If you are looking for tough, durable and well-crafted shutters, the best buy for your money are wood shutters. Whether you invest in shutters for interior or exterior applications, both are designed to provide maximum protection to your home from inclement weather conditions, such as heavy snow, rain and wind, and even from harsh sunlight and other environmental pollutants. So, what are the main things to do to select the right wood shutters? Here are some answers. Read on.
Style is usually the first factor to consider when choosing shutters. Look not just at the exterior of the home, but the interior as well. As with any window treatment, you will want to compliment your furniture and the general tone of your room. With shutters, also consider whether interior or exterior installation is better for your situation as these window treatments do more than simply block light.
Exterior shutters vary in design largely based on locale. For example, rural and country homes tend to favor board and batten styles where coastal areas use primarily raised panel styles. Another popular style, the Bermuda shutter features fixed louvers that allow some light to enter, but provide privacy. When shopping for exterior shutters, pay special attention to the construction and materials used as they will be facing nature directly. One common wood that yields lasting results is Western Red Cedar. Look for a vertically grained wood to ensure the best chances against warping.
Construction quality will mean the difference between a permanent fixture on your home and a temporary decoration. Opt for mortise and tenon joints over joints secured by glue or screws for superior strength. Metal hardware should be aluminum, or better yet, copper as they are largely weather resistant.
Although interior wood shutters are not exposed to the same verbosity of the outdoor elements, it is important that they are able to handle design stresses and temperature changes. To avoid problems such as warping, look for shutters that are constructed out of 100 per cent hardwood. Elm and American Yellow Poplar are both excellent choices for their affordability and durability.
Style is usually the first factor to consider when choosing shutters. Look not just at the exterior of the home, but the interior as well. As with any window treatment, you will want to compliment your furniture and the general tone of your room. With shutters, also consider whether interior or exterior installation is better for your situation as these window treatments do more than simply block light.
Exterior shutters vary in design largely based on locale. For example, rural and country homes tend to favor board and batten styles where coastal areas use primarily raised panel styles. Another popular style, the Bermuda shutter features fixed louvers that allow some light to enter, but provide privacy. When shopping for exterior shutters, pay special attention to the construction and materials used as they will be facing nature directly. One common wood that yields lasting results is Western Red Cedar. Look for a vertically grained wood to ensure the best chances against warping.
Construction quality will mean the difference between a permanent fixture on your home and a temporary decoration. Opt for mortise and tenon joints over joints secured by glue or screws for superior strength. Metal hardware should be aluminum, or better yet, copper as they are largely weather resistant.
Although interior wood shutters are not exposed to the same verbosity of the outdoor elements, it is important that they are able to handle design stresses and temperature changes. To avoid problems such as warping, look for shutters that are constructed out of 100 per cent hardwood. Elm and American Yellow Poplar are both excellent choices for their affordability and durability.
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