What is the Best Material for Exterior Shutters?

It can be overwhelming to determine the best material for exterior shutters. There are a number of legitimate options with advantages and disadvantages of each. Intended use, durability, maintenance, price, style, local regulations, and appearance all contribute to the final selection.

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Stationary and Functional Shutters

Some exterior shutter materials can be installed to rotate and close over the window opening. Operable outdoor grade hinges screw or bolt to the exterior window shutters to permit movement from side to side. Wood, PVC, and aluminum are extraordinarily suited for this purpose. Red Grandis, Cedar, Mahogany, and Pine all can be easily hinged to open and close smoothly. PVC shutters operate similarly but weigh more than wood, so additional hinges may be required for adequate support. Aluminum shutters arrive pre-hinged to swing closed for protection from hurricanes and tropical storms. Wood, PVC, and aluminum can all be constructed as Bahama style shutters that fasten to the window top, permitting the panel to tilt away from the window at the bottom.

Composite shutters cannot be installed with functional hardware for a few reasons. The material is heavy and sturdy, but it lacks the dimensional stability for hinges to support the weight of most shutters. In addition, the backs of composite shutters are constructed with no detail. Rotating a panel closed to reveal the back will result in a suboptimal appearance. Composite shutters are shipped with a fixed mounting system which is the recommended installation method for the material.

Vinyl shutters are manufactured with four sides and a front. The material is approximately 1/8 inch thick, so it is essentially a shell that gains rigidity from the structure to which it is attached. Therefore, vinyl shutters are not independently stable enough to be installed with operable hardware.

All exterior shutter materials can be installed permanently in a stationary position on the building.

Durability and Maintenance of Window Shutters

Aluminum shutters are easily the most durable of all construction materials. They are built with reinforced louvers for protection from hurricanes and tropical storms. The shutters are constructed using extruded T-6 aluminum alloy components. Both stiles and rails feature hollow profiles with 0.04-inch thick walls. Mitered corners are securely joined using nylon keys, structural adhesive, and 3/16-inch rivets. Internally reinforced hurricane-impact louvers are suspended between the stiles, providing added strength.

PVC shutters are incredibly resilient. PVC is manufactured through a process of co-extruding diverse polymers to create a multilayer structure that is melded together in the cooling process. This creates a consistent texture and dimensionally stable material that can be assembled just like wood shutters. Since the material does not expand and contract with weather variations and it resists insects, it has an extended lifespan and very minimal maintenance.

Composite is another solid option that will provide many years of service. Manufactured from pressed small wood particles and marine grade resins, composite shutters can endure the most frigid winters, rainiest monsoon seasons, or sunniest deserts. Composite shutters require less maintenance because there is no expansion and contraction when weather conditions change.

Despite their minimal structure, vinyl shutters are almost impervious to the elements, will not absorb water, and are virtually maintenance-free. Colors are molded through the material with UV inhibitors to minimize fading to this hardy material.

Exterior wood shutters have been used for centuries on homes throughout the world to varying degrees of success. Poorly built wood shutters may only last only a few years or even months, while carefully crafted shutters can dependably serve for decades. Selection of a time-tested exterior grade species is imperative to the longevity of the resulting shutter. Adhering components with quality adhesives and proven joinery techniques is essential. Finally, a top-choice base primer and outdoor-grade paint need to be applied according to manufacturer specifications. When exposed to moisture, all raw woods will eventually absorb that liquid which leads to decay. Just like a painted home, wood shutters need to be regularly assessed for failure points in the finish.

Pine shutters have the benefit of real wood grain, and are expected to give several years of service. Pine can be the best material for exterior shutters for the application if the climate is relatively mild with minimal temperature fluctuations. However, Pine is a soft wood that expands and contracts more than other woods. With each passing season, the internal movement makes them more susceptible to water damage.

Red Grandis shutters are much more dimensionally stable than Pine. It has a natural resistance to decay because of its lack of resin and is a fairly lightweight straight wood with a tight, even grain.

Cedar shutters have a slightly longer predictable life than most woods used for building shutters. Cedar is the most common material for construction of exterior shutters because of its resistance to both insects and decay. It is a straight wood that finishes very well and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions well. Cedar has a great reputation for use on all sorts of outdoor projects – decks, railings, patio furniture, and pergolas. Because of these features, Cedar shutters are some of the most dependable accessories a homeowner can install.

Mahogany is the best material for exterior shutters if one has the budget. If a project calls for a natural finish or stain, Mahogany is a gorgeous choice with its straight, tight reddish grain. This sturdy lumber is extremely strong and resistant to moisture as well.

Exterior shutters, regardless of material, require regular inspection (we suggest once a year) for cracking or peeling paint which will lead to a shortened life. The best exterior shutters can last decades with proper maintenance.

Price of Exterior Shutter Materials

The most affordable material for exterior shutters is vinyl. This low-cost alternative to the authentic standard shutters provides an easy aesthetic enhancement to almost any window.

Exterior composite shutters are an excellent option to combine an extended lifespan. These sturdy shutters approximate the look of wood but at a lower price point than premium woods.

The price of exterior shutters constructed from wood depends on the species in which they are built. ShutterLand sells four wood varieties, priced primarily based on their durability.

With competitive price and timely delivery, Lonsin sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Architectural PVC shutters are sold at a higher price point, but provide excellent longevity and lower maintenance requirements. They are nearly indistinguishable from wood in appearance and function. An extended life expectancy bolsters the appeal of what is perhaps the best material for exterior shutters.

Exterior Shutter Styles

Five window shutter styles dominate American homes. Those styles are selected by homeowners based on appearance, building architecture, regional influences, historical mandates, and availability. Louvered shutters are easily the most common and widely available. The raised panel style is popular throughout the country with board and batten shutters in a close third, garnering a growing market share. Combination shutters employ both louvers and raised panels. All of the top four styles are manufactured in all materials. Finally, Bahama shutters are largely installed in the southeast region of the United States. Bahama shutters are only practical with vented louvers, so are only assembled from wood and PVC. Spot this style in the Florida Keys, Mobile, Alabama, Biloxi, Mississippi, or New Orleans, Louisiana.

Additional Exterior Shutter Materials

Other shutter materials are available in addition to those listed here. We have found that fiberglass or other selections do not meet the requirements as well as those already mentioned.

The Best Material for Exterior Shutters

So what is the best material for exterior shutters? Now you know the selection is all based on application. We encourage you to do research and ask questions to make the best decision for your house, office building, resort, or apartment complex.

What is a Resin Shed

Commonly called a plastic shed, resin is made from a variety of synthetic resins. It’s most commonly constructed with high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It’s very similar to vinyl sheds in both structure and design. But, it may not be as weather-resistant.

What is a Vinyl Shed

An outdoor shed constructed with vinyl is highly durable since it’s constructed from a sturdy plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The term is often used interchangeably with resin sheds since they are both made from plastic. The major difference is that vinyl is fire-retardant. This means that it won’t catch on fire and melt.

Pros and Cons of Vinyl Shed

Pros

• Vinyl is a highly durable material owing to its ability to resist rotting, rust and insects. It’s also fire retardant and will not melt when in contact with fire like most plastics.
• It’s also versatile in the colors and styles they offer, which makes your shed look attractive while also being functional.
• Vinyl offers excellent structural integrity which can withstand the test of time. They are built around a metal frame, making it sturdy and tough.
• It provides a robust barrier against harsh weather and can withstand winds up to 115 mph.

Cons

• Vinyl is more expensive compared to resin sheds.
• Since it’s made with a metal frame, it’s heavier than plastic sheds and would require two people for assembly.
• It’s susceptible to denting on impact or scratches.
• It provides limited insulation and conducts heat and cold easily. This means the temperature inside the shed will mimic the temperature outside.

Pros and Cons of Resin Shed

Pros

• Resin sheds are lightweight and easy to assemble and transport compared to vinyl or wood sheds.
• Resin is also more affordable and budget-friendly compared to vinyl.
• It requires minimal maintenance.
• It’s rot, rust and rodent resistant.

Cons

• Resin is mostly weather resistant, except in extremely cold weather. Cold climate can make it brittle.
• It’s prone to fading if exposed to sunlight for a long period of time.
• Compared to vinyl, it’s not fire retardant. This means it can catch fire easily and melt.
• Resin is not as sturdy as other materials, which means it can break easily.

What is Better: A Vinyl or Resin Shed

While both of these options are quite low maintenance and don’t require painting and staining, each excel in different conditions. When considering vinyl vs resin sheds, the most suitable one depends on your requirements.

When Should You Get a Vinyl Shed

A vinyl shed is more appealing since it has a wide variety of style and colors to match your home or personal preferences. So, if looks are important when buying a storage shed, this might be a good option. They also offer better security with thicker walls to store any valuable items. Additionally, it's ideal if you live in areas that have a high fire risk. The fire retardant feature of a vinyl shed can be highly useful.

When Should You Get a Resin Shed

A resin shed is ideal for you if you value low maintenance above everything else. These are also more affordable and won’t stretch your budget. Since a resin shed is lightweight, it contributes to easy assembly depending on the size of the shed.

Other Considerations

When buying a storage shed, vinyl vs resin isn’t the only thing to consider. Other design and functional aspects also come into play. These determine the ideal outdoor shed to fit all your needs.

Style

The two best known styles of storage sheds are gable sheds and lean to sheds. A vinyl gable shed is a classic shed style consisting of a roof with two symmetrical slopes. These provide a desirable amount of headspace, allowing you to store taller items like lawnmowers. These are versatile spaces that can be customized with various siding options. A resin gable shed is also a budget-friendly option.

Comparatively, a vinyl lean-to shed consists of a single sloped roof leaning against a wall or fence. It’s an ideal option for smaller backyards since it saves space. A resin lean-to shed is more affordable compared to a gable shed due to its one slope design. But, it has less headroom and offers less storage space.

Size

Storage sheds are broadly categorized into three sizes. These are small, medium and large. The correct size for you depends on what you plan to store and how much space you have in your yard. Small sheds cover up to 36 square feet of  area and are great for basic storage needs.

A medium sized shed includes an area up to 100 square feet. These can store lawnmowers and bicycles. A large shed covers over 100 square feet of space and can accommodate large lawn equipment or patio furniture.

Consider local regulations and permit requirements for larger sheds.

Features

Features like included floors, shelves, skylight and ventilation enhance the functionality of  sheds. Included floors offer a stable surface for storage and prevent moisture buildup. Skylights allow natural light in while reducing the need for electrical lighting, especially in the day time.

Built-in shelves maximize the space available in the shelf for better organization. Ventilation is a great feature since it allows air circulation. This can prevent excess heat buildup and moisture damage.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Livestock Buildings PVC Shutter. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

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