Good Faux Wood Shutters vs Substandard Faux Wood Shutters in Washington DC

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

Just pay attention to the faux wood shutter’s structure and technicalities such as its sturdiness, finish, and energy efficiency capabilities.

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

All new window treatments appear attractive when first hung.  But shutters that are composed of lower-quality materials such as second-rate composites, vinyl-wrapped particleboards, or porous louvers will warp, crack, splinter, or yellow.  You definitely don’t want cheap faux wood shutters in your everyday spaces or in spaces that have high heat, cold, or moisture.  

Quality faux wood, like Polywood, is constructed from extruded compounds that is made so it won’t warp, discolor or fall apart.  The solid louvers allows shutters to defy bowing, splintering, cracking, and chipping, especially in high-humidity or varying-temperature rooms.  Checking the warranty will be the most accurate way to tell the quality of a faux wood shutter.  Sellers that offer a lifetime guarantee stand behind their window treatments because they only use the best materials.

Good faux wood is easy to clean

Everyday maintenance is the same for every faux wood plantation shutters.  However, detailed cleaning has another set of issues. Vinyl and other cheap materials will absorb some of the water when wiped down with a damp rag.  Other faux wood shutters may have surfaces that can trap dust and dirt so that they are more difficult to keep clean.

Companies that make quality plantation shutters make sure that faux wood should be easy to clean.  For example, Polywood has a finish that is a cinch to wipe down quickly, so that your shutters look always clean.  Good faux wood is also completely water resistant, so if any muck and grime gets on the shutter, it will come off with a little water or liquid cleaner.

Good faux wood is energy efficient

When you shut your high-quality faux wood shutters, you should notice a quantifiable difference in air flow and heat transfer.  The solid louvers and impenetrable materials will help close out sunlight that makes the room toasty and drafts that can freeze you out.  Top graded faux wood shutters, like Polywood shutters, will even go further to bolster their energy efficiency by adding in UV inhibitors and weather stripping.

Window treatments crafted with a low quality material won’t give you similar energy benefits.  Those using shoddy composites or hollow louvers will still allow drafts through. Over time, inferior shutters can start to warp and make gaps between the louvers.  To see if you are using a cheaper faux wood is by finding its R-rating. The larger the number, the better the shutter is at energy efficiency.

Contact your Washington DC Sunburst rep and choose the window treatment for you

Finding a good faux wood plantation shutter can sometimes seem like an impossible task.  Good thing our Sunburst representatives can show you all our faux wood lines, so you can choose the right plantation shutter for your space.  To schedule a no-cost in-home consultation, call 240-339-2588 today.