Plantation shutters are a popular and timeless window treatment option that can enhance the beauty and functionality of any space. Whether you’re a home or a business owner, choosing the right material for your plantation shutters is crucial because it will affect the appearance of your shutters, their durability, maintenance requirements, and, believe it or not, your home’s energy efficiency!
Here, we’ll delve into the advantages and disadvantages of PVC, aluminium, and timber — the best materials for plantation shutters at Pazazz — and then compare them all in one place to make the decision simple.
PVC plantation shutters: the best of both worlds
PVC plantation shutters are a popular choice for homeowners who want the look of wood without the higher cost and maintenance. Our PVC shutters are made from a combination of wood and synthetic materials, offering the aesthetic appeal of natural wood while being more durable and moisture-resistant.
Advantages of PVC shutters | Disadvantages of PVC shutters |
| Cost: PVC shutters are the most affordable option at Pazazz! Thanks to the nature of the artificial materials, these shutters have low manufacturing costs and provide all the aesthetic benefits of timber, without the additional price tag or maintenance requirements. | Susceptible to Damage: PVC shutters can be prone to scratching or denting under heavy impact. While durable and moisture-resistant, we also do not recommend them for outdoor use. |
| Moisture Resistance: PVC shutters are highly durable and resistant to moisture, warping, cracking, or fading, making them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries. They are also double-coated with paint for extra protection. | Suppliers: Always talk to a reputable supplier. Off-the-shelf PVC shutters, for example, can be cheap and plasticky and can break down quickly, whereas they should have the look and feel of timber. Ask for a sample of the product to test the quality, including look, feel, and moisture resistance! |
| Customisability: PVC shutters can be tailored to fit any window size and shape, ensuring maximum light control and privacy. They offer flexibility in louvre sizes, frame styles, and colour options, so you can always achieve your desired look. | |
| Insulation: Whether you need extra temperature control in the cooler/warmer months or want to keep energy costs down, PVC is the ideal material choice for you. Despite the artificial materials, PVC is the best insulator of all our shutter options! |
Where to install PVC plantation shutters for the best results
PVC shutters are well-suited to specific areas, for example:
- Living Areas: PVC shutters can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of living areas, like living rooms, family rooms, or dining rooms. They provide durability and a custom look.
- High-Traffic Areas: PVC shutters can withstand wear and tear in high-traffic areas of the home, like entryways or hallways. They offer a balance between durability and aesthetics.
- High-Humidity Areas: These shutters are durable against moisture, so we can always recommend them in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms!
Aluminium plantation shutters: unbeatable quality & durability
Aside from timber, another material worth considering for plantation shutters is aluminium. This material has unique advantages, including the potential to install them indoors and outdoors.
Advantages of aluminium shutters | Disadvantages of aluminium shutters |
Durability: Aluminum shutters are highly durable and resistant to rust, moisture, termites, and UV rays. They are suitable for indoor and outdoor use (the gauge of the louvres will be customised to suit the space), making them an excellent choice for areas exposed to the elements. Plus, the tough powder coating adds an extra layer of protection (especially compared to paint). | Heat and Cold Transfer: Aluminium is a heat and cold conductor, which means that aluminium plantation shutters may provide less insulation than other materials. This can lead to increased energy costs for heating and cooling. |
Low Maintenance: Aluminum shutters require very minimal maintenance. They are easy to clean and don’t require refinishing or repainting like timber shutters. | Noise: Due to the nature of aluminium, these shutters can have a metallic, clunky sound when being opened and closed, affecting the atmosphere of your home. In this case, we’d recommend PVC shutters for a softer sound. |
Lightweight: Aluminum shutters are lightweight, making them easy to operate and suitable for larger windows or doors. | Aesthetics: Some people may prefer the natural look of timber or the versatility of PVC over the industrial appearance of aluminium. |
Where to install aluminium plantation shutters
Aluminium plantation shutters can be installed in various places, both indoors and outdoors, to enhance the practicality of the space.
- Kitchens: Aluminium shutters can be installed in the kitchen to control light and ventilation while adding a sleek and contemporary look. Thanks to aluminium’s moisture resistance, they can also be easily cleaned when splashback occurs!
- Bathrooms: These shutters are also a practical choice for bathrooms, offering privacy while withstanding humidity and moisture.
- Outdoor Entertaining Areas: Aluminium shutters can be installed in patios, verandas, and pergolas to protect against the elements and create stylish outdoor living spaces. We’ll utilise a thicker gauge to ensure your plantation shutters go the distance, no matter the weather.
