“Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.” — Henry Ford
When it comes to plantation shutters, quality isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. Especially here in Colorado Springs, where blazing sun, dry air, and wide temperature swings are part of everyday life.
Choosing the best material for plantation shutters can feel overwhelming. Wood? Faux wood? Composite? Vinyl? Each has its perks—and its problems.
Let’s cut through the confusion.
Our skilled team at Made in the Shade Colorado Springs has helped hundreds of homeowners pick the perfect shutters for their space. We’ll walk you through exactly what you need to know, right here. Plus, we offer free in-home consultations to make it even easier!
Let’s get started.
Why Plantation Shutters Still Rule Homes Today
Plantation shutters aren’t just beautiful. They’re insanely functional.
- Light control? Check.
- Privacy? Absolutely.
- Insulation? You bet.
A well-made set can even add value to your home. According to Realtor.com, plantation shutters can increase home value by up to $2,500 when installed properly. (Source at end.)
But none of that matters if you choose the wrong material.
The Top Contenders for Shutter Materials
You really have four main players when selecting the best material for plantation shutters:
1. Natural Wood
2. Faux Wood (Composite)
3. Vinyl
4. Hybrid Materials
Let’s break them down.
1. Natural Wood Shutters
Nothing beats real wood for that classic, rich look.
Wood shutters are lightweight yet incredibly strong. They offer crisp, clean lines and can be custom painted or stained to match any décor.
At Made in the Shade, we often recommend basswood for Colorado Springs homes. Why? It’s durable, holds paint beautifully, and doesn’t warp easily—even in our dry mountain air.
Pros:
- Stunning natural beauty
- Lightweight for large windows
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Needs regular maintenance
- Sensitive to moisture
If you’re going for an elegant, traditional feel—and you’re willing to do a little upkeep—wood shutters are hard to beat.
2. Faux Wood (Composite) Shutters
Faux wood shutters are the workhorse of the shutter world.
Made from a blend of real wood and synthetic materials, these shutters are designed to mimic the look of real wood—without the maintenance.
In fact, according to Home Innovation Research Labs, over 50% of homeowners prefer faux wood shutters for humid areas. (Source at end.)
Pros:
- Moisture-resistant (perfect for kitchens and bathrooms)
- Very durable
- More affordable than real wood
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than natural wood
- Limited color customization
For busy families or high-moisture rooms, composite is often the smartest choice.
3. Vinyl Shutters
Vinyl shutters are the budget-friendly option—but with some trade-offs.
They’re 100% synthetic, making them ultra-resistant to moisture, cracking, and warping. However, vinyl can look a little more “plastic” compared to wood or composite.
Pros:
- Lowest cost
- Great for high-moisture areas
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Limited size options (vinyl can sag on very large windows)
- Not as luxurious in appearance
Vinyl shutters are a great fit for rental properties, basements, or high-humidity spaces like bathrooms.
4. Hybrid Material Shutters
Sometimes you can have the best of both worlds.
Hybrid shutters combine a