Quality Faux Wood Shutters vs Substandard Faux Wood Shutters in New York

There are plenty faux wood window treatments available, but is there a difference between high-end faux wood shutters, like our Polywood® shutters, that will look nice for decades and faux wood shutters that will crack or chip in just a short amount of time?

Just examine the faux wood shutter’s craftsmanship and specifics such as its durability, finish, and energy efficiency potential.

Quality faux wood will never splinter, crack, chip or warp

All new faux wood shutters seem attractive when first hung.  But shutters that are made with lower-quality materials such as second-rate composites, vinyl-wrapped particleboards, or flimsy louvers will sag, crack, splinter, or yellow.  You definitely don’t want cheap faux wood shutters in high-traffic rooms or in areas that have variable heat, cold, or moisture.  

High-quality faux wood, like Polywood, is created from solid compounds that don’t warp, discolor or fall apart.  Its rigid design allows shutters to prevent bowing, splintering, cracking, and chipping, even in high-moisture or varying-temperature spaces.  If you want to see if a faux wood plantation shutter is high quality or not, just inspect the warranty.  Companies that show a lifetime guarantee will back their products because they only use the best materials.

Quality faux wood wipes down easily

Easy dusting is similar for every faux wood window treatments.  But detailed cleaning will pose different issues. Vinyl and comparable materials will absorb some liquid when scrubbed with spray cleaner.  Substandard faux wood shutters also have coatings that can trap dust and dirt so that they are almost impossible to keep clean.

Manufacturers that make quality plantation shutters understand that faux wood should be cleaning friendly.  For example, Polywood has a finish that is easy to wipe down quickly, which makes your shutters appear as if they were just installed.  High-caliber faux wood should be completely moisture resistant, so if any muck and grime gets on the shutter, it should come clean with a wet cloth or multi-purpose dusting spray.

High quality faux wood is energy efficient

When you close your high-quality faux wood shutters, you should experience a quantifiable change in air flow and heat transfer.  The thick louvers and dense materials will help block outside sun that heats up a room and heat loss that can cool down the space.  The top faux wood shutters, like Polywood shutters, will go even further to bolster their energy efficiency through UV inhibitors and weather stripping.

Window treatments made with a subpar composite doesn’t give you the same energy efficiency benefits.  Those using shoddy composites or hollow louvers will still allow drafts through. After a few years, substandard shutters can begin to bow and make gaps between the louvers.  The key to seeing if you bought a shoddy faux wood is by its R-rating. The larger the number, the more energy efficient the shutter.

Contact your New York Sunburst rep and get the window treatment for you

Choosing a quality faux wood shutter can sometimes feel like an elusive mission.  Luckily, our Sunburst representatives will be happy to bring you all our faux wood options, so you can choose the right plantation shutter for your rooms.  To set up a no-cost in-home consultation, call 631-246-3930 today.