Real Wood vs Vinyl Shutters — Which Is Best?

When choosing plantation shutters, one of the first decisions to make is whether to go with real wood or vinyl. Both are excellent materials — the best choice depends on your room, your priorities, and your budget. Here is an honest comparison.

Wooden shutters offer a natural beauty that adds warmth and character to any room. Here is what makes them stand out:

• Natural look and feel — real wood has a warmth and tactility that vinyl cannot replicate

• Versatility — works in most rooms and complements any interior style, from traditional to contemporary

• Easy to adjust — wood can be gently sanded during installation to accommodate any variance in the window opening, making for a smoother install

• Repaintable and restainable — if you want to change color down the road, wooden shutters can be sanded and repainted

• Stain options — choose a paint for a smooth finish, or a stain to keep the natural wood grain visible l

Our two natural wood ranges are:

• Luxe Wood — Paulownia hardwood, the widest range of colors, styles, and frame options. Lead time approximately 12 to 14 weeks

• American Wood — North American Poplar, proudly made in the USA. Lead time approximately 2 to 3 weeks

Vinyl shutters are made from solid polyvinyl with an aluminum core, giving them excellent durability and a wood-like appearance. Here is what makes them a great choice:

• Fully waterproof — the best choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and anywhere with exposure to moisture or humidity

• Hard wearing — the aluminum core makes vinyl shutters extremely durable and resistant to dents and scratches

• Cost-effective — vinyl shutters are generally a more affordable option than our natural wood ranges

• Fast delivery — our American-made vinyl ranges are among the quickest to manufacture and deliver

Our vinyl ranges are:

• American Vinyl — fully waterproof, American-made, lead time approximately 1 to 2 weeks

• American Wood Core — American-made with a wood composite core, also fully waterproof, lead time approximately 1 to 2 week

Yes, and many customers do. A popular approach is to use vinyl shutters in wet rooms like bathrooms and kitchens, and wooden shutters throughout the rest of the home. Because both materials look near-identical once painted, no one will be able to tell the difference.

Which Should You Choose?

• Wet room or humid environment? Choose vinyl

• Want natural real wood feel and visible grain? Choose wood

• Want the fastest American-made option? Choose American Vinyl or American Wood Core

• Unsure? Order up to 4 free samples to feel both materials in your home before committing