One of the most popular window furnishings in Australia is plantation shutters. Shutters are an investment that will add functionality and flair to your home while protecting your windows from extreme weather conditions, dust, and heat.
Shutters are available in different colors, prices, and material making it complicated for first-time buyers to settle on one that suits them. Different shutter materials have different aesthetics, versatility, and durability. It is vital you understand which shutter plantation material is ideal for your budget, lifestyle, and home. Let us look at some of the best materials for making plantation shutters.
Wood
Wooden shutters have been around for many years, and their popularity is not reducing. Conventional wood used for making plantation shutters includes Poplar, Basswood, and Kiri because of their durability, lightweight, and elegant design. Wooden plantation shutters can be stained, painted, and shaped differently to add a timeless style to your house.
One con of wooden shutters is that they have to be re-varnished and re-furnished regularly to maintain their standards. They won’t fit in some sections of your house. Another downside of wooden shutters is they can’t withstand prolonged contact with moisture as it bends and damages the material, making it unfitting for bathrooms and kitchens. Wood plantation shutters often fade and crack when left open to the weather.
PVC
PVC is a popular material for making plantation shutters due to its durability and ability not to fade or crack over time. Unlike wood shutters, PVC is totally water-resistant, making it ideal for shutters in any section of your house. PVC gives a sleek modern appearance that is ideal for modern house designs. PVC shutters are also effective insulators. PVC shutters are made to trap heat and sunlight without their temperatures rising.
Old PVC shutters are difficult to clean. Additionally, the connectors that hold the tilt rod to the shutter blades are fragile, and so they get damaged too often. PVC shutter slats are also impossible to decorate because their edges have sealing caps.
Aluminum
Aluminum plantation shutters work with both old and new house designs, offering extensive durability with minimal maintenance needed. They are exceptionally lightweight and can be fitted both inside and outside your house. Their durability does not depreciate over time as compared to wood shutters. They are available in standard colors, wood grain appearance, and powder coat colors.
Unluckily, aluminum shutters are bad insulators because of their excellent thermal conductivity; thus, a significant amount of heat is lost through their frames. It is also crucial you know that oxidation happens over the years with aluminum. This means that aluminum plantation shutters are vulnerable to corrosion and rust if actions are not taken to end electrolysis.
Medium Density Fiber
These shutters are also known as hybrid or composite shutters. They are made by mixing industrial glue with sawdust, shaped in various designs. They are covered with vinyl wrap or paint to boost their elasticity. MDF shutters are inexpensive and just as stylish as wooden plantation shutters. Composite shutters are resistant to bending and require little maintenance.
They are susceptible to water damage, are relatively brittle, and cannot be stained.
Alder
This is a top-notch material that is used to make plantation shutters. It is considered the best in the field. Alder is a kind of hardwood that excels in damage resistance, durability, and strength. This type of shutter material is extensively customizable to any style of your choice.
Alder has a unique cherry wood grain look. Alder plantation shutters are easy to stain or paint into ant preferred color.
Nonetheless, this is one of the most expensive shutter materials and is extremely vulnerable to water damage.
Laminated Shutters
Laminated shutters are a great alternative to wood plantation shutters. They are usually made with thin wood slats glued together. They are attractive and durable, just like wooden shutters. Laminated shutters have creative finishes such as wrapping, painting, and staining. They are also incredibly cheap.
However, they cannot endure high wet conditions, and after some time, they often get delaminated.
If you are still thinking about the best material for your plantation shutter, factor the house’s design and needs. Plantation shutters are an ideal choice to keep your house cool during hot months. With this guide, you will be able to choose the best material for your Brisbane Plantation Shutters.
Autobiography
Jim Pulman has extensive knowledge and experience in Home Building, Construction, and Design. He writes articles in his free time and partners with content creators to share his expertise with the online community
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