You want to refresh the look of your home’s interior with plantation shutters, but you’re torn; do you go with wood or composite? We’ve broken down the differences between these two very popular materials so you can decide for yourself which one would best suit your needs.
Temperature Control
Both composite and wooden shutters have the ability to help control the temperature in a room by either letting sunlight in or keeping it out— a must for our steamy Southwest Florida summers! They stop winter drafts in their tracks, and keep the sunshine from penetrating the room in the heat of the summer.
Winner: It’s a tie—wood and composite shutters are both great for controlling the temperature in your home!
Allergy Control
If you or someone in your family struggles with seasonal allergies, consider the fact that both wood and composite shutters are easier to clean than heavy, cloth drapes or delicate curtains. (If you’ve ever wrestled a set of curtains into the washing machine, you understand this better than anyone!) Because of this, they’re a great option for those looking to control common allergens from the collection of dust, dander and pollen.
Winner: Another tie— Both types of shutters are significantly simpler to clean than other types of window treatments.
Weather Resistance
This is where composite shutters truly shine. They’re as attractive as wooden shutters, but the composite shutters, also known as engineered wood, have the look of wood without the need to refinish them every season or two. They fare particularly well in Southwest Florida’s humidity-prone climate. Wood shutters are very strong and surprisingly lightweight, but if you’re looking for a nearly weather-proof set of shutters, composite is your best bet.
Winner: Composite shutters!
Child Safety
Both composite and wood shutters have been certified by the Window Covering Manufacturers Association as “Best for Kids.” Considering there are no cords, this style of window covering is a wise choice particularly for those homes with small children or pets.
Winner: Again a Tie!
Price
When you think of “authentic” plantation shutters, it’s likely that you think of wood. The majority of wood plantation shutters are made from basswood, which is a strong and light wood. However, this classic look comes at a premium. If you’re looking to save a little cash without sacrificing the elegance, composite is a better option for you than the less appealing (and less sturdy) vinyl options that some companies offer. Not all shutters are created equally, and with that in mind, shutters from Beach Bungalow Blinds are made of the highest quality materials, never plastic or hollow.
Winner: Composite shutters!
Versatility
Wood plantation shutters can be stained or painted to perfectly match your home’s exterior; in fact, we can match them so seamlessly, no one would ever know that they weren’t part of your home’s original design! Composite shutters are a bit more restricted, as they’re premade, and cannot be stained or painted to your home’s exact specifications.
Winner: Wood shutters!
Ultimately, both composite AND wood plantation shutters are excellent choices for your window treatments. Regardless of which option you choose, Beach Bungalow Blinds has a wide variety of choices, ensuring that you’ll find the right plantation shutters for your home.
Ask about our Rebates
There are currently manufacturer’s rebates available in conjunction with the Hunter Douglas Celebration of Light event. Ask which energy efficient window treatments are included in the rebate promotion going on now through June 26, 2017. Contact us today!
