Making the final decision about something regarding the renovation of your home is always big and overwhelming. Once you do it there is no going back, which is why it should be perfect and to your liking the very first time. However, most of the time people have a lot of other factors to consider when choosing for the right design and material no matter the element of their home in question. When there is many of them like window shutters for example, the overall problem becomes even bigger and more difficult to solve.
Window shutters have been around for thousands of years and they still remain one of the best ways to protect your windows and limit how much natural light you want inside of the rooms. What is more, they are among the most visually appealing and diverse solutions for home design and are capable of completely changing what a house looks like and what style it follows. To help you with such a big decision if you happen to have one like it right now, or if you expect that it will soon come, we decided to give you the best tips about choosing the right material for your new set of window shutters.
To learn more about window shutter materials as well as everything else about them including where to buy the best ones, make sure to check out diamondwindowshutters.co.uk.
About the Shutters
As we stated somewhat earlier, window shutters are hardly a new trend. Some of the earliest, most famous and prosperous ancient civilizations used them including the Egyptians, the Greeks, and the Romans. Fast forward to the middle ages and then the renaissance and Victorian periods, homes all over the world utilized wooden solutions on the windows that protected against the elements, the burglars, and allowed natural light management. Most popular and common in Europe and the Mediterranean, they could be seen far and wide in all corners of the world.
Apart from their obvious functions, they also allow privacy and allow natural air conditioning. In modern times, they are also great for energy efficiency and can greatly increase the curb appeal and market value of any home. Best of all, they can never ruin the look of a home since they literally suit any architectural style no matter how different or unique. For all of these reasons, there will always be a high demand for shutters especially in coastal homes and places where it is always sunny.
Materials
When it comes to materials, you may be surprised that there are quite a few ways to go. While wood is the most prevalent and popular, others are a great solution depending on one’s needs. In the next section we will talk a bit about the options.
Wood
Source: bayhomeandwindow.com
The staple of the window shutter game and the most recognizable material is quality wood. Apart from looking good all the time and allowing for a classy and traditional touch, it is sturdy and has a long lifespan but only if you maintain it properly. Pine, red cedar, cypress, redwood, and mahogany are the most used trees. There is slight risk of moisture damage at times.
Aluminum
Source: qualitydiscountshutters.com.au
Aluminum became a widely used material in many industries following WWII, especially in construction. It is lightweight and easy to work with, and as such a good choice for shutters. Durable, sturdy enough, and weather-resistant, these shutters are easily installable and the best metal shutters on the market. Like wood, they are customizable but they require much less maintenance.
Vinyl
Source: curtainandblindco.com.au
The best budget option for your shutter problem would be vinyl. This plastic is sturdy enough but cheap, and it also looks kind of cheap on most homes. It is hard to replicate the appeal of wood or aluminum with it but they are very easy to both install and maintain. Color, style, and size options are limited, and these shutters are far more often used as decoration.
Wood Alternatives
Source: selectblinds.com
Faux and engineered wood are two modern solutions since hardwood is becoming increasingly expensive. Outdoor shutters with either of the two look good enough and it is hard to tell that it is not the real thing. The quality is near-identical and so is everything else, for quite less money. If this suits you there is no reason to get real wood.
Tips for Choosing
Source: theshuttershack.co.uk
Now that you know the materials, it is finally time to talk about the tips regarding the choice.
1. Protection
If you wish to maximize your window protection with the shutters apart from making your home more appealing, the ideal choice would be the hardest and sturdiest you can find. Hardwood would be the safest bet, but it is the locks that play a big role here too.
2. Cost
The cost of the shutters alone should not guide your final decision because there is so much more to consider. If you are on a budget, definitely go for faux or engineered wood. If not, real wood is always preferable.
3. Aesthetics
The most important thing for most homeowners is the appeal and the new style of their home with the new set of shutters. If this will guide your decision, you should always pick a nice hardwood that compliments the rest of your home’s elements like the windows, doors, and exterior paint.
4. Easy Installation
In case that all you care about is easy installation process and the least amount of work needed, go for aluminum or vinyl. Again, this is not the smartest way of choosing the best option because saving some money on installation does not make sense if you get something you do not fully like.
5. Maintenance
Real wood is the hardest to maintain despite being arguably the best fit for everything else. This is largely due to moisture coming from the elements. If you mean to care for it properly, pick hardwood. If that seems like too much work, go for aluminum since it requires next to no maintenance.
