Off Topic » Wood can be honed into custom shapes and sizes

Plantation shutters, sometimes called plantation blinds, are interior shutters with wide louvers, usually 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 inches wide. They're the most popular type of shutter across the country, but particularly in the warmer Southern and Western states.
The larger louvers give the shutters an elegant look, which works well in dining rooms and bedrooms. But these versatile window treatments also translate to casual rooms like dens and kitchens. The most popular color is white, but stained shutters have their followers, too.
Plantation blinds come in three types of material, vinyl, composite and wood. Here's a breakdown of each, to help you determine which is best for your home.
Vinyl Plantation Shutters
Vinyl shutters are the least expensive of the plantation blinds, but the low-end ones can have structural issues, if the shutters are large.
Vinyl shutters contain no wood, but they can have PVC or aluminum supports for stability. Their main advantage is cost. They're also weather resistant and good in high-moisture areas. Vinyl plantation shutters come in the following types:
Hollow vinyl - These shutters are exactly what they sound like: hollow vinyl frames. They have the benefits of vinyl but have size limitations because the hollow frame can't support the weight of larger frames. While these are the least expensive of the options, they can sag over time.
Structured hollow vinyl - This next step up includes a vinyl skeleton within the shutters to support the shutter's weight, reducing the amount of sag in the vinyl. Still considered hollow, these have better structural integrity.
Solid vinyl - Next up the shutter food chain is solid vinyl, which is a vinyl frame that has been filled with blown PVC. These are more stable than hollow shutters, and still on the low-end cost-wise.
Solid vinyl with an aluminum insert - These offer the support of metal with a lighter profile.
Vinyl-clad wood - These shutters have a hard wood frame wrapped in vinyl. They offer the strength and durability of wood with the benefits of a vinyl coating, which increases their moisture resistance.
Brian Patrick Flynn
Composite Plantation Shutters
Composite plantation shutters - sometimes called engineerd wood, fake wood or faux wood - are made of engineered wood, which is MDF wrapped in a vinyl or PVC coating. They are very sturdy, while also being weather and humidity resistant. They offer an affordable alternative to wood shutters.
Clifford M. Scholz Architects
Wood Plantation Shutters
The ultimate shutter is a true wood shutter, and the gold standard of plantation shutters is basswood. It has the highest strength-to-weight ratio, making it very light and strong.
Charles Lindsay
Wood can be honed into custom shapes and sizes, and it can be painted or stained, unlike vinyl and composite, which are prefabricated into styles and colors.
Plantation shutters are a beautiful, affordable window treatment, and whether you choose vinyl, composite or wood, these classic coverings will add style to your home for years to come.
The classic look of a wooden shutter is timeless. With the option to craft and finish them exactly how you want, you won't have to settle for basic. Creating authentic curb appeal is easy with wooden shutters due to their natural wood grain and elegant look. With wood shutters, you aren't left to just choose from a small collection of colors. The possibilities are endless! With different species of wood, finishes, and even styles, it's easy to choose what you love for your home. Want a shutter that stands out but still has a beautiful wood grain? Paint it! A traditional shutter can be styled however you want. Customize the look of your home with different hardware including dramatic hinges and even elaborate tiebacks. Wooden shutters can be fixed mounted to your home or installation with functional hardware. Pull and latch them shut, or leave them open the choice is yours. Wooden shutters offer protection from the elements. Keeping UV rays and heat out during those hot summer months, or staying warm and cozy during winter. Protecting your windows is a given with wooden shutters. The durability and sturdiness of the wood will help keep debris and other damaging items away when storms blow in.
Quality crafted wood shutters can stand up to the test of time. There's a reason they can be traced back to Tudor England. Wood species like Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, and Sapele have been proven to last many years with little maintenance. Ensuring your shutters are free of debris and giving them the occasional wipedown can avoid buildup and keep them looking brand new.
Regardless of what style you choose, wood shutters hold a variety of benefits for your home. Lasting style and durability frequently pair with a quality crafted wood shutter - so get inspired and design the ones perfect for your home.
The heat is turning up and beaches are once again the place to be this summer! Adding a new level of design to the outside of your house is a fantastic way to make it stand out from two blocks down. Of course, shutters are a great way to capture the true essence of summer, but let's dive into what else homeowners can do to make their stay on the beach more relaxing.
You can give your beach home or coastal getaway a dose of added character in so many different ways. One of the best places to start is, COLOR! The precise and thoughtful use of color can elevate a home from bland to bold instantly. Take exterior shutters, for instance, finished in shades of yellows, blues, and even greens. Multiple variations of any of these colors can really push the boundaries of added curb appeal. Not only that, but they also act as a functional piece to set the perfect mood depending on the time of day.
After you install your new vibrant shutters, try directing your attention to your home's landscaping to see if there's potential to add splashes of bright, lively colors. Some of the most popular coastal style plants we've seen include the all-reliable Daylilies, the sandy and salty soil lover Gaillardia, and of course, the easy-growing Yarrow that is perfect for any sunny garden.
We all know how important first impressions are, especially in regards to a home. Whether you're taking full advantage of soaking up the sun or planning to rent out your sought-after beachfront getaway, what better way to capture the true essence of summer than an inviting front entrance? Try creating a unique path with different textures, tones, and even landscaping that leads to your front entrance. Don't forget, the use of color goes a long way so try and coordinate colors all throughout your home for a well thought out, completed look!
Are these your only options for adding style to your beach home oasis? Absolutely not- no matter which items you want to check off your list, they're sure to elevate your home's character. After all, it's your home and the possibilities are nearly endless! As we all know, hurricanes can be devastating even to areas far from any ocean or coastline. That's why protecting your home has never been more important. But why not protect your home in style?
People want to protect their homes without compromising their exterior style. This can be tricky to do while adding protection and sometimes means sacrificing curb appeal. Instead, you can ENHANCE the exterior of your home while also providing additional protection with aluminum shutters.