- Living Areas: These shutters are suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms to regulate light and privacy, creating a comfortable, serene, and relaxing environment. They can also add a professional, contemporary atmosphere to home offices.
- Commercial Buildings: Aluminium shutters are recommended for commercial spaces with high foot traffic, like restaurants, cafes, and retail stores. Not only can the aluminium control light and add a stylish, contemporary atmosphere, but they’re also extra durable, guaranteeing long-lasting use and functionality.
Timber plantation shutters: classic elegance & warmth
Timber plantation shutters have always been popular among homeowners and interior designers thanks to their simple sophistication, warmth, and natural style. Available in rich basswood, the natural beauty of timber can complement almost any space.
Let’s dive into the pros and cons.
Advantages of timber shutters | Disadvantages of timber shutters |
Aesthetic Appeal: Timber shutters provide a touch of timeless sophistication to any space. The natural timber look and stained finish can complement almost any interior design. | Cost: Timber shutters are more expensive than other materials, especially for oversized windows or custom shapes. The cost of the timber itself and the labour-intensive manufacturing process contribute to the higher price tag. |
Customisability: Timber shutters can be custom-made to fit any window size and shape, ensuring a perfect fit and maximum light control. They can also be stained or painted to match your home’s décor, offering endless design possibilities. | Finish: While stained timber shutters add warmth to a space like no other, we are quite limited in terms of finishes. PVC and aluminium shutters have a much higher quality finish.
The standard paint finish on timber shutters is also far less durable than its aluminium and PVC counterparts. |
Lightweight: Timber (especially basswood) is extremely lightweight compared to more contemporary materials like PVC and aluminium. Opening and closing the panels is much easier and does not need to be lifted for smooth sailing. | Maintenance: Timber generally requires more maintenance to keep it in top shape. This includes cleaning, dusting, and occasionally refinishing your shutters to prevent warping, cracking, or fading. High-grain timbers like wildwood can also be harder to clean, but the grain hides the dust well. |
Moisture Sensitivity: Wood is a natural material sensitive to moisture. Low-quality timber shutters can warp, rot, or develop mould in high-humidity environments like bathrooms or kitchens. Proper sealing and regular maintenance are essential to mitigate these risks. | |
Limited Placement: Due to the nature of timber, these shutters cannot be installed outdoors, in bathrooms, or above stoves (exposure to rain, water, or steam can eventually cause cracking and rotting). |
Where to install natural timber plantation shutters in your home or business
Timber plantation shutters are an excellent choice for various spaces, so long as there’s low moisture and humidity. Here are a few places we recommend installing timber shutters:
- Living Rooms & Bedrooms: Timber shutters deliver a cosy, inviting atmosphere, perfect for these particular rooms.
- Home Offices & Libraries: These shutters can add sophistication and warmth to these spaces, creating an environment conducive to focus and productivity.
- Spaces with Moderate Humidity: Timber shutters can suit rooms with moderate humidity, like dining rooms or formal sitting areas. However, they should be avoided in areas with excessive moisture or water exposure.
So, what is the best material for plantation shutters?
Now that we’ve explored the characteristics of PVC, aluminium, and timber plantation shutters, let’s compare these materials side-by-side to help you make an informed decision about your window furnishings.
|
Material |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
PVC |
|
|
|
Aluminium |
|
|
|
Timber |
|
|
Ultimately, the best material for plantation shutters comes down to four crucial factors: durability, cost, aesthetics, and functionality. When making the big decision, ask yourself the following questions:
- Durability — Where do you need plantation shutters installed? Do you need them to withstand lots of wear and tear, e.g. exposure to moisture? In this case, aluminium or PVC plantation shutters might be the solution.
- Cost — What kind of budget do you have for window furnishings? For example, if you’re on a budget, you might opt for PVC plantation shutters for a timber look minus the price tag.
- Aesthetics — What do you want your plantation shutters to look like? Consider colours, textures, and the size of your windows. PVC offers the most customisability with various colours to choose from, while timber shutters are the only solution for a genuine, natural timber stain look and feel.
- Functionality — Do you want shutters with special qualities, like noise reduction, light control, insulation, and privacy? In this case, PVC ticks all the boxes.
Want to talk it over with a professional? Feel free to contact the team at Pazazz Blinds & Shutters to book a free measure and quote! Our team can come to your location, take measurements, and provide helpful recommendations based on your requirements. We’ll help you find the best materials for your plantation shutters!
