The Styles Of Exterior Shutters And Materials Used For Making Them

By Author: Michael Price
Total Articles: 15
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Exterior shutters have always been loved for their decorative touch, that they add to our homes. They are available in a variety of materials, colors, shapes, and sizes that one can choose for customizing the look of their home. And with these material and types choices, the price of the shutters varies too.

When it comes to wooden shutters, the choice is very personal, people who like their decorative impact, usually go for non-functional shutters, or faux shutters. Whereas those who are looking for solar control and better security choose functional shutters. These exterior shutters are made from various materials that vary in color, textural depth, and classic style. Here are the most common materials used:

Vinyl Shutters: Vinyl shutters, also known as plastic shutters are excellent for economical yet stylish decoration of your home. They are made of vinyl or co-polymer, and there is nothing as easy and affordable to boost the curb appeal of your home as vinyl shutters. They are really easy to install and will be in pristine condition for many years, as they require little or no maintenance. Being made of vinyl, ...
... they will not rot, crack, split, or mold. In fact you can put them up yourself!

Wooden Shutters: Those who are unwilling to compromise on the quality and class of shutters, always choose wooden shutters. The most common woods used for making these shutters are:

1.Cypress- This wood is from a coniferous tree constituting the genus Cupressus. Cypress shutters have that extra sheen of elegance and class. Cypress is highly sought after for its milling functions too.

2.Cedar- The evergreen Cedar tree wood is used for making shutters. The best part about this wood is that it is resistant to termites and moisture absorption. In other words, if durability is your criteria, then cedar shutters should be your first choice for exterior shutters.

3.Pine- This wood from the pine tree is the most common wood used for making furniture and other stuff. It looks great and is affordable too.

4.Redwood – The tall redwood tree wood is also used for making shutters. These trees are primarily grown in California, and their wood when shaped into shutters, provides the best security and durability and beauty to any home.

Aluminum shutters: Not very high on the curb appeal, but these shutters have gained popularity due to their low cost. In fact aluminum shutters are the first choice as an inexpensive replacement for wood shutters because they are extremely durable and fairly low maintenance. It is this durability that makes them an excellent choice for hurricane protection.

Fiberglass shutters : These exterior shutters are made from pultruded fiberglass. They are shaped as louvers shutters and are trusted for their strength and durability. Those looking to add a modern touch and class to their homes choose fiberglass shutters.

Now, when it comes to the styles of exterior shutters, there are three most popular styles:

* Louver (louvre) shutters, are the most popular shutters that have angled slats to control the sun and light coming in the room.

* Raised Panel Shutters go very well with raised panel doors and add a huge curb appeal to your home.

* Board and batten shutters are inspired from the rural design, and are made of vertical boards and horizontal cross members called battens. Those looking for a classic and timeless look, choose this style.

Now that you know the materials and popular styles of exterior shutters, which one will you choose to liven up your home?

The writer is a design consultant with Shutter Contractor, the leading online supplier of wood shutters.