First Time Shutter Buyers
What Is Your Purpose?
There are a few important things to understand when shopping for exterior shutters. The first is that there are two main types of exterior shutters. Functional shutters are built to open and close fully. Traditionally, these shutters doubled as useful and decorative. They block run and rain as well as provide privacy when closed and allow ventilation and natural light when engaged. Decorative shutters are purely for looks. They are fixed in place and do not require specific measurements nor additional hardware. Both types add depth and a charming sophistication to any home.
What Is Your Style?
There are four main styles of exterior shutters; Paneled, Louvered, Board and Batten, and Bahama. You can also get a mix of louvered and paneled shutters called a Combination shutter. Paneled shutters are either raised or flat paneled meaning that the detail set into the shutter either comes out adding a depth dimension or does not. Louvered exterior shutters are slatted like indoor shutters to allow ventilation if closed. Board and Batten shutters are typically chosen for a cottage or barn harkening back to a rustic time where simplicity was king. Bahama shutters are unique because they open from the top requiring only one per window and are always louvered.
Materials in Shutters
There are three types of materials used to construct a shutter for three purposes. Fiberglass is the strongest and lasts the longest. It is easy to clean and impervious to rotting, insects, and warping. Wood is the most historically accurate with a distinct warmth and class to it. Vinyl is the most affordable material that, like fiberglass, also resists insects, and cannot rot or chip. Vinyl is typically colored throughout meaning it requires no painting and cannot fade or peel.
Shutter Sizing
Traditionally, shutters are fully functional. To properly shut, they must each be half of the window’s width and slightly larger than the window’s height. A nice feature of the decorative shutters is that this is not required because they are fixed in place. Many property owners choose decorative shutters for this purpose as they have larger windows but prefer small shutters to tastefully accent the décor without overwhelming the exterior.
Hardware
To appear more realistic and historically correct, install shutters dogs and hinges. These are required for functioning shutters for allowing movement and securing. If planning on non-functioning shutters, hardware is not required other than mounting hardware that comes with them but is recommended for a more authentic and classy touch.
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