All About Shutters

The Window Shutters Authority

How to Select Outdoor Window Shutters

Installing outdoor window shutters is a relatively quick way to add style and color to the outside of a house. Historical and modern houses alike benefit from the timeless style of outdoor shutters. As with any home improvements, the quality and longevity of an addition should be evaluated before proceeding.

Outdoor window shutters are available in many shapes and materials. Vinyl shutters are easily available at most home improvement stores, and they can be a cost-effective option. However, vinyl shutters often look like plastic, and can not be functional. Wood outdoor shutters can be functional using operable hardware.

Outdoor shutters are also made out of many types of wood. The best wood for outdoor use is cedar because of its outstanding durability and resistance to decay. Cedar gives long service with little maintenance in applications such as mud sills, window sashes, sheathing under stucco or brick veneer construction, greenhouse benches, fencing, poles, trellises, and outdoor shutters. Cedar is also used extensively for outdoor siding because it is dimensionally stable and holds paint well, in addition to being a deterrent to bugs.

The tannin (oil) in incense cedar is what makes it such a good wood for outdoor shutters. It helps prevent moisture penetration and bugs hate it. However, outdoor shutters should not be left unprotected. Rather, it is best to finish the shutters before installation so all surfaces can be fully covered. While paint can be brushed, it is recommended that it be sprayed. Most house painters will spray shutters with their airless spray systems for latex paint.

The best base for outdoor shutters is a primer coat of an oil-based primer tinted as close to the final color as possible. The oil penetrates into the wood, offering better protection. It can be applied in a much finer mist, thereby reaching between and around louvers and into seams, joints and corners. The top two coats should be a premium-grade outdoor latex paint. A topcoat of outdoor latex paint will not chalk or fade like an oil-based paint.

Outdoor shutters should be mounted to the building with at least a 1/2" spacer between the back of the panels and the building to allow for adequate ventilation. If not using hardware, use rust-proof screws sunk flush to the wood. Paint the screw heads following installation.

An opaque painted finish prevents light rays from penetrating the finish and breaking down the wood fibers of the outdoor shutters. However, outdoor shutters may also be stained. When staining shutters, use finishing products designed specifically for outdoor or marine use – and be prepared to do more maintenance on shutters to keep them looking good.

Installing outdoor, or exterior, shutters can be as simple as affixing the panels directly to the house. It is also possible to install functional outdoor shutters, which can be closed over windows for protection against storms or to allow for a pleasant breeze. A number of hardware options are available to make wood shutters functional. Look for heavy, solid hardware with a finish resistant to decay, such as zinc-plated hardware with a wrought iron black finish.

Styles of exterior shutters include fixed louvered, movable louver, raised panel, board and batten, shaker, hurricane, and bermuda shutters.

ShutterLand Outdoor Shutters offer premium-quality fixed louver solid Cedar exterior shutters. Find prices and specifications for shutters with 1-1/4 inch louvers or 1-3/4 inch louvers.