Four Smart Things To Do When Buying Wood Shutters

Wood shutters can increase the value and status of nearly any home. They protect interiors from a large variety of environmental factors that can be damaging. Knowing how to choose shutters that are right for your home can be easy when armed with the right facts and a knowledgeable sales person. Remember, this is an investment, so take it slow and make the right choice the first time.

Style is usually the first factor to consider when choosing shutters. Look not just at the exterior of the home, but the interior as well. As with any window treatment, you will want to compliment your furniture and the general tone of your room. With shutters, also consider whether interior or exterior installation is better for your situation as these window treatments do more than simply block light.

Shutters for exterior use come in an extensive variety of design choices. If you live in a coastal area, the popular ‘raised panel’ shutters will be the more practical option to buy, as will the common ‘fixed louver’ models. Other alternative choices include tropical-style, ‘Bermuda’ shutters, or the board and batten, ‘country style’ versions. However, what’s most important is to choose exterior shutters that are made of wood which has superior anti-warping qualities, and the strength to withstand severe weather conditions daily and all year round. Mahogany and Western Red Cedar are the best examples. Remember, wood with vertical grains have the strongest resistance to warping.

It’s easy to be carried away with a great shutter style and design, but what’s more important is construction quality, the joints in particular. Look for shutters that have tenon-receptive, ‘mortise’ joints. They are considered far superior to the widely used screw and butt-glued joints. Also remember, the shutters must also be equipped with copper or aluminum capping.

While interior window shutters may not experience the same exposure to the elements as their exterior counterparts, it is crucial to determine they have the quality to withstand continuous usage and stress due to changes in temperature. To prevent the possibility of warping, search for shutters which are made from 100% genuine hardwood, specifically, American Yellow Poplar and Elm. These have excellent anti-warping properties. Better still … they’re affordable and highly durable, too