Good Faux Wood Shutters vs Substandard Faux Wood Shutters in Fort Myers

There are many faux wood window treatments available, but what’s the difference between good faux wood shutters, like our Polywood® shutters, that will last for years and faux wood shutters that look ratty over time?

The trick is to pay attention to the faux wood shutter’s craftsmanship and details such as its durability, finish, and energy efficiency potential.

Good faux wood doesn’t splinter, crack, chip or warp

Most faux wood shutters look great when first hung.  But shutters that are composed of shoddy materials such as paltry composites, vinyl-wrapped particleboards, or porous louvers will bow, crack, splinter, or discolor.  This is especially evident in high-traffic spaces or in areas that have variable heat, cold, or dampness.  

Quality faux wood, like Polywood, is constructed from extruded compounds that don’t disfigure, yellow or fall apart.  Its synthetic structure allows shutters to prevent bowing, splintering, cracking, and chipping, especially in humid or extreme temperature areas.  If you want to see if a faux wood plantation shutter will be durable or not, just check the warranty.  Businesses that give a lifetime guarantee have faith in their shutters because they only use the best materials.

Good faux wood wipes down easily

Easy dusting is pretty much the same process for most faux wood window treatments.  However, detailed cleaning has another set of troubles. Vinyl and other cheap materials will soak up some of the water when wiped down with spray cleaner.  Substandard faux wood shutters also have coatings that can trap dirt and stains so that they are harder to keep clean.

Companies that make quality plantation shutters know that faux wood should be simple to wipe down.  For example, Polywood has a finish that is a cinch to wipe down quickly, which makes your shutters appear as if they were installed yesterday.  High-caliber faux wood is also completely water resistant, so no matter what gets on the shutter, it can come clean with a little water or liquid cleaner.

Quality faux wood is energy efficient

As you shut your quality faux wood shutters, you should feel a quantifiable difference in air flow and heat transfer.  The non-hollow louvers and impenetrable composites will help close out UV rays that increases the temperature and air transfer that can freeze you out.  The top faux wood window treatments, like Polywood shutters, will go even further in ensuring energy efficiency by adding in UV inhibitors and weather stripping.

Window treatments crafted with an inferior composite won’t give you the same energy-saving benefits.  Shutters with shoddy composites or hollow louvers will still promote heat loss. After a few years, substandard shutters can begin to bow and permanently separate the louvers.  To see if you bought a subpar faux wood is by finding its R-rating. The higher the number, the more energy efficient the shutter.

Contact your Fort Myers representative and get a quality faux wood treatment

Picking a high-caliber faux wood plantation shutter can sometimes seem like a struggle.  Luckily, our Sunburst representatives will be happy to bring you all our faux wood lines, so you can pick the right plantation shutter for your windows.  To book a complimentary in-home consultation, call 239-208-6577 today.