Quality Faux Wood Shutters vs Inferior Faux Wood Shutters in St. George

There are plenty faux wood plantation shutters available, but how do you tell the difference between quality faux wood shutters, like our Polywood® shutters, that will last for years and faux wood shutters that will crack or chip in just a short amount of time?

The trick is to pay attention to the faux wood shutter’s structure and specifics such as its durability, finish, and energy efficiency capabilities.

Quality faux wood won’t splinter, crack, chip or warp

Any type of window treatments look attractive when first hung.  However, shutters that are composed of inferior materials such as second-rate composites, vinyl-wrapped particleboards, or flimsy louvers will warp, crack, splinter, or fade.  This is even more true in heavily used spaces or in spaces that have high heat, cold, or humidity.  

High-quality faux wood, like Polywood, is made from extruded compounds that won’t bend, yellow or degrade.  Its rigid design allows shutters to prevent bowing, splintering, cracking, and chipping, especially in high-humidity or extreme temperature rooms.  And while it may be tricky to tell if a faux wood is high-quality at first, you can always check the warranty.  Sellers that offer a lifetime guarantee stand behind their products because they only use the highest quality of materials.

Good faux wood is easy to clean

Everyday maintenance is the same for all types of faux wood window treatments.  However, deep cleaning will pose different issues. Vinyl and other cheap materials will take in some moisture when scrubbed with a wet rag.  Other faux wood shutters also have coatings that can trap dirt and stains so that they are more difficult to keep clean.

Manufacturers that make quality window treatments make sure that faux wood should be cleaning friendly.  For example, Polywood uses a finish that is a cinch to wipe down quickly, which makes your shutters look just as nice as they did on day one.  Good faux wood is also completely water resistant, so no matter what gets on the shutter, it will wipe off with a little water or multi-purpose dusting spray.

High quality faux wood is energy efficient

When you shut your high-quality faux wood shutters, you should experience a remarkable difference in air flow and heat loss.  The solid louvers and compressed materials will help block outside sun that increases the temperature and drafts that can cool down the space.  Top graded faux wood window treatments, like Polywood shutters, will go even further to bolster their energy efficiency through UV inhibitors and weather stripping.

Shutters made with an inferior material doesn’t give you similar energy benefits.  Those using cheap materials or hollow louvers will still promote heat loss. As time goes on, low quality shutters can begin to bow and leave gaps between the louvers.  The key to seeing if you bought a subpar faux wood is to look at its R-rating. The higher the number, the better the shutter is at energy efficiency.

Call a St. George Sunburst rep and choose the window treatment for you

Picking a quality faux wood shutter can sometimes seem like an elusive mission.  Good thing our Sunburst representatives will be happy to show you all our faux wood options, so you can pick the perfect window treatment for your rooms.  To set up a free in-home consultation, call 435-485-9332 today.