Bay Home and Window, Resources, and Material

Some may consider shutters old-fashioned and unpopular, but they are one of the most desirable additions as you dress up your home whether the interior or exterior type shutters. Because of their popularity, you’ll be able to find shutters made of various materials including wood. Wood is the most admired when you compare other materials like vinyl or PVC, Poly-Core or Composite M.D.F.

Wood by far is the most resilient and easiest materials to keep clean and free from dust. As long as high-grade materials are selected, wood is the best choice for larger openings especially in warmer climates. Wood is not the best choice when one lives in damp climates.

Vinyl (PVC) was the first synthetic that they developed as a cheap alternative to wood. It isn’t like wood in appearance, but works well in smaller windows or garage windows. PVC comes in hollow and reinforced core types, and they recommend the core types for sizes over 24” in width. Ordinarily, vinyl shutters cannot be painted and if you are considering them compare them with the inexpensive PVC lawn furniture.

Poly-Core shutters are much more wood-like than vinyl, but there are sagging issues when used in wider openings. The manufacturers try to limit their use to smaller openings, but retailers don’t follow their lead.

Poly-Core shutters are solid and work well in wet locations like showers and bathrooms. They don’t recommend them for openings that require multiple hinged shutters. The material is soft and easily damaged especially if there are children around. They are an attractive upgrade from vinyl and work well in damp environments.

Composite M.D.F. (Medium Density Fiberboard) you’ll find the M.D.F. from foreign importers, and they are very inexpensive. The material looks like wood but does not have wood’s natural resilience. They closely identify with the Poly-Core products.

Like other products made of wood byproducts, M.D.F. is soft and easily damaged and often difficult to repair. When installed in little used windows, they work well as long as you are cautious when opening and closing the shutters. There also is a controversy over the resins used in production. They claim that they throw off a toxic gas.

As you compare the materials used in making shutters, compare the price as well and the area you where you want them installed. Some work well in high maintenance areas while others break down.
Find a reputable shutter contractor that will be able to help you make the right decisions for your shutters. They will not only measure your windows for your shutters, but will install them as well.

Golden West Shutters specializes in Orange County shutters, shutters Orange County and Orange shutters.