The first shutters that were ever put on houses were functional ones. They were installed in such a way that they could close to block wind, rain, flying debris or sunlight from coming through the window, or open to allow sunlight or a cool breeze to pass through. They had (and still have today) slats called louvers that allow air to pass through while keeping sunlight out, making them great for cooling an upstairs room during the summer.

Most functional exterior shutters these days are made of wood, although it’s possible to find some other materials such as various plastics. Wooden shutters are generally very durable and are also heavier and weightier than plastic and vinyl shutters, which makes them better able to stand up to strong winds and possible debris hitting them.

Photo by madalyn_k

The main issue people have with using wood for their exterior shutters is that it generally needs a bit more maintenance than vinyl or plastic do. Wood has to be stained or painted and the finish you choose has to be inspected once or twice a year to make sure that it’s not cracked or peeling. If it is, you get to repaint it. While you’re inspecting your shutters, you’ll also want to check for insect damage – those termites do love a tasty treat – or any sort of rot or mildew. Those last two things shouldn’t be a problem if the wood has been finished properly, but it doesn’t hurt to check for it anyway.

Installing functional shutters on your home’s exterior isn’t too different than decorative shutters, but there are a few additions to the process. The bracket that the shutter will swivel on goes on to the window or siding first and it has to be put in well since it will be holding the shutter up. Putting these shutters up isn’t really big deal for most people but if you have any doubt in your handyman skills it never hurts to call in a professional to do it for you.

Photo by nate’sgirl

I generally choose to go with just decorative exterior shutters, instead of functional ones. I don’t live somewhere that has a lot of bad weather, so there’s not a whole lot of need for functional shutters, and decorative shutters are generally less expensive.

Decorative shutters can be found in several materials: vinyl, plastic and wood, with vinyl and plastic (or a plastic composite) being the most popular choices. Vinyl and plastic are popular because they are quite durable, fairly inexpensive and they don’t require a lot of maintenance. In addition, vinyl and plastic shutters don’t need to be painted, as the material itself is manufactured as a certain color. This means no checking for cracked or peeling paint, and no laborious repainting job every year.

Vinyl and plastic exterior shutters can be purchased from a number of retailers across the nation. Obviously the big names, such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, will carry a large selection of them and you can most likely find several local suppliers that can help you choose some great shutters for your home. I prefer dealing with the local guys myself – the service is almost always better and I have fewer issues getting problems fixed – but go with whoever you like in your area.

Prices will most likely vary by the particular job and amount of competition in your area, but vinyl and plastic shutters can generally be found for around $20 to $50 per pair.

Wooden exterior shutters are another option that you have when you’re looking for shutters. Wood is more commonly used for functional shutters, but you can find it for decorative shutters as well. Pretty much the only reason to choose wood over vinyl or plastic is because you just like the look of wood better. Wood has to be stained or painted and requires a bit more maintenance than the other two materials, but – and I agree here – a lot of people just like the way it looks. Wooden exterior shutters are generally going to run you $75 to $100 per pair.