Various Plantation Shutter Materials

First popularized in the eighteenth towards the nineteenth century, plantation shutters began with wood as the primary material for the structure. The surrounding hardwood and softwood materials in plantations spurred the creation of this type of window treatment, hence the given name.

This type of window treatment persisted throughout the century not only because of the heavy-duty quality associated with plantation shutters but also the numerous variations in terms of the interior shutter materials that can be used for the structure. 

Plantation Shutter Advantages: Material versus Material

The choice of the specific material to use primarily depends on a combination of factors. These factors may include, among other things, the price allocated for the structure, the dimensions of the enclosure in mind, and even the presence of environmental elements in the surroundings.

·         Wood. Wood plantation shutters are among the sturdiest variations of interior treatments. Basswood and Poplar are considered hardwood materials but are favored for their lightweight property. However, grain patterns and the natural color of Basswood and Poplar tend to be inconsistent so the wood material is often painted or stained. On the other hand, Maple, Mahogany, and Oak lie on the pricier spectrum of interior shutter materials. Though relatively more expensive, these hardwoods boast of the longevity and the unique grain patterns on the surface. These denser materials also resist denting and chipping and can be used for wider openings as they are not prone to sagging even when the width of the enclosure is beyond the standard measurements.

·         Faux Wood. Considered as wood look-alike materials, faux wood panels lessen the cost of the whole structure by combining natural wood components with that of man-made synthetics such as vinyl or other plastic resins. To achieve the overall natural wood-look, grain patterns are created in the faux wood surface through artificial stamping. Plantation shutter advantages associated with faux wood materials include: high resistance to moisture, less tendency of warping and built-in UV protection features for some variations. However, overtime, faux woods may discolor, flake, crack or even sag as a result of deterioration.

·         Vinyl. Vinyl plantation shutters are also one of the less expensive alternatives for real wood shutters. Primarily made of a type of plastic resin called polyvinylchloride (PVC), hence the name vinyl, shutters of this type are also favored for their ability to withstand different weather swings from high moisture to humid. Vinyl interior shutters are also washable, not prone to warping, and oftentimes added with fire retardant properties. However, these structures seldom lend themselves to be repainted and are not advised for use in wide enclosures since they tend to sag. The rule of thumb in choosing vinyl plantation shutters is to opt for the solid, filled ones and not the hollow vinyl structures since the latter are susceptible to dis figuration and may fail to serve their intended purpose.

Interior shutter materials are not only limited to wood, faux wood, and vinyl. As the market for plantation shutters become more and more popular, combinations of different materials are also becoming more predominant. Hybrid shutters are a new trend as they not only combine different materials but also incorporate multiple structural designs and features. Though the deciding process on which material to choose for the interior shutter may pose certain difficulties, homeowners are at least not limited and not stuck to just a few options to choose from.