin binders shaped into wooden profiles, which are then cut, milled, and assembled using waterproof adhesives. This material accepts paint better than wood, and has the potential for a wide variety of special shapes and colors.

Pros:

• Very long-lasting

• Greatest diversity in shape options

• Better paint reception and retention

Styles available:

• Louvered

• Raised Panel

• Combination Louver/Raised Panel

• Flat Panel

• Board and Batten

• Bahama

Step Three – Now go out or go online to buy your shutters!

Where to find Exterior Shutters

You can visit your local Home Depot or shop for bargains online. Decorativeshutters.com offers free shipping. You’ll find great deals online but just make sure you are buying from a reputed dealer.

General Information on Pricing

To give you a general idea of what you can expect as far as material costs, here are a few numbers:

• Base prices average $75-$100, going up to $130-$150, and even $180-$300 as you go up the line­, per window

• Custom sizes can cost up to 50% more

• However, there is great variation, especially when it comes to custom-made shutters, which can go up to $5000 in some cases

Exterior shutters have developed over time to accommodate a wide variety of needs, looks and function. Decorative Shutters can add depth and personality to your house. Not only do they you’re your windows a stylish frame, but with the right pop of color they can give you home a total makeover!