by Daniel J. Gansle

Created on: June 18, 2008   Last Updated: June 30, 2008

In recent years, exterior custom wood shutters sporting decorative hardware have become very popular due to their ability to make the home appear more upscale, thus adding resale value. By "custom" we mean shutters that deviate from the ordinary horizontal slat look you see on many homes. New home communities often intermix custom shutter types to purposefully avoid the "cookie cutter" style of yesteryear.

Exterior wood shutters can either be functional or non-functional. Functional shutters give you the ability to open and close, while non-functional ones simply adorn either side of a window purely for their decorative appeal. But how exactly would these window additions benefit your home? Let's take a closer look at the advantages of custom wood shutters.

Why Wood?
Some prefer vinyl shutters because of their ease of maintenance and their resistance to rot and insect damage. However, vinyl shutters fade and crack over a relatively short period of time. Furthermore, the appearance of vinyl lends a "plasticky" look to the home, giving an impression that the home is built cheaply and is inexpensive. On the contrary, the timeless appeal of wood exudes stateliness, value, and elegance. Depending on the type of wood and protective finish applied, wood shutters can last for years with little maintenance.

Improved Curb Appeal
If you're planning on selling your home, or if you simply want to add value to the home, consider installing custom wood shutters. In today's ultra-competitive housing market, curb appeal is essential and first impressions really do matter. Exterior shutters (particularly vinyl) that have become unattractive due to fading, rotting, or cracking give the impression that the exterior of the home hasn't been kept up; therefore the interior probably hasn't been kept up either. And if the home has no shutters at all, it can appear faceless and lacking character. Consider how the following shutter types can add resale value and character to your home:

* Louvered: a rectangular frame comprising angled (louvered) horizontal slats. Choose louvered shutters for that traditional yet elegant look, for example if you own a colonial home.

* Raised panel: a rectangular frame containing two raised vertical rectangles (panels). Choose this style if you want that traditional appearance as you'd find on a paneled door.

* Board and batten: a simple yet elegant shutter type made from vertical boards held together by a horizontal board on the top and bottom. Choose this type for that historic, country, or rustic feel.

Storm Protection
If you live in hurricane-prone areas including Florida, the Caribbean, or the Gulf Coast, you might want to consider Bahama shutters. These functional shutters cover the entire window and are louvered at the bottom to open out like an awning. A popular shutter for storm protection, the bahama style is popular in hurricane-prone tropical areas including Florida and the Caribbean. Choose this shutter type if you want that tropical, beachy look or if you live along the coastline.

Noise and Security
If you're concerned about crime in your area, consider functional shutters fitted with shutter locks. You can lock the shutters from the inside for an added layer of security in your home. This also dampens outside sounds if you live in a noisy area.

Energy Savings
When closed, functional shutters block direct sunlight. They also protect against outside heat and cold. The result? Energy conservation and a smaller electricity bill.

Wood shutters are not only a great way to spruce up your home, but their versatility is well worth the investment.

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