Are PVC Shutters the Same as Vinyl: An In-Depth Look
Published: August 11, 2022
When it comes to adding decorative accents and new fixtures to your home, selecting a material is the first and most important step as it will be what makes your house stand out from the others. In choosing which material you are going to use you will need to consider things like how well this material will hold up over time but also look good on your home.
Are They the Same?
The short answer is no. While PVC is short for polyvinyl chloride which is a type of vinyl but not the same as those flimsy vinyl shutters you are thinking of. PVC or Azek shutters will far outlast and outperform their vinyl counterparts, pvc is a far more dense than vinyl and definitely far more attractive on your home. While vinyl shutters are hollow and flimsy, making them prone to sagging, cracking and fading; PVC shutters are the complete opposite, they are solid and sturdy so they will hold their shape and withstand the elements.
Do PVC Shutters Look Fake?
No they do not. Newer PVC materials like Azek can be milled and painted just like our wood shutters to look like real wooden shutters. Besides only being able to be painted since there is no natural wood grain the only difference between PVC and wooden shutters is their projected lifespan and level of required upkeep.
At Estate Millwork we can craft any of our premium wooden shutters in PVC/Azek, making the possibilities endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best wood for exterior shutters?
Spanish Cedar, Cypress, and Western Red Cedar are top choices for exterior shutters due to their natural resistance to moisture, rot, and insects. Mahogany and Teak are premium alternatives offering exceptional durability and rich coloring. The best choice depends on your climate, budget, and desired aesthetic.
How long do custom wood shutters last?
With proper finishing and maintenance, custom wood shutters can last 20 years or more. Hardwood shutters built with mortise and tenon joinery are structurally superior to composite or vinyl alternatives, and they can be refinished multiple times to extend their lifespan even further.
Can wood shutters be used in humid climates?
Yes. Species like Spanish Cedar and Cypress have natural oils that resist moisture absorption and fungal growth. Proper sealing with a marine-grade exterior finish provides additional protection. Estate Millwork kiln-dries all lumber to optimal moisture content before milling to minimize warping.
What is the difference between louvered and raised panel shutters?
Louvered shutters feature angled slats that allow airflow and light control, making them ideal for ventilation. Raised panel shutters have a solid panel with a beveled center, offering a more traditional, formal appearance. Both styles are available in custom sizes and multiple wood species.
Expert Tips for Choosing and Maintaining Wood Shutters
- Always measure the exact window opening before ordering. Custom shutters are built to your specifications, and accurate measurements ensure a perfect fit without costly adjustments.
- Consider your home's architectural style when selecting a shutter design. Louvered shutters complement Colonial and Coastal homes, while raised panel shutters pair well with Federal and Georgian architecture.
- Apply a high-quality exterior primer and paint or UV-resistant clear coat within two weeks of installation for unfinished shutters. This seals the wood against moisture and UV damage from day one.
- Inspect your shutters annually for signs of finish wear, especially on south-facing and west-facing elevations that receive the most sun exposure. Touch up any bare spots promptly to prevent moisture intrusion.
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Choosing the Right Wood Shutters for Your Home
Selecting exterior wood shutters involves balancing aesthetics, durability, and climate suitability. Homeowners in coastal regions often gravitate toward Spanish Cedar or Cypress for their natural resistance to moisture, decay, and insect damage. In northern climates, Western Red Cedar and White Oak provide excellent dimensional stability through freeze-thaw cycles.
Proper installation is just as important as material selection. Functional shutters should be mounted with stainless-steel or galvanized hardware to prevent corrosion staining on the wood or siding. Each shutter panel should be sized to cover exactly half the window opening when closed, creating a tight, weather-resistant seal. Estate Millwork builds every shutter to your exact window measurements, ensuring a precise fit without field modifications.
Maintenance requirements vary by species and finish. Unfinished cedar will weather to a silver-gray patina over several years, which many homeowners find attractive. If you prefer a painted finish, a high-quality exterior primer followed by two coats of acrylic latex paint will protect the wood for eight to ten years before recoating. Stained shutters should be refreshed every three to five years depending on sun exposure. Regardless of finish, periodic inspection of shutter hardware and tightening of mounting screws will keep your shutters operating smoothly for decades.
Ready to design your own custom wood shutters? Estate Millwork offers a wide range of styles and wood species, all crafted in our Pennsylvania workshop using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery.
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Contact Us @ 412.641.0177
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