Faux Wood Shutters

Faux wood shutters are usually made out of vinyl. They are by far the least expensive type of shutter you can buy. Many even have a "grain" stamped into them to look like painted wood. They are somewhat "green" in that they do not use up one of our most precious natural resources, trees. However, vinyl can give off toxins, especially in the manufacturing process.

Though easily manufactured and mass produced, vinyl or faux wood shutters come in a limited variety of colors. Because white and off white are the most popular colors for interior shutters, most come in two or three shades of white. You can, of course, not stain vinyl. Most are in a Plantation style of shutter, since that too, is the most popular trend. It is hard to find custom made vinyl shutters. Most are sold ready-made in home improvement stores.

There are many positives about vinyl shutters. They are relatively easy to find. They are by far the most durable shutter you can buy. Being virtually waterproof, many people opt to have them as decorative shutters on the exteriors of their homes. They are, of course, easy to manufacture so they are cheap. They are lightweight; therefore, you do not have to worry about putting undue stress on the wooden window jambs.

There are down sides to vinyl. The first is that it's plastic. It feels like plastic, looks like plastic and smells like plastic. Unlike wood, vinyl shutters are not solid, they are actually produced in a hollow style. That means they can bend or dent. As we said, you cannot stain them. There are some that come in a stained look, but in general, the color choice is very limited. You may find some manufactures that will let you custom order vinyl, but most come ready-made. So, if you have uncommon sized windows, vinyl may not be as cost effective as you might think.

Most designers frown when they hear the word vinyl or faux wood shutters - they are not their favorite things. But for the outside of your home, the fact that vinyl shutters are termite proof, they do not weather and do not rot, they do have their fans. Vinyl will of course fade in the sunlight after a while, but so does paint. Unlike paint, it will not crack or peel. They are cheaper to replace when the time comes and can be stamped in various patterns and designs.

It might be a good idea to consider vinyl as a material for your shutters outside rather than inside. Cleaners have been invented to make them easier to keep clean and molds are making them look more and more authentic. There are even paints in the marketplace that are especially for plastics and vinyl. That can make the faux wood shutters appealing.

Consider the good and the bad before deciding if faux wood shutters are a viable alternative for your household. Think about where you want to use them, if your windows are of standard size, and if you are concerned about toxins. Vinyl does save trees. It is cheaper so it is easier to replace, is easy to clean and keeps its color without chipping or peeling. All of those things may tip the scales in favor of vinyl or faux wood shutters.