What is the best wood for exterior shutters?

Exterior shutter material should be weather resistant and straight grained. These characteristics enable shutters to withstand warping, shrinking and swelling. Cedar is one of the wood species most commonly used for shutters. Redwood and cypress also are viable options.

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Moreover, what is the best material for exterior shutters?

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 perhaps the best overall value. These sturdy shutters more closely resemble the authentic wood design.

are wood or vinyl exterior shutters better? Shutters that are made from real wood are more energy efficient and durable than vinyl exterior shutters. If cared for properly, these shutters will last for 10 to 20 years and can be painted or stained to your tastes at home, even if the manufacturer doesn't offer custom paints and stains.

Correspondingly, how do you weatherproof wood shutters?

Use an adhesive exterior caulking sealant to secure the cap to the top of the shutter and to weatherproof. Exterior wood shutters must be primed before they are painted. We recommend using an oil-based primer that is tinted as close to the final color as possible and using a spray system to apply.

How do you measure for exterior wood shutters?

Measure for the shutter height at the left side, middle, and right side of the window opening from the top of the window to the bottom excluding any window sill. If the heights vary at each of these points, use the SMALLEST of the three measurements. This measurement will be the height of the shutter you need to order.

Related Question Answers

How do I choose exterior shutters?

Mind the Details Make sure the shutters you choose correctly fit your windows; shutters should match the length of a window's trim and be approximately 25-33 percent of the window's width. When measuring for shutter widths, consider spaces between windows.

Are shutters better than blinds?

Shutters can block the light better than blinds, because the are mounted on a frame which will be fitted into your window frame. However, shutters cannot completely block out the light. For a better darkening solution, you can chose a combination of shutters with integrated blackout blinds.

How much do exterior shutters cost?

However, on average, most homeowners pay between $20–$320 apiece for stock shutters in regular or custom sizes or as much as $400 per panel for designer or motorized shutter options.

How much does it cost to have exterior shutters installed?

A store-bought pair of 15-inch by 63-inch raised-panel vinyl shutters can start at around $70, while a pair of custom-made painted wood shutters for a 36-inch by 66-inch window can cost $400 to $500. The hardware can cost another $100 per window, on top of installation costs if you hire a window pro.

What are composite exterior shutters made of?

Composite Wood Shutters | Exterior Composite Shutters. Composite Wood Shutters shutters are made from a solid core wood composite material that is impervious to water, and comes with a finish that will stand the test of time.

What color should your shutters be?

If you're using a bolder color, make sure it's integrated as an accent color through the rest of your home as well. White or black shutters can work very well with a beige home. White shutters, if matched to your window trim, can make a smaller house appear larger. Black shutters can especially pop on larger homes.

How do you paint exterior wooden shutters?

Clean the surface thoroughly with soapy water and a sponge. * Use a high-quality exterior Paint + Primer in One with strong adhesion such as Glidden® One Coat Exterior Paint + Primer in a semi-gloss sheen, with a 2-2 ½ inch-wide nylon/polyester brush. Begin painting your shutter slats starting at the top.

Do you have to seal cedar shutters?

Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay, so a protective finish is optional. If you're using cedar for an outdoor project, give it a light seal coat to guard against moisture and sunlight.

How long will cedar shutters last?

Typically they come in softwoods such as pine and Western Red Cedar which do not have the strength or longevity of Mahogany or Spanish Cedar. The life of a standard grade shutter is often less than five years, and they may begin to fail in as little as three years.

Can you make shutters out of pine?

Supplies needed to build shutters: Untreated Pine (we used 1.5 inch thick pine wood for the backboards and 3/4 inch thick pine for the cross board) 2 inch Wood Screws.

How do you make exterior cedar shutters?

  1. Step 1: Measure and Cut. Gather materials.
  2. Step 2: Join Boards Together. Using the Kreg K4 Master System, drill pocket holes every 6–8 inches across one long side of each 1×6 plank.
  3. Step 3: Attach Middle Rail.
  4. Step 4: Prime and Paint.
  5. Step 5: Mark and Drill.
  6. Step 6: Hang Shutters.

Should you remove shutters before painting?

Removal. You can paint your shutters while they're attached to the house if you mask off the adjoining wall and window, but it's best to remove them so they can be properly cleaned, sanded and painted on all sides. Mark each shutter as soon as it is removed so that it can be replaced in the same spot.

What happens if you use indoor stain outside?

Interior lacks the UV protection of the exterior product, so it will fade if exposed to the sun. If not, it will last just as long. And if you re-stain with the same exterior color it will be darker. You may need to go lighter with the exterior stain to keep it close to what you are looking to have.

How do you paint exterior cedar shutters?

After the shutters have thoroughly dried, prime them with a high-quality latex primer. Next, if you're top-coating in a light color, spray a very light fog coat of a stain-blocking alkyd primer on the front of the shutters.

How long do vinyl exterior shutters last?

These shutters can last up to 20 to 30 years (or another 30 years if stripped and recoated!), for an affordable price, with little maintenance.

How long should exterior shutters be?

STEP 2: Measure the height of your window. It should look like the shutters could close inside the window opening. Standard vinyl shutters are available in the following heights: 35", 39", 43", 47", 51", 55", 59", 63", 67", 71". It is generally recommend that you go with the closest height available.

Who makes the best vinyl shutters?

Mastic is one of the largest manufacturers of home building materials in the world. They have been in business for more than 50 years and are recognized building industry leaders as being the highest quality standard-sized vinyl window shutters in America.

How much do shutters cost per window?

Plantation shutters typically cost $145 to $347 per window depending on the size and material chosen. Wood shutters cost $200 to $350 per window, while faux or composite shutters cost between $70 and $260 per window. Overall, you can expect to spend $20 to $45 per square foot.

Are vinyl plantation shutters good?

Vinyl Plantation Shutters Vinyl shutters contain no wood, but they can have PVC or aluminum supports for stability. Their main advantage is cost. They're also weather resistant and good in high-moisture areas.

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