Different Faux Wood Plantation Shutters In Orlando

While there are plenty of faux wood plantation shutters available in Orlando, they all won’t age the same.  While some faux wood window treatments will last forever without warping, cracking, or yellowing, other faux wood coverings will begin to wear down in just a short amount of time.

It might be difficult to tell the different faux wood plantation shutters apart.  But after you learn about the different varieties of faux wood, it will be easier to see which interior shutter will stand the test of time.

The following list examines the different kinds of faux wood shutters in Orlando and orders them from the least ideal to the most best:

Vinyl Shutters:

Some shutter products that use vinyl are mislabeled as a faux wood product.  But don’t be deceived, vinyl is not faux wood. Vinyl’s plastic look and slick veneer can be difficult to integrate into a decor style, unlike other faux wood or basswood shutters.  Vinyl may be one of the most inexpensive plantation shutter products on the market, but that’s because they are flimsy and ineffective.

Vinyl can also be affected by heat. It’s not abnormal to see vinyl window treatments melt or fade due to extensive exposure to the sun. Because of their tendency of warping or splitting and their poor insular characteristics, vinyl shutters don’t give much energy-efficiency to your windows -- especially if the louvers are hollow.

• Benefits:

  Least expensive of the non-wood plantation shutters.

• Drawbacks:

  Looks plastic; frail materials; hollow louvers; minimal energy efficiency; will warp, crack or yellow.

Synthetic Wrapped Product:

A step up from vinyl shutters are synthetic plantation shutters.  These coverings are constructed from pressed wood, wood chip components, or glued MDF, and then wrapped with a synthetic, vinyl, or plastic coating. The window treatments feel more substantial and can seem much more like a traditional wood plantation shutter than their less durable alternatives.

Unfortunately, synthetic wrapped shutters have plenty of cons. The pressed material under the wrapping can be extremely porous, leaving the treatment to be vulnerable to humidity and moisture. It’s commonplace to find a warped or splintered louver or learn that the vinyl wrapping has split or peeled away.  Also, wrapped shutters cannot be custom-fitted for odd shaped windows like arches or ovals.

• Benefits:

  Heavier than vinyl shutters; can resemble real wood.

• Drawbacks:

  Not suitable for high humidity or high moisture rooms. Will take in moisture and humidity. Aren't moisture resistant; wrapping can chip away; warps or cracks easily; no custom shapes.

Solid Extruded Faux Wood Shutters:

Plantation shutters made from solid extruded faux wood give you more durability than most of the other faux wood plantation shutters.  As the synthetic material infuse themselves throughout the shutter, they create durable, solid louvers that are more resistant warping.  You will also discover that they are more durable and will perform much more like hardwood shutters. Solid extruded faux wood shutters are also able to be custom-made to fit every window shape and size -- even semi-circles.

But a solid extruded plantation shutter is only as well-made as its synthetic formula.  Some formulas create a fragile treatment, which can be broken by nails or screws during installation. If the faux wood composite doesn’t have a UV inhibitor, then your window treatments will fade and yellow when exposed to sunlight. Some manufacturers paint their products, which also invite chipping and yellowing over time.

• Benefits:

  More durable product that compares favorably to a real-wood plantation shutter. 

• Drawbacks:

  Quality depends on the mixture of the faux wood composite.

The Most Popular Composite Faux Wood Shutter Is A Polywood® Shutter

Polywood plantation shutters are comprised from an extremely durable extruded faux wood compound that will never yellow, chip, or splinter.  Its proprietary formula is like real wood, but with a material that repels moisture. We add a UV inhibitor into the faux wood formula so that the entire shutter will keep looking great for decades to come.  They are even easy to clean -- you only need a duster for normal work, and a damp rag for stains.

Our Polywood shutters are also designed to be the most energy-efficient window treatments on the market.  In fact, Polywood shutters are made to be 70% more energy-efficient than traditional wood shutters, and 1600% more energy-efficient than aluminum blinds. And we also throw in a lifetime warranty.  Those are benefits no other shutter company offers.

• Benefits:

  Lifetime warranty against splintering, fading, and warping; most energy-efficient window treatment available; looks nice in any style.

• Drawbacks:

  More expensive than ineffective vinyl plantation shutters -- but worth it!

Contact Sunburst Shutters Orlando Today To Install Long-Lasting, Beautiful Polywood Plantation Shutters

When looking at the benefits and drawbacks of the available faux wood plantation shutters, Polywood clearly is your best choice. Our Sunburst Shutters Orlando experts are ready to show you the benefits of our Polywood plantation shutters, and how they can help any window in your house. To book a free in-home consultation, call 407-630-7011 or send in the form below today!