Are you interested in installing shutters on your home? Wood window shutters were the go-to for centuries, mostly because wood was the most available material and it looks very stylish and classic. Over the past few decades, however, tons of other materials have popped up for use as window shutters in Raleigh, NC. These other materials offer a lot of positives over wood, but they also look just like wood so you can get the classic style you want.

What do you do if you want the look of wood shutters but don’t want all the hassle of wood? You can use vinyl, fiberglass, or aluminum clad shutters instead:

• Vinyl Shutters – Vinyl window shutters are some of the most budget-friendly shutter options and are practically maintenance-free. Plus, they can come in colors and shapes that look just like wood, but they will stand up much better than actual wood in the face of harsh weather.
• Aluminum Clad – Aluminum class window shutters are wood shutters covered in aluminum for extra durability, weather resistance and energy efficiency. With these shutters, you still get the style and appeal of traditional wood without all the hassle or maintenance.
• Fiberglass Shutters – Fiberglass window shutters have a wood-like appearance, but they are much more versatile and user-friendly with superior performance. They are warp, swelling, and rot resistant. You can also repaint fiberglass window shutters if you ever want to switch up the color.

There are tons of great options for window shutter materials that look like wood, just like these options. But there is no harm in exploring wood shutters before you choose another material.

After all, wood shutters have a lasting and traditional visual appeal that keeps your home’s exterior looking natural and classic. Wood shutters can be stained or painted to match a variety of home designs or to change things up in the years to come. Plus, when it comes to “going green,” wood is one of the best options as it is made from natural materials. Wood shutters are also excellent for insulation as wood naturally inhibits cold and heat transmission, and is a poor energy conductor, meaning wood shutters keep the heat or cold from the outside out of your home.

But wood shutters need a lot of maintenance. They should be repainted and resealed frequently to keep them functioning at an optimum level and looking nice as they have a tendency to rot and warp due to wet weather and extreme temperature changes. They can also be pretty expensive because they cost more money to make and are always in high demand.

These are just a few options for window shutters for your home. Kiwi Designs, Fine Blinds & Shutters is here to help if you want to invest in Raleigh, NC window shutters that look like wood. We have a wide selection of window shutter materials, styles and colors to make sure you end up with the perfect window shutters for your home and preferences. Call or visit Kiwi Designs today to learn more.