To that end, we recently came across some information that we thought our readers might find useful about plantation shutter types. Plantation shutters have grown in popularity, and with that popularity different types of component parts have been used to build shutters. Most reputable dealers will offer 100% basswood shutters or solid PVC shutters. These two types are the most durable and offer the best value for the money.
However, as the plantation shutter industry grew, so too did the competitive variations claiming better pricing with "technological" differences. And so the industry experienced the rise of plantation shutters made with fiberboard and hollow PVC.
The hollow PVC shutter was designed to drive down prices and provide the look of a plantation shutter. However in humid conditions, problems began to pop up. Apparently the high moisture creates an effect whereby condensations can form inside the hollow portions of the shutter. This creates the opportunity for mold growth. It only takes a little moisture, a dark space and heat and your shutters innards become a petri dish of mold. Obviously, a solid PVC shutter eliminates this issue.
The other issue occurs with the fiberboard shutter. If you have ever had a Formica kitchen and experienced it falling apart at the seams, you know first hand it was probably built out of fiberboard. Again, moisture can interact with fiberboard and can be a fiberboard shutters' worst enemy.
In the picture above you can see what happens to wood that is not properly treated. Now, to be sure, this doesn't happen every time you buy a wood product. But, is the couple dollars saved worth the risk? You will hear from those who produce and sell these products that this is not an issue. However, it has happened to some people and might happen to you. The prudent course of action is to shop for a 100% basswood or a solid PVC shutter product. They are the industry standard and can be found for a fair price. But, no matter what you chose to purchase - please kindly be informed - and know about your shutter product so you don’t experience unexpected issues.
We would love to help you with your shutter project. Also, check out our online shutter cost calculator for a rough idea of what new basswood or 100% PVC shutters might cost.