If you are considering purchasing a vinyl or poly shutter, then look for a product that has an aluminum core. This feature can be found for a reasonable price from many retailers while adding tremendous support for large openings. For poly finishes, consider going with a baked on water borne paint. This ensures the shutter finish will never warp, crack, chip, or peel. Poly shutters are moisture and UV resistant, making them impervious to the elements. As such, poly shutters eliminate the worry about the damaging effects of humidity, heat, or the sun. Again, the aluminum core provides unprecedented strength and durability that allows the panels to be safely fabricated at up to 36” wide for an unparalleled viewing area.
If you are considering a wood shutter then stick with premium basswood. A good basswood shutter is hand built utilizing a unique process that combines craftsmanship with cutting edge technology - to offer precision design and consistent quality control. The finish should be either stained or painted with a high tech UV prime. If desiring a natural or stain grade shutter look, then basswood is the absolutely best option. The natural beauty of the wood comes through and creates a unique look.
For either type of shutter, look for a system that is easy to tilt and that uses self-tensioned louver pins, which eliminate the need for tension screws. Also, the best hinge system is basically the simple removable pin - two part hinge. This makes it easy for you to remove a panel - if the necessity ever arises.
So, in summation look for:
- Poly shutters that are Moisture Resistant, Up to 36” Wide Panels with an Aluminum Co-Extruded Component Rigid Structure, a Durable Surface and available in specialty shapes.
- Wood shutters that are 100% basswood, use a combination of craftsmanship and high tech, and have a UV prime process when painted.
We would love to work with you on your next shutter project. Also, be sure to use our online shutter cost calculator to help approximate the cost of your project.