Outdoor Composite Shutters

Exterior composite shutters offer an appearance similar to wood shutters with the durability and consistency of a modern engineered material. ShutterLand composite shutters are manufactured from Extira, a dense exterior-grade material formulated to resist moisture, rot, termites, checking, splitting, and cracking. Custom-built for fixed installation, composite shutters provide a substantial, durable alternative to natural wood at a more economical price.

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How are composite shutters made?

Extira shutters are manufactured from 90% wood fiber combined with phenolic resins, zinc borate wood preservative, and a water repellent. The material is pressed into dense, solid panels specifically engineered for exterior and high-moisture applications. These panels are then cut and shaped into individual window shutter components. The components are assembled to create a substantial exterior shutter with the appearance and proportions of traditional wood construction.

Gray house with black raised panel exterior shutters.

Pros

+ Moisture, rot & termite resistant
+ Dense, solid composite construction
+ Realistic appearance
+ Low maintenance
+ Priced less than premium wood
+ Quarter-inch width & height sizes
+ Unlimited paint colors
+ Designed for long-term exterior use
+ Fixed installation brackets included
+ Free shipping for most sizes

Cons

– Heavier than wood
– Detail on the front side only
– Cannot be installed with hinges
– Louvers can have a rough surface
– No Bahama style option
– Cannot be stained

Composite louvered shutters differ slightly from traditional louvered shutter construction. Wood and PVC louvered shutters use individual slats with open space between them, while composite shutters are machined in sections of simulated louvers with no separation between the slats. For historic projects or applications where individual louvers and open spacing are important, wood louvered shutters or PVC louvered shutters may be a better choice.

Composite louver profiles are machined across the wood-fiber substrate, so angled surfaces may have a slightly more textured appearance than the smooth face of the window shutter material. This is a normal characteristic of Extira.

Composite solid-panel shutters have a realistic appearance and can be difficult to distinguish from painted wood. The vertical stiles and horizontal rails of raised, flat, and shaker panel shutters are proportioned much like traditional wood shutters, providing similar architectural depth and detail. The smooth painted finish further contributes to a substantial, authentic appearance.

Composite Bahama shutters are not offered because the connected louvers limit the ventilation and visibility characteristic of traditional Bahama shutters. Bahama shutters require open space between individual louvers to allow ventilation and visibility.

Board and batten composite shutters closely reproduce the appearance of traditional board and batten construction. Vertical grooves define the individual board sections, while horizontal battens complete the characteristic style.

Building a composite board and batten exterior shutter.

How do you measure for outdoor composite shutters?

Stationary window shutters only need to appear that they could close over the opening. Measure both the width and height of each window. For a traditional appearance, each shutter should generally measure approximately half the width of the window opening. Very wide windows may require narrower shutters for practical or aesthetic reasons.

How are composite shutters installed?

Composite exterior shutters are custom-made to the specified width and height. For the best presentation, measurements are offered in ¼-inch increments. Composite shutters are manufactured with one presentable side, so they can only be installed in a fixed position.

ShutterLand outdoor composite shutter orders include clear polycarbonate V-shaped mounting brackets. Full-width brackets attach to the top and bottom edges of the shutter to secure it in a stationary position beside the window. Shutters over 55 inches tall also include smaller brackets along the sides for additional support. The clear brackets are unobtrusive once installed.

Installation using any other method will void the warranty. Installation of exterior composite shutters can be accomplished by most homeowners.

Composite shutters cannot be installed with functional shutter hardware. If the shutters need to swing open and closed, consider either PVC shutters or wood shutters.

Fixed installation with polycarbonate v-shaped mounting brackets.

The appearance of composite shutters can be enhanced with faux shutter hinges and shutter dogs.

How much do composite shutters cost?

Homeowners love that exterior composite shutters are surprisingly affordable. The price is higher than vinyl panels but lower than premium wood shutters. Easily get a quote for any shutter by navigating to the desired style page and then entering the requested specifications.

White house with with black composite shutters.

Can you paint exterior composite shutters?

Yes, composite exterior shutters can and should be painted. Extira requires a primer before the application of a top coat. Our factory-applied primer creates a strong bond between the composite material and the finish coat. Painted exterior shutters are available in nine popular standard colors, or you can select from virtually unlimited custom colors for a one-time matching fee of $200. Frequently selected colors include Tricorn Black, Black Forest Green, Hamilton Blue, Charcoal Slate Gray, Tudor Brown, Cottage Red, and Burgundy. All sides of the shutters are painted for a complete, consistent finish.

Can composite shutters be stained?

Composite shutters cannot be stained like natural wood. Extira is a paint-grade engineered product and is designed for application of a protective painted finish.

Exterior composite shutters for a back yard patio.

How long do composite shutters last?

Composite shutters are designed for long-term exterior use. Extira resists moisture, rot, termites, checking, splitting, and cracking, but the life of the finished shutter also depends on maintaining the protective paint coating. Inspect the finish periodically and repair damaged or exposed areas as needed.

Louvered composite exterior shutters view from below.

How can I buy composite window shutters?

Select a composite shutter style above to view available sizes, options, colors, pricing, and ordering information. Every composite shutter is custom-built to the dimensions specified for your project, allowing the width and height to be tailored to individual windows. Standard and custom paint colors are available, or shutters can be ordered primed for finishing after delivery. Orders can be placed online, and our staff is available to help with product selection, measuring, or other questions before ordering.

Shipping Time for Composite Shutters

Composite shutters take approximately 5-7 weeks to manufacture. After construction is complete, the shutters are shipped directly to your shipping address.