Our Shutter Store is Often Asked: “What is the Best Material for Shutters?”
Part 1: About Synthetic Shutters-
Shutters can be made from a wide variety of materials! Some are durable, maintenance-free and attractive – others are less-than-sturdy and cheap in appearance. Balancing cost, with the appearance and features that you desire, can often be confusing. We’ve taken a moment to explain some of the most commonly used shutter materials, so you can make your shutter purchase with confidence.
MDF (medium density fiber) Shutters – Malibu, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Westlake Village
Although this style of shutter is known by many names – “hybrid”, “composite” and even “new – they are all at the low-end of the durability and quality scale. Medium Density Fiber Shutters are composed of sawdust mixed with glue that is molded into the desired shutter shape. The “MDF” shutter material is then coated using either a vinyl wrap or a gloss paint finish.
This type of “fiber” or “composite” shutter may initially look a lot like wood . . . but beware! MDF Shutters are very susceptible to water damage and they frequently swell and/or peel when exposed to moisture. Obviously, this is a problem especially in a bathroom, laundry room or kitchen area.
Additionally MDF shuttersare typically brittle and therefore do not withstand the impacts of normal usage. Eventually they will give out under daily stress. Fiber shutters may be among the “cheapest” shutters you can buy – but you definitely get what you pay for.
PVC (poly vinyl chloride) Shutters – Malibu, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Westlake Village
PVC is an extruded type of hollow vinyl. Sometimes it is reinforced with internal “webbing”. PVC shutters are easily identified by the finished edges of the blades which require “caps” on the end to seal them. Many people make the mistake of opting for PVC shutters because of their low cost. But, once again, you get what you pay for.
The tilt rods on PVC shutters are typically connected via plastic “T” connectors that have a tendency to break easily. PVC shutters also have a more “plasticy” appearance than other materials, and will often become yellowed when exposed the strong sunlight! Obviously this is a problem in sunny California!
Additionally, sunlight causes PVC to become brittle and crack. Even more concerning, PVC gases are toxic and the material will “out gas” (disperse chemicals into the air) for the entire life of the shutter.
Foam Synthetic Shutters – Malibu, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Westlake Village
As far as “synthetics” go – foam synthetic shutters are an improvement over MDF or PVC.
Foam synthetic shutters are water resistant, fire resistant, non toxic and have insulating properties. And, they appear much more “wood like” than PVC or MDF. To improve durability the “polycore” design can be manufactured with a reinforcing aluminum center.
While wood is absolutely the “gold standard” for shutters, polycore foam shutters are probably the best synthetic alternative. Still, they are heavier than wood and they are not as rigid and strong as wood – so typically they must be used for windows less than 96 inches in width. Additionally – just like PVC and MDF shutters – they cannot be stained like wood shutters can.
If you have a limited budget, and must consider synthetic (rather than wood) shutters, Foamed Synthetic Shutters are perhaps your most viable option. However, remember that wood shutters will last longer and look better for years to come.
