Choosing between two distinct but familiar options is usually a relatively easy decision. Good vs. evil, dogs vs. cats, diamonds vs cubic zirconia. But that ease disappears when you want to buy window shutters in Mountain View, CA, and need to decide between hardwood and composite shutters.
The solution? Get familiar. We’ve compiled the pros and cons of both materials, and it will help you make the right decision.
Hardwood and Composite Shutters Shutters
Wood has been an aesthetic winner for decades. The natural rich tone, markings, and sheen elevate a room and adds value to your home.
Such qualities are particularly hard to dismiss when cedar, mahogany, pine, and others are common go-tos for wooden window treatments.
Each hardwood variation also has its own feel. Dark mahogany works well in a dining room or study, and pine is a good fit for a kid’s room or nursery.
On the other hand, composite shutters are a creation out of human ingenuity. It’s made of vinyl, polysatin, or faux wood. The material most excels as a cost-effective and more resilient alternative to the real thing.
In a humid environment, like a bathroom, composite is the clear choice since excessive moisture on natural wood is a recipe for damage.
Here is how both materials compare in other categories and scenarios.
Design Versatility
Hardwood plantation shutters can be stained or painted to match your home’s decor. It’s not just at the point of sale either. If you change your couch or wall paint, you can easily repaint wood shutters to match the new design.
In this regard, composite shutters are more restricted. Because they are premade, they can’t be stained or painted to your home’s exact look.
When it comes to design versatility and flexibility, hardwood shutters win.
Lighting Control
Both materials are exceedingly great at controlling the flow of sunlight into a room. By design, shutters are attached directly to the window. Regardless of the material, they are energy efficient.
Some believe composite is better since the shutters can be molded into exact shapes for unusually-shaped windows since they are artificial. It is a good point, but we find that this is more a function of the manufacturer and installer than the material.
A well-produced hardwood shutter from a quality manufacturer installed by an experienced professional is excellent at light-blocking.
Maintenance
Composite or ‘faux’ shutters require little effort to maintain. All it takes is a good wipe down once in a while to remove dust, stains, and dirt. Dent, scrap, and visible wear are also not a problem.
Natural wood, though, needs a bit more love to maintain. They are susceptible to damage from sunlight and general wear. Also, refinishing is necessary every season or two, especially in Mountain View’s long summer climate.
But if you believe the rustic feel of weathered wood gives it character, this might not be a dealbreaker for you.
Price
The authentic hardwood look comes at a premium. They come from the finest-available US timber, whether it’s pine, mahogany, or cedar.
However, composite shutters are available for a fraction of the cost without the complete sacrifice of real wood’s elegance. But it means getting high-quality composite shutters, not the less appealing vinyl options.
Based on that, you can count on us for composite and hardwood window shutters in Mountain View, CA. Whatever material you choose, we have it in diverse selections. Come on down to our office or call now for a virtual design consultation.