What is the Best Type of Wood for Wooden Shutters?

All our wooden shutters are made from 100% solid hardwood — never hollow or composite — for a durable, long-lasting result. We offer two natural wood ranges: Luxe Wood and American Wood. Each uses a different hardwood species, comes in different lead times, and suits slightly different needs.

Here is everything you need to know to choose the right one.

Wood is an outstanding material for plantation shutters for several reasons:

• 100% solid construction means excellent rigidity and durability that hollow or composite shutters simply cannot match

• Easy to work with during installation — wood can be gently sanded if any adjustment is needed for a tight fit

• Easy to repair — touch up paint is included with every order for any minor dings or scratches over time

• UV protected and sealed so the finish will not peel, crack, fade, or yellow in direct sunlight

• Beautiful natural aesthetic that complements both traditional and contemporary interiors

• Available in painted and stained finishes, as well as unfinished options for those who want to apply their own color

Do Plantation Shutters Warp?

Our Two Natural Wood Ranges

Luxe Wood — Paulownia Hardwood

Luxe Wood is our best-selling natural wood range, made from Paulownia — a 100% solid hardwood with a naturally smooth, fine-grained finish.

Key details:

• Material — solid Paulownia hardwood

• Origin — imported range

• Lead time — approximately 12 to 14 weeks

• Finish options — wide range of paint and stain colors, plus unfinished options ready to paint or stain yourself

• Styles — full height, cafe style, tier on tier, solid raised panels, and special shapes including arches

• Frames — the largest variety of frame styles and sizes of any of our ranges

• Best for: customers who want the widest choice of colors, styles, and frame options, and are happy to wait for the finest quality finish

Paulownia is a sustainable, fast-growing hardwood. Despite being lightweight, it is strong, stable, and resistant to warping — an ideal choice for window shutters.

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American Wood — North American Poplar Hardwood

American Wood is our proudly American-made range, crafted from solid North American Poplar hardwood in our California facility.

Key details:

• Material — solid North American Poplar hardwood, fine-grained and knot-free

• Origin — Made in America

• Lead time — approximately 2 to 3 weeks

• Finish options — painted finishes, low-VOC

• Styles — full height shutters only

• Slat sizes — 2½", 3½", 4½"

• Tilt rod — center tilt or hidden tilt

• Best for: customers who want an American-made product with a fast turnaround

Because American Wood is manufactured domestically, it cuts out international transit time entirely, making it one of our quickest options for natural wood shutters

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Luxe Wood vs American Wood — Side by Side

Paulownia vs Poplar — What is the Difference?

Both are excellent hardwoods for shutters. Here is how they compare:

• Paulownia — lightweight yet strong, smooth grain, sustainable and fast-growing, widely regarded as one of the best woods for shutter manufacturing

• Poplar — fine-grained and knot-free, smooth surface that takes paint exceptionally well, easy to work with and adjust on installation

Both woods are UV protected and sealed against heat, direct sunlight, and everyday wear. Neither will crack, peel, or yellow over the life of your shutters.

Painted vs Stained Natural Wood Shutters

• Painted — a smooth, even color finish over the wood. No grain visible. Great for clean, contemporary or classic looks

• Stained — the natural wood grain remains visible, adding warmth and character. Perfect for farmhouse, rustic, or traditional interiors

• Unfinished — available in Luxe Wood for customers who want to apply their own paint or stain at home

How to Choose the Right Shutter Color

Which Natural Wood Range is Right for You?

• Want the most color and style options, including solid panels and special shapes? Choose Luxe Wood

• Want American-made with a fast 2 to 3 week lead time? Choose American Wood

Not sure? Order up to 4 free samples to feel both materials in your home before committing