by Viviana Victoriano

Created on: June 19, 2008   Last Updated: June 30, 2008

Real wood exterior shutters not only provide a noticeable and superior level of elegance and charm to your home, but higher durability and increased customization options as well. Even though in the short term you can save some bucks by getting vinyl, plastic or composite shutters, in the long run, you will certainly get more value for your money if you go for the real thing. A quick comparison of these alternative materials will give you an idea of why this is true.

* Wood vs Vinyl: Vinyl shutters are manufactured using plastic injection molding techniques. It is a truly inferior product, that can bend, dent, fade and crack after just a few years of being exposed to the elements. To make things worst, most vinyl shutter can not be painted, so most probably, you will end up throwing them away and making a second purchase to replace them.

* Wood vs. Composite: Some manufacturers make shutters out of mismatched wood stock, which is shoddily milled into many small components that are later pieced together. Then, a hollowed out wood is stuffed with these inferior filler woods. Some of these manufacturers claim that they are offering solid wood shutters when, in reality, they are selling an inferior quality product, which will wear and deteriorate faster.

Besides the above mentioned obvious quality and durability benefits of real wood shutters, there are other additional values which make them a better option:

* Energy Efficiency: Wood shutters can be custom made to fit your windows perfectly. They will keep the cool air inside during the summer and the warm air inside during the winter, making your home more energy efficient.

* Improved curb appeal: Plainly stated, plastic looks like plastic and wood looks like wood. This will be specially noticeable after a few years of wear and tear. You will be able to paint and maintain your wood shutters. Plastic shutters can not be painted or fixed.

* Increased customization options: Wood shutters are 100% fully customizable. You can choose anything from size to design, fixtures and finishes. Vinyl shutters only come in the colors that the original synthetic materials are available, and sizes are prefabricated.

* Functionality: Wood shutters are functional, they hinge to either side of a window and swing close when necessary. Vinyl shutters are non-functional, used only to enhance the features of the building.

There are many reasons why wood shutters are superior than their vinyl and composite counterparts. These should be carefully taken into consideration before making a purchasing decision just based on price.

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