Plantation shutters are a popular choice for many reasons, not least because of their efficiency. They improve your home’s appearance, provide excellent light control, and even cut monthly energy bills.

One question homeowners have is: “What are plantation shutters made from?” If you want the best out of your plantation shutters, you’ll need the right materials. So today, Hampton Shutters is here to talk about what plantation shutters are made from.

Take a look at this guide to these shutters and why they’re great for nearly any window. Then, contact us for more information about our vinyl, hardwood, and composite plantation shutters in Perth!

What Are Plantation Shutters?

Plantation shutters consist of an external frame with dividing rails and a shutter panel that allows individual shutters to rotate open and closed. Plantation shutters are popular for larger windows because they can open on hinges to allow total light exposure.

One of the most popular window treatment choices, plantation shutters were originally designed for estates in the Southern United States, specifically plantation homes. These large signature shutters offer excellent performance and versatility while allowing superior privacy and security.

Types of Plantation Shutter Materials

Most plantation-style shutters typically use three materials: timber wood, vinyl, and composite. Some older shutters may also use metal, like aluminium shutters. Each has its benefits:

Wood Shutters/Timber Shutters

People prefer real wood shutters because of their aesthetic appearance, durability, and customizability. Wood timber shutters are easy to install and come in various colours, styles, and slat arrangements, from narrow slats to wide slats. They are also eco-friendly, as you can recycle timber shutters.

The main downside of wood timber shutters is that they are not usually water resistant. Wooden plantation shutters are susceptible to moisture and high humidity. Their paint can also fade from excessive sunlight and UV exposure. These features mean timber wooden shutters are often not ideal for outdoor use.

Below are some of the more common wood species for plantation shutters:

Basswood Shutters

Basswood is a popular choice due to its soft character and bright appearance. The deep rich colour of basswood timber shutters gives them a luxurious appearance. Basswood slats feature a closed grain, making them easy to stain and helping them resist scratches. Basswood is also relatively resistant to water and humidity.

White Ash Shutters

Unlike basswood, white ash has a very noticeable grain, giving it a deep, colourful appearance. White ash is lighter and meshes well with modern styles, soft colours, and ample light. Impressively durable, ash white timber shutters provide a good mixture of charisma and modernity.

Pine Shutters

Pine is a common material because it is highly durable despite its relatively low cost. Pine shutters offer a simple, flat grain, so they pair well with similarly flat colours. Stained pine has an attractive matte painted finish and is relatively cheap compared to other types of wood.

Poplar Shutters

Poplar is another popular wood that is highly sustainable and environmentally friendly. The wood is soft, so it’s easy to shape for custom window coverings. Poplar is easy to mass produce and holds stain and enamel well, making it retain its colour for years.

PVC Shutters

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a useful synthetic plastic that is easy to manufacture and makes for a cost-effective option for these shutters. PVC has excellent durability, is non-toxic, and can fit seamlessly on large or small windows.

Most importantly, PVC is highly resistant to water, humidity, sunlight, and inclement weather. The southern states see frequent rains and high heat during the spring, so PVC shutters are a good choice for exterior and interior shutters.

Last but not least, PVC is lightweight, so it works equally well for small window coverings and large ones. You should choose PVC shutters if you are on a low budget and want an efficient, low-maintenance, and relatively strong material.

Composite Shutters

Composite shutters, or faux wood plantation shutters, combine synthetic and wooden materials to create a strong vinyl covering with a flexible wooden core. Composite shutters are virtually waterproof and resist humidity.

Compared to a wood shutter, composite shutters are lower-cost and easy to maintain. The main downside of composite shutters is they are heavy and may require additional structure to support their load.

Metal Shutters

Metal, such as aluminium shutters, is a less common material due to its high weight and rougher appearance. Most metal shutters have an aluminium core with a PVC or composite wood covering.

Benefits of Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters offer a level of natural beauty and can accent your home’s style. Below are some of the benefits of plantation shutters:

Light Control

Chiefly among their strengths, plantation shutters provide excellent control over light levels with a shutter cord or level. You can block out most of the light or open them all the way to let in more light and heat. Combined with curtains, a plantation shutter can approach total blackout levels.

Improve Home Value

Plantation shutters also improve your windows’ appearance and home’s curb appeal. They provide an elegant look with their large slats and can easily match your home’s trim. Finding a quality product like these shutters can significantly increase the resale value of your house.

Flexible

Plantation slats are also flexible and can match virtually all interior styles. Between wood, vinyl, and composite options, you can choose any painted colour and finish to match your furniture. Wooden shutter material is easy to cut, making it suitable for various uses, including alongside curtains. Installing plantation shutters is also a breeze.

Energy Efficient

Traditional blinds let out a lot of heat during the winter and fail to keep heat out during the summers. Plantation-style shutters are made from materials that are good insulators, especially those made of wood. Switching to plantation shutters can significantly lower your energy bill and keep your home more comfortable.

Easy to Clean

Last but not least, shutters are not challenging to clean and maintain. Unlike blinds, shutters are rigid and easy to clean with a damp cloth. You can wipe each shutter and the frame with your regular cleaning solution.

Plantation Shutter Material FAQ

You may want to learn more about why plantation shutters are an excellent window covering. Below are some of the most common questions about shutters we receive: