Exterior PVC Shutters

PVC exterior shutters combine the traditional appearance of wood shutters with the durability and low maintenance of a synthetic material. Their substantial construction allows them to be installed with functional shutter hardware to swing open and closed or mounted in a fixed position alongside the window.

ShutterLand PVC shutters are custom manufactured in a wide range of sizes, styles and colors. They are well suited for homeowners who want the dimension and architectural character of traditional exterior shutters without the regular maintenance associated with natural wood.

Why Choose PVC Exterior Shutters?

PVC is particularly useful for exterior shutters because it is strong, moisture resistant and does not rot or decay like natural wood. The material performs well in hot, cold, wet and humid climates and requires relatively little routine maintenance.

PVC shutters are also substantial enough for functional installation. When properly sized and supported, colonial-style shutters can be hinged to swing between an open position beside the window and a closed position over the opening. Bahama shutters are hinged above the window and project outward from the bottom.

PVC does experience some normal expansion and contraction as temperatures change. Proper installation and adequate support allow for this thermal movement and help shutters maintain their intended shape.

PVC shutters are not impact-rated hurricane shutters. Homes that require approved hurricane protection should consider aluminum hurricane shutters designed and tested specifically for that purpose.

Blue PVC shutters installed on a white house with hardware.

Construction of PVC Shutters

ShutterLand PVC shutters are constructed from solid, substantial components rather than the thin hollow shell commonly associated with inexpensive vinyl shutters or foam-core alternatives.

Louvered PVC shutters are built with individual solid PVC louvers positioned between solid PVC stiles and rails. Open space between the louvers allows some air and light to pass through while maintaining the appearance of a traditional wood shutter.

PVC Bahama shutters are engineered for exterior exposure, providing a rigid, moisture-resistant assembly suitable for coastal and high-humidity environments.

Raised panel, flat panel and shaker shutters are constructed with solid PVC stiles and rails surrounding an Extira composite center panel. This combination provides the substantial dimensions and appearance of a traditional solid-panel shutter while using materials intended for exterior applications.

Stiles and rails are joined with exterior-grade adhesive and mechanical fasteners for a strong finished assembly.

PVC bahama shutters installed on a brick building.

PVC Shutter Styles

PVC exterior shutters are available in a broad selection of traditional architectural styles.

Louvered shutters use individual fixed louvers with open space between the slats. They are a good choice when a traditional operable-shutter appearance is desired.

Raised panel shutters feature recessed beveled details similar to a traditional paneled door.

Flat panel shutters have a simple smooth center panel for a restrained architectural appearance.

Shaker shutters add vertical grooves to the flat center panel for additional detail.

Combination shutters pair louvers with a raised, flat or Shaker panel section.

Board and batten shutters use vertical boards joined with horizontal battens for a rustic or informal appearance.

Bahama shutters mount above the window and project outward from the bottom, making them especially popular on coastal and tropical architecture.

Each style can be customized with available sizes, divider rails, top profiles and other options shown on the individual product pages.

PVC Shutter Pros



+ Functional or fixed installation
+ Traditional architectural appearance
+ Moisture resistant
+ Individual louvers on louvered styles
+ Wide range of custom sizes
+ Solid material & components
+ Long service life with proper maintenance
+ Remarkable durability
+ Resistant to insects
+ Unlimited paint colors
+ Free shipping for most sizes

PVC Shutter Cons

– Heavier than most other materials
– Functional shutters require multiple support points
– Generally more expensive than some wood options
– Cannot be stained
– Some thermal expansion and contraction occurs with changing temperatures
– Not impact-rated for hurricane protection

PVC Shutters for Historic Homes

PVC shutters are manufactured with proportions and component dimensions that closely resemble traditional wood shutters. Individual louvers, substantial stiles and rails, divider rails and functional installation can make PVC particularly appropriate for restoration projects where architectural authenticity is important.

PVC shutters have been accepted for many historic properties, but requirements vary between communities. Owners of homes within a historic district should confirm material, style, dimensions, hardware and finish requirements with the applicable local historic preservation commission before ordering.

PVC Shutter Colors and Finish

PVC shutters can be ordered unfinished, primed only, or factory painted.

Factory-painted shutters are available in standard exterior shutter colors or can be matched to virtually any custom color by providing the paint manufacturer, color name and color number.

Painted shutters arrive with all surfaces primed and finished in the selected color. Primed shutters receive the factory primer coat and are ready for finish paint after receipt. Fully unfinished shutters should be lightly scuff-sanded and primed before painting.

How to Measure for PVC Shutters

The correct shutter dimensions depend largely on whether the shutters will be functional or stationary.

For traditional functional colonial shutters, a pair of shutters should be sized to cover the window opening when closed. Each shutter will typically be approximately half the width of the opening, with the exact dimensions determined by the window, casing and selected hinge configuration.

Stationary shutters do not need to close over the window, so their dimensions have more flexibility. However, selecting a size that remains proportional to the window creates a more authentic appearance.

Arched windows, divider rails and Bahama shutters require additional measurements.

See the complete PVC shutter measuring instructions before ordering.

How to Install PVC Exterior Shutters

PVC shutters can be installed in either a functional or fixed position. Because PVC shutters are solid and relatively heavy, proper support is important for maintaining their shape and alignment.

Functional PVC Shutters

Functional colonial shutters mount with hinges secured to both the shutter and the building. Unlike lighter shutter materials, PVC shutters should not rely only on a top and bottom hinge for support.

Aeratis PVC shutters require multiple points of contact with the building:

  • Shutters under 84 inches tall require a minimum of four points of contact: a top hinge, bottom hinge, mid-hinge and shutter support.
  • Shutters 84 inches tall or greater require a minimum of five points of contact: a top hinge, bottom hinge, two mid-hinges and shutter support.

The shutter support works in conjunction with the shutter dog and helps carry the weight of the shutter while it is in the open position. Larger shutters may require additional support beyond the minimum.

See the complete PVC exterior shutter installation instructions before installing functional shutters.

Fixed PVC Shutters

PVC shutters can also be permanently mounted alongside a window when functional operation is not required.

Clear V-shaped polycarbonate mounting brackets are available for fixed installation. Brackets attach at the top and bottom of the shutter to secure it to the building while maintaining separation between the shutter and the wall. Larger shutters may use additional brackets for support.

A fixed installation creates the appearance of traditional shutters without hinges or moving operation.

PVC Bahama Shutters

Bahama shutters mount horizontally above the window with a continuous top hinge. Adjustable stays extend from the building to the lower portion of the shutter and hold it at the desired angle.

The outward projection provides shade while maintaining some visibility through the louvers. Review the specific Bahama measuring and installation instructions before ordering because the dimensions and hardware requirements differ from side-mounted colonial shutters.

Production and Delivery

Every PVC shutter is custom manufactured to the dimensions and options selected when ordering. Current manufacturing times are displayed on the individual product pages and may vary during the year.

Most qualifying shutter sizes ship directly to the supplied delivery address at no additional shipping charge.

Check Current Production Times

Are PVC Shutters Right for Your Home?

PVC is a strong option when the objective is to combine the substantial appearance of a traditional wood shutter with moisture resistance and reduced maintenance. It is especially useful when functional operation, authentic individual louvers, custom dimensions or historic architectural details are important.

PVC is not the ideal material for every application. Homeowners primarily concerned with price may prefer vinyl shutters, while projects requiring certified hurricane protection should use approved aluminum hurricane shutters.

Use our exterior shutter material comparison to compare PVC with wood, composite, vinyl and aluminum, or select a PVC shutter style above to configure dimensions, options and price.