Written by ShutterLand, a U.S. exterior shutter specialist with over two decades of hands-on experience in shutter measurement, material selection, finish options, and installation for residential homes and commercial properties.
It can be overwhelming to determine the best material for exterior shutters. Several legitimate options are available, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Intended use, durability, maintenance, price, style, local regulations, and appearance all contribute to the final selection.
For most homeowners seeking the best combination of authentic appearance, durability, functionality, and low maintenance, PVC is the best overall material for exterior shutters. However, each material serves a different purpose. Premium wood is best for natural character or a painted finish, vinyl offers the lowest price, composite provides a solid stationary wood-like shutter, and impact-rated aluminum offers the greatest hurricane protection. Economy pine is an affordable option when a solid or functional shutter is needed for a shorter-term application.
Some exterior shutter materials can be installed to rotate and close over the window opening. Operable outdoor grade hinges screw or bolt to the exterior window shutters to permit movement from side to side. Wood, PVC, and aluminum are well suited for functional installation. Red Grandis, Cedar, Mahogany, and Pine all can be easily hinged to open and close smoothly. PVC shutters operate similarly but weigh more than wood, so additional hinges may be required for adequate support. Aluminum shutters arrive pre-hinged to swing closed for protection from hurricanes and tropical storms. Wood, PVC, and aluminum can all be constructed as Bahama style shutters that fasten to the window top, permitting the panel to tilt away from the window at the bottom.
Composite shutters cannot be installed with functional hardware for a few reasons. The material is heavy and sturdy, but it lacks the dimensional stability for hinges to support the weight of most shutters. In addition, the backs of composite shutters are constructed with no detail. Rotating a panel closed to reveal the back will result in a suboptimal appearance. Composite shutters are shipped with a fixed mounting system which is the recommended installation method for the material.
Vinyl shutters are manufactured with four sides and a front. The material is approximately 1/8 inch thick, so it is essentially a shell that gains rigidity from the structure to which it is attached. Therefore, vinyl shutters are not independently stable enough to be installed with operable hardware.
All exterior shutter materials can be installed permanently in a stationary position on the building.
Aluminum shutters are the strongest shutter material offered by ShutterLand. They are constructed using extruded 6063-T6 aluminum alloy components. Both stiles and rails feature hollow profiles with 0.04-inch thick walls. Mitered corners are securely joined using nylon keys, structural adhesive, and 3/16-inch rivets. Internally reinforced hurricane-impact louvers are suspended between the stiles, providing added strength. Hurricane-rated models use reinforced louvers and tested assemblies for impact protection. Decorative-only aluminum shutters use hollow louvers and provide durability, shade, and architectural appeal, but they are not designed for hurricane protection.
PVC shutters are incredibly resilient. PVC is manufactured through a process of co-extruding diverse polymers to create a multilayer structure that is melded together in the cooling process. This creates a consistent texture and dimensionally stable material that can be assembled just like wood shutters. PVC does not absorb moisture or rot, but it can expand and contract slightly with temperature changes. Its solid, weather-resistant construction still provides excellent dimensional stability and long service with proper installation and support.
Composite is another solid option that will provide many years of service. Manufactured from pressed small wood particles and marine-grade resins, composite shutters can endure the most frigid winters, rainiest monsoon seasons, or sunniest deserts. Composite shutters are engineered for exterior use and resist moisture, rot, and insects. Because the material contains wood fibers, maintaining the painted finish is important. Exposed or damaged raw material can absorb water over time.
Despite their minimal structure, vinyl shutters are almost impervious to the elements, will not absorb water, and are virtually maintenance-free. Colors are molded through the material with UV inhibitors to minimize fading to this hardy material.
Exterior wood shutters have been used for centuries on homes throughout the world to varying degrees of success. Poorly built wood shutters may last a few years or even months, while carefully crafted shutters can dependably serve for decades. Selection of a time-tested exterior-grade species is imperative to the longevity of the resulting shutter. Adhering components with quality adhesives and proven joinery techniques is essential. Finally, a top-choice base primer and outdoor-grade paint need to be applied according to manufacturer specifications. When exposed to moisture, all raw woods will eventually absorb that liquid, which leads to decay. Just like a painted home, wood shutters need to be regularly assessed for failure points in the finish.
Economy Pine shutters provide authentic wood construction at the lowest solid-shutter price. It generally requires more maintenance and has a shorter projected lifespan than premium wood because it is more susceptible to seasonal movement and moisture damage.
Red Grandis shutters are stronger and more dimensionally stable than economy pine. Its straight, even grain paints and stains well, making it a dependable premium wood for exterior shutter construction.
Cedar shutters have a long history in exterior construction because of its natural resistance to decay and insects. It is relatively lightweight, finishes well, and performs dependably when properly painted or stained.
Mahogany is the premium wood choice for projects requiring exceptional strength, moisture resistance, and a rich natural or stained finish.
Exterior shutters, regardless of material, require regular inspection (we suggest once a year) for cracking or peeling paint, which will lead to a shortened life. The best exterior shutters can last decades with proper maintenance.
The most affordable material for exterior shutters is vinyl. This low-cost alternative to the authentic standard shutters provides an easy aesthetic enhancement to almost any window.
Economy Pine is the most affordable solid shutter material. It provides an authentic wood appearance and can be installed as a fixed or functional shutter, but it generally requires more maintenance and has a shorter expected lifespan than premium materials.
Exterior composite shutters offer a useful balance of moderate cost, solid construction, low maintenance, and extended service life. These sturdy shutters approximate the look of wood but at a lower price point than premium woods.
The price of wood shutters depends partly on the species used. ShutterLand sells three historic premium wood varieties, priced primarily based on their durability.
Architectural PVC shutters are sold at a higher price point, but provide excellent longevity and lower maintenance requirements. They are nearly indistinguishable from wood in appearance and function. An extended life expectancy bolsters the appeal of what is perhaps the best material for exterior shutters.
Aluminum is generally the most expensive exterior shutter material. Its exceptional strength, low maintenance, long service life, and available hurricane-rated construction make it a valuable choice for coastal homes and demanding applications.
Five window shutter styles dominate American homes. Those styles are selected by homeowners based on appearance, building architecture, regional influences, historical mandates, and availability. Louvered shutters are easily the most common and widely available. The raised panel style is popular throughout the country, with board and batten shutters in a close third, garnering a growing market share. Combination shutters employ both louvers and raised panels. Premium wood and PVC are available in the widest range of shutter styles. Vinyl and composite are offered in several stationary colonial styles, while aluminum is primarily used for functional colonial louvered and Bahama shutters.. Finally, Bahama shutters are largely installed in the southeast region of the United States. Bahama shutters are available from ShutterLand in premium wood, PVC, and aluminum. Wood and PVC provide a traditional architectural appearance, while aluminum is the best option when hurricane-impact protection is required. Spot this style in the Florida Keys, Mobile, Alabama, Biloxi, Mississippi, or New Orleans, Louisiana.
Other shutter materials are available in addition to those listed here. We have found that fiberglass or other selections do not meet the requirements as well as those already mentioned.
So what is the best material for exterior shutters? Now you know the selection is all based on application. We encourage you to do research and ask questions to make the best decision for your house, office building, resort, or apartment complex.
