Wood Plantation Shutters Vs Poly Shutters: Which Is Better?

Wood or polywood? That’s the question many homeowners and business owners find themselves asking when installing plantation shutters. Plantation shutters are a timeless classic that fits in both traditional and modern interiors. They add to the visual appeal of any room with their neat design. Their wide louvers help you control the light entering your room more efficiently. There are many advantages to buying both wooden and poly shutters in Jensen Beach.

Wood adds a warm appeal to any room you install it in. It’s durable and yet lightweight. Polywood mimics the look of wood quite well. It’s easy to maintain and affordable.

If you want to choose between the two, then you need to consider the following factors:

Price

Polywood is more affordable than wood. Depending on the type of hardwood, the price difference may or may not be too large. But those on a tight budget may find faux wood to be the more affordable option.

Beauty

Many home and business owners prefer wood plantation shutters in Stuart due to their natural appeal. Wood comes in many variations of colors, textures and grain patterns. There are many species of wood available in the market, each with its unique pattern. This gives you many opinions to look for in terms of look. 

But polywood is good-looking in its own right. The material mimics the look of painted wood almost perfectly. 

Colors

If you want to customize the shutter’s color to match your interior, then wood might be the better choice. Designers can paint the shutter in just about any color you can think of. You can apply your home colors to help the window covering blend with your interior decor. Staining is also possible with wooden shutters.

Your options are a bit limited with polywood. Most companies offer only white or off-white polywood.

Durability

Wood is stronger than polywood and can endure regular use well. It can last for years without fading or warping. But you need to maintain it well and spend a bit to ensure that it lasts.

Polywood may not be as strong but it’s durable enough in its own right. It can withstand the effects of moisture and UV rays. It’s also quite fire-resistant and can slow the spread of fire during an outbreak. This makes it ideal for places with high heat and humidity issues.

Weight

Wood weighs less than polywood, making shutters made out of the former lighter. So, DIYers may find it easier to install wood panels than polywood panels. Wooden panels are also less likely to sag from the hinges than polywood. You need to ensure that polywood is installed properly to avoid it.

Size Limit

Poly shutters are heavy due to which they have a smaller size limit than wood. If you have a large window, you may need multiple poly panels to cover it. Wood is lighter, so you can build larger panels out of it. Having fewer panels is usually preferred due to the cleaner look it gives. Though having multiple panels can also be stylish.

Moisture-Resistance

Wooden items tend to warp, expand, fade, crack or rot when exposed to moisture. So you can’t install them in wet areas like washrooms and kitchens. Poly shutters are resistant to water, making them ideal for these areas.

Maintenance

The paint on wood may chip away after fifteen years under normal conditions. Polywood can hold its color for as long as the shutters last. Moreover, you can clean polywood using more harsh chemicals than you’d dare use on wood. Its water resistance also makes it simpler to clean than wooden panels.

Conclusion

Which material you should choose for your plantation shutters depends on your requirements. If you are tight on budget or want to install in a wet area, then ploy shutters are the best. If you want to boost your interior design with unique colors or have large windows to cover, then wood is the better option.