The Benefits of Installing Plantation Shutters

No matter which shutter you opt for – Real Timber or PVC Polymer, plantation shutters are not just universally charming; they also have a lot of other attractive selling points that go far beyond being stylish.

Insulating
Plantation shutters offer one of the highest insulation ratings of any window covering product. Their large slats, allow for greater airflow when they are open, but when they are closed, are excellent insulators and can help homeowners save money on heating and cooling expenses by helping to regulate the interior temperature of the house.

Durable and low-maintenance
Plantation shutters are built to stand the test of time and become permanent fixtures on windows. The shutters wide slats and simple materials also make cleaning a breeze. A quick dust or a wipe-down with a damp cloth is often all that is needed to keep the shutters looking fresh and new over time.

Style
The simple design of plantation shutters remains timeless. Plantation shutters are sleek and unassuming. They don’t fight for attention with other design elements and are relatively neutral in appearance. Plantation shutters can fuse easily with contemporary, Hamptons, classic or shabby chic designs. They also remove the need to update your window furnishings continually. A plantation shutter doesn’t need constant re-modelling or re-styling, saving you time and money during renovations, room updates, or seasonal interior design changes.

Improves lighting
Plantation shutters offer an efficient way to shield your rooms from direct sunlight. You can control the amount of light you let in by adjusting the angle of the slats. Therefore, making it easier to protect indoor possessions and furniture from the damage of extreme sun exposure over time.

Real Timber vs PVC Polymer Plantation Shutters – Which Shutter Type Would be Best for me?
Both are great products when used correctly and in the right application. Greg Mater, from local family business Coastal Style Shutters & Shades, has put together some of pros and cons of each material.

PVC Polymer

The Benefits 

• Durability. PVC is very tough and durable. Our PVC shutters are aluminium reinforced, which means they are highly durable, making them one of the most resilient shutters on the market. PVC will hold its colour, and never needs to be repainted or refinished. Our PVC shutters are resistant to chipping, cracking or splitting and offer a 20-year warranty.
• Locally made options. There are several locally made PVC options available on the market. At Coastal Style Shutters & Shades, we offer a premium Australian made PVC shutter with a lead time of only 2-3 weeks. This is a premium composite polymer product with an aluminium core for ultimate strength. These local shutters use a voc water-based paint to give you an environmentally friendly and long lasting finish. They are made here in Sydney and can be installed in your home in a matter of weeks!
• Impervious to moisture. Some areas are more prone to moisture. PVC is the only choice for wet areas or if you are concerned about moisture or humidity in a room as it will not absorb moisture, and it will not warp in the way real timber can under similar conditions.
• Less expensive. PVC shutters are more affordable than real timber shutters. If you are on a budget, you may want to look at PVC options as you will still get a quality finish, but for less than real timber.
• Easy to maintain. PVS shutters are hypoallergenic and easy to maintain. Any mild detergent will easily clean your PVC shutters. Wipe them down with a damp cloth to keep them looking their best.

The Downsides

• Limited colours. Unlike real timber, which can be stained or painted to any colour under the sun, PVC shutters generally come in limited shades, leaving you with a set palette to choose from. Our Polymer shutters come in six standard colours with four unique colours, as opposed to timber that has a much larger variety of colour options to choose from. While PVC colours are acceptable in most situations, homeowners that want to perfectly match the colour of their shutters to their trim or other furniture will find these options challenging to work with.
• Limited panel sizes. PVC shutter’s maximum panel width is slightly smaller than real timber shutters. This means you may need more shutter panels to cover a window opening if you decide to go with PVC. Our PVC shutters offer one of the largest panel widths on the market at 914mm (real timber 950mm). We chose this particular PVC shutter for its greater panel size and its ability to provide a clean look just like real timber.

Real Timber

The Benefits

• Naturally beautiful. There’s something about natural wood and its grain that makes for a beautiful plantation shutter.
• Countless colour variations. Timber shutters offer unlimited colour variations to match any interior. Many clients choose to paint their shutters to match their interior trim to help them fit seamlessly with the existing decor.
• The option to use a stain. If you prefer to stain your shutter, rather than painting them, to help bring out the natural beauty of the material, you can do so with timber. Stains can also be matched to your home’s trim, cabinets, or furniture.

The Downsides

• It’s expensive. Timber is more costly than PVC options. It is, by and large, a more expensive option, and if you have large windows or many windows in general, you will be looking at a higher price.
• May need occasional repainting. Like any other painted surface in your home, the painted finish will age over time. Expect to have to repaint or restain your shutters every 10-15 years.
• Timber doesn’t like moisture. Under severely moist conditions or high humidity, timber can warp over time and is not recommended for wet areas.
• It’s inconsistent. Due to the natural gradations in the timber, you may get an inconsistent colour application or quality.
• Harder to maintain. Timber shutters may need a fresh stain every ten years or so. To keep your shutters
• well maintained ensure they are free from dust. Timber is prone to warp due to the effects of moisture, so be sure to watch for signs of excess water near the shutters that can affect the wood over time.

Each type of plantation shutter has its pros and cons—that is why the right advice during your consultation is vital when selecting shutters for your home. Coastal Style owner, Greg Mater, looks after all jobs directly, from concept to completion. Greg is a qualified tradesman who has been building high-end homes on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and the Lower North Shore for over 25+ years. Greg has extensive experience working with builders, architects and interior designers in the local area. Greg’s extensive trade background in the area means he understands coastal environments and can advise on options that best suit Northern Beaches homes. Greg can provide you with an appealing and functional system for any window or opening, at Coastal Style Shutters & Shades we are not salespeople, we are qualified tradespeople who are all about excellent customer service and giving our customers the right sound advice.

Plantation shutters are a beautiful additional to any home and will stand the test of time – if you invest in quality at the outset and choose the right shutter for your space.