Add Beauty to Your Home With Wood Shutters
Wood shutters can add an elegant and timeless charm to any home’s architectural style, and are often found adorning both doors and windows of homes in various architectural styles.
Shutters made from composite materials offer superior protection from UV radiation and moisture damage, and will continue to look their best over time. Plus, without seams that could detach over time they’ll stand up better against sunlight exposure and moisture exposure.
They’re beautiful
Wood shutters add elegance and value to any home, whether left natural or painted. One of the few home improvement projects that can simultaneously increase curb appeal and property value, installing them on one window or multiple can give your design a classic aesthetic that will endure for decades.
Prior to purchasing wood shutters, ensure they’re constructed of quality materials. There are various kinds of wood available and your selection will have a significant effect on their appearance and function. Cedar is often chosen, although cypress and redwood may also make suitable choices.
Step one in creating wood shutters is cutting their frame pieces. Begin by measuring the width of your shutters and cutting three 1-inch by 4-inch boards according to that measurement. After your frame pieces have been assembled, sand them down until all rough edges have been smoothed down for a smooth surface before staining or sealing your shutters.
If you want to give your wood shutters an updated, modern touch, consider installing shutter locks and pulls. They are relatively inexpensive yet provide protection from children prying their hands onto them, plus come in various styles and finishes so that there will surely be one to fit perfectly into your home.
Wood shutters add charm and functionality to your home by keeping out sunlight, controlling airflow, providing privacy when closed, and can even be opened or closed as necessary. They make an attractive statement in homes with more rustic or traditional stylings.
They’re functional
Wood Shutters not only add beauty to your home, but they can also save energy. By blocking light entering through windows and reducing heat gain during summer and keeping rooms cooler during winter – particularly useful in regions with extreme weather. Furthermore, wooden shutters are more eco-friendly than synthetic alternatives when considering environmental impact of home ownership.
When selecting the size of shutters for your window opening and trim, be sure to measure them accurately so they fit without adding extra space. A miter saw can cut birch plywood to size for perfect fitting shutters while 14” plywood can also provide support and prevent warping over time.
Once your shutters are assembled, it’s time to complete their look with some finishing touches. Hinge sets, shutter dogs and pulls can add the final touches for added functionality; these small upgrades can make an immediate difference in their final appearance.
Add historical charm to your shutters by installing a tilt rod and mouse hole for operable louvers, copper capping to enhance their appearance, or both! They’re easy to set up and will last many years when properly maintained.
Spruce or pine wood shutters are considered the top choices for making functional shutters, while basswood may also be considered. No matter which species of wood is chosen, moisture-resistant boards must be utilized as these will protect them against mold growth that could threaten to ruin their exterior appearance and compromise it further.
Louvered shutters are one of the most widely-used functional wood shutters, often seen in various architectural styles and can be customized to meet any specific need. Choose between three or four full panels of louvers depending on your taste; additionally, for added decorative flair you could consider choosing one side rabbeting and ship lap on another – which allows the shutters to overlap when closed, giving the appearance of an authentic historical appearance.
They’re energy efficient
Wood shutters add classic elegance to any home while being energy efficient window treatments. Made of thick materials that offer excellent insulation properties, wooden shutters are more effective at blocking out heat or cold than blinds, draperies or shades in keeping heat or cold out of the house.
If you want to increase the energy efficiency of your wood shutters, there are a few relatively affordable upgrades you should consider. These include shutter pulls, locks and hidden hinges; all available in different styles that complement most wood finishes and serve to protect children or animals from opening them or accidentally damaging them.
Repurposed lumber can provide your wood shutters with a rustic aesthetic and is an economical option that will add unique character. Use cedar or pine, both known for their durability outside, to ensure this project lasts for decades and find them both locally or online. Always ask what joinery method was used (dowels or mortise and tenon) before purchasing this type of material.
As part of the installation process, be sure to leave at least 1/4″-0.5″ between your shutters and house siding to allow moisture, dirt, and debris from becoming trapped behind your shutters and potentially leading to their discoloration over time. Doing this will protect them from becoming discolored over time or even rotten!
Furthermore, you should avoid attaching shutters directly to your siding as this exposes them to moisture, dirt and leaves that can collect in their back pockets and eventually deteriorate or rot over time – damaging not only their structure but also other parts of your house as a whole.
Before selecting a wood shutter material, it’s essential to consider your environment and climate conditions in your area. Some materials, like sanding and painting or staining can require regular maintenance requiring costly labor-intensive processes; other materials, like vinyl or PVC may be much simpler in their upkeep.
They’re easy to maintain
Wood shutters can last years with proper care. It’s essential that they remain free from dust and debris that could compromise their paint finish; use a damp cloth or vacuum to wipe them down regularly to clean away dust or dirt, while it would be wise to steer clear from harsh chemicals which may damage them over time.
Wood is an excellent option for window treatments due to its natural durability and resistance to moisture. Furthermore, its surface resists rot and fungus growth that could otherwise wreak havoc with other window coverings. However, professional installation should always be sought as improper installation can void your manufacturer’s warranty and lead to further issues down the line.
Wood shutters come in numerous styles, each offering their own distinct set of characteristics. Popular examples are louvered shutters, panel shutters, and board & batten shutters – each providing their own distinct aesthetic that complements different architectural styles perfectly.
To ensure the durability of wood shutters, it’s best to select high-grade hardwood. Basswood is often chosen because its closed grain makes staining easier, and cracking less likely. Maple, hickory and cherry are other quality choices – though these materials may cost more. They make an investment worth making for their beauty and resilience.
For your wood shutters to last as long as possible, it’s crucial that they receive multiple coats of paint. This will shield them from moisture penetration and harsh sunlight exposure that could otherwise wreak havoc with their fibers over time. Most homeowners opt for applying their own coat of paint using either a brush or spray gun; though louvered shutters may present unique challenges when brushing due to narrow spaces between their slats where paint pooling could form; multiple passes with the brush should help rectify this situation.
Wood shutters can add warmth or sophistication to any home, providing a timeless addition that’s easy to maintain while saving energy costs. Available in various sizes and colors to match any aesthetic, motorized shutters provide added convenience. Plus, their low maintenance requirements mean reduced costs in energy consumption too!