Exterior PVC Shutters
PVC exterior shutters combine traditional shutter construction with a durable synthetic material suited for demanding exterior environments. ShutterLand PVC shutters are made to order in louvered, solid panel, combination, board and batten, and Bahama styles, with options for fixed or functional installation.
PVC is especially well suited for applications requiring substantial construction, traditional proportions, made-to-order sizing, and functional operation. Shutters can be ordered unfinished, primed, or factory painted in standard or custom colors.
Available PVC Shutter Styles
ShutterLand offers PVC exterior shutters in several traditional styles.
PVC Louvered Shutters
Individual louvers create the depth and appearance associated with traditional exterior shutters. Available for fixed or functional installation.
PVC Raised Panel, Flat Panel & Shaker Shutters
Solid-panel shutters constructed with PVC stiles and rails surrounding a composite center panel.
PVC Combination Shutters
Combine a louvered section with a raised, flat, or Shaker panel.
PVC Board & Batten Shutters
Constructed from individual vertical PVC boards joined with horizontal battens.
PVC Bahama Shutters
Mounted above the window and supported at an outward angle. Bahama shutters can be made wider than standard colonial-style shutters through the addition of one or more vertical sub-stiles.
PVC Shutters at a Glance
Material: Exterior-grade PVC; solid-panel styles incorporate composite center panels
Installation: Fixed or functional
Styles: Louvered, raised panel, flat panel, Shaker, combination, board and batten, and Bahama
Sizing: Made to order within the available dimensions of each style
Finish: Unfinished, primed, standard factory paint, or custom factory paint
Applications: Residential, coastal, traditional, historic, and restoration projects
Why Choose PVC Exterior Shutters?
PVC offers substantial construction, traditional shutter styling, made-to-order sizing, and the ability to accommodate both fixed and functional installations.
The material is particularly well suited for areas exposed to humidity, rain, or coastal conditions. If moisture penetrates the painted finish and reaches the underlying material, PVC remains impervious to water. This characteristic can provide an important advantage in exterior environments where maintaining the finish can become more challenging over time.
How Are PVC Exterior Shutters Constructed?
Construction varies by shutter style.
Louvered shutters are assembled from solid PVC stiles, rails, and individual louvers. Raised panel, flat panel, and Shaker shutters use PVC stiles and rails with a composite center panel. Combination shutters incorporate both louvered and solid-panel sections.
Board and batten shutters are assembled from individual vertical PVC boards joined by horizontal battens.
Bahama shutters use a louvered frame designed for top-hinged installation above the window.
Decorative or Functional PVC Shutters
PVC shutters can be installed either permanently beside a window or with functional hardware that allows them to open and close.
Fixed shutters provide the appearance of traditional shutters without requiring operating hardware.
Functional colonial-style shutters are sized to correspond with the window opening and mounted with exterior shutter hinges. Bahama shutters are hinged across the top and extend outward from the bottom with support arms.
PVC is a substantial material, so functional shutters require proper hardware and support.
PVC Shutter Sizes and Options
Every ShutterLand PVC shutter is made to order using the dimensions and available options selected for the individual product.
Depending on the shutter style, available options may include width and height, divider rail placement, top profiles, panel configurations, board spacing, installation method, and finish.
The exact dimensions and available features are listed on each product page. Functional shutters require especially accurate measurements so the shutters correspond properly with the window opening. The PVC shutter measuring instructions explain how measurements should be taken for fixed and functional applications.
PVC Shutters for Historic Homes
PVC shutters are suitable for installation on historic homes because they are manufactured with the same historic appearance and proportions as traditional wood shutters.
Historic homes typically require functional shutters rather than shutters permanently fixed beside the window. PVC shutters can be installed with exterior shutter hinges and hardware so they open and close over the window opening as intended.
The combination of traditional appearance, substantial construction, and functional operation makes PVC a practical option for many historic and restoration projects.
PVC Shutter Colors and Finishing
PVC shutters can be ordered unfinished, primed, factory painted in a standard color, or factory painted in a custom color.
Unfinished shutters arrive without primer or paint. The PVC surface should be lightly scuff-sanded, cleaned, primed with a compatible exterior primer, and finished with a high-quality exterior paint.
Primed shutters arrive with a factory-applied primer and are ready for application of the final paint color after delivery.
Factory-painted shutters are available in a selection of nine standard exterior shutter colors for a complete, ready-to-install finish.
Custom factory colors are also available. A specific paint color can be matched by providing the paint manufacturer, color name, and color number.
Weather Performance and Material Characteristics
PVC performs well in exterior environments exposed to rain, humidity, and changing temperatures.
PVC itself is impervious to moisture, an important characteristic if water penetrates the painted finish and reaches the underlying material.
PVC also naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes and becomes more pliable as temperatures rise. Proper installation and support allow for this normal movement, particularly with larger shutters.
PVC Shutter Maintenance and Care
PVC shutters require limited routine maintenance. Periodic cleaning with mild soap, water, and a soft cloth or brush will remove dirt and surface buildup without damaging the finish.
The painted surface should be inspected occasionally for chips, scratches, or peeling. Damaged areas should be cleaned and touched up as needed to maintain the appearance of the shutters and protect composite panel components where used.
Functional shutters should also be checked periodically to confirm that hinges, shutter dogs, supports, and fasteners remain secure and operate properly. Additional recommendations are included in the exterior shutter care and maintenance guide.
Installing PVC Exterior Shutters
PVC shutters can be installed in a fixed position or with functional hardware, depending on the shutter style and intended use.
Fixed shutters are mounted beside the window with sturdy brackets that provide multiple points of support while maintaining separation between the shutter and the wall.
Functional colonial-style shutters are mounted with exterior shutter hinges and require adequate support at the top, bottom, and intermediate points. Lower support helps carry the weight of the shutter when open.
Bahama shutters are hinged across the top and supported at an outward angle with adjustable arms.
Detailed mounting guidance and hardware recommendations are included in the PVC exterior shutter installation instructions.
PVC Shutter Advantages and Considerations
Advantages
- Made to order in a wide range of sizes
- Fixed or functional installation
- Substantial traditional construction
- Multiple exterior shutter styles
- PVC remains impervious to moisture if the finish is penetrated
- Standard and custom factory paint colors
Considerations
- Heavier than lightweight decorative shutter materials
- Functional shutters require adequate support
- PVC expands and contracts with temperature changes
- Larger shutters can become more pliable as temperatures rise
- Painted surfaces require periodic inspection and maintenance
How PVC Compares With Other Exterior Shutter Materials
PVC provides a combination of traditional construction, functional capability, and resistance to exterior moisture.
Vinyl is generally used for economical fixed decorative shutters. Composite provides substantial fixed shutters in traditional styles. Wood offers natural material character and traditional construction. Aluminum is available for applications requiring greater strength or approved hurricane protection.
The exterior shutter material comparison provides a more detailed look at the differences between PVC, wood, composite, vinyl, and aluminum shutters.
Who Should Choose PVC Exterior Shutters?
PVC is particularly well suited for projects requiring substantial made-to-order shutters, functional operation, traditional architectural appearance, or dependable performance in humid and coastal environments.
It is also an excellent option for historic homes where functional shutters with the appearance and proportions of traditional wood shutters are required.
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