Choosing shutters for your home can be a little more challenging than you think. But adding exterior shutters is an easy way to add architectural interest, color and dimension to your home. Once you have decided that shutters would be a great addition to your home’s curb appeal there are a few things you need to know. Choices abound, so where to start. We can help!
TYPES OF EXTERIOR SHUTTERS
There are 5 basic shutter designs to choose from and there are variations on each type. Personal taste, style of home and cost are all factors in your final choice. Let’s explore each type.
- Louvered shutters – These are probably the most popular selection and the on you think of first when you think of exterior shutters. They have angled slats designed for light and air flow. They are so traditional that they pair easily with almost any home.
- Raised panel shutters – This type of shutter is solid and has the look of doors or kitchen cabinets. There are lots of designs/patterns available with this type of shutter. The design is simple, and they pair well with country or cottage style homes.
- Board and Batten shutters – Also known and BnB, these shutter feature 1 – 4 boards (depending on the width you need) held together by a cross panel (battens). The batten may be placed horizontally or at an angle. Because of its simplicity, brick, stone or farmhouse style homes pair well with this shutter.
- Flat panel shutters – These are also called shaker shutters. They have flat solid panels. They are similar to louvered shutters, but the slats are not raised. They also pair easily with any style home, but look great with cottage style homes or modern homes.
- Bahama or Bermuda shutters – These are sometimes referred to as hurricane shutters. They are mounted from the top rather than at the sides and jut out from the window. They provide protection from light, wind and storm debris. This type of shutter is usually found in tropical areas.
SHUTTER MATERIALS
While two of the main considerations when choosing the material for your shutters are cost and durability the most important factor is your personal preference. Whether you are going to purchase on-line or in-store, we highly recommend that you actually go to a store and looks at the materials.
- Vinyl – This is the most affordable option for shutters because it is lightweight, low maintenance and moisture resistant. They come in a wide variety of options and a vast array of colors. You can even choose “paintable” shutters if you don’t find an available color option that you like. They are also easy to install and clean.
- Wood – Wooden shutters have an authentic and warm feeling. The different types of wood you can choose from offer a variety of different appearances. These are also the most versatile because they can customized. They can be stained or painted to suit your taste. The main drawback is that this is the most costly option.
- Composite wood – These shutters are made with a solid composite core of wood. It is impervious to water and imitates the feel and look of real wood without the maintenance. They never crack or warp even when faced with harsh weather conditions. This is a more affordable option to wood.
COLORS AND PAINTS
It is no surprise that the most popular colors for shutters are black and white. Fortunately, you can get shutters in an almost endless variety of colors. There is also always the option of buying shutters that can be painted to any color you select.
- Exterior latex paint is the best choice for vinyl shutters. It offers a high level of UV protection and has good adhesion to vinyl.
- Oil-based are the most durable for exterior use and adhere better to wood surfaces. However, latex or water based paints are easier to work with, dry faster than oil-based paint and is less likely to crack.
- You can select either oil-based or latex paints for composite shutters. As long as it is exterior paint it will be durable on your shutters.
DIY OR HIRE A PROFESSIONAL
Painting and installing shutters is a reasonable DIY project if you are comfortable getting on ladders and you have the proper paint, brushes and supplies on hand. If the shutters are already in place and you are just having the paint refreshed, the best option is to take them down to repaint them. However, they can be painted in place, with care.
If you have a two or three story home you may want to hire professionals. They will have ladders that will reach the appropriate height along with all the other necessary tools. They can make recommendations on the best type of paint for the project and they will leave your home looking its best!
ColaTown Painting has the experience and advice to get the job done right. If refreshing your shutters is going to leave the rest o the house looking shabby they can tackle that exterior paint job, too.
Contact Britt (803) 603-6486 or ellisb@colatownpainting.com for your free, no-obligation estimate – at your convenience.
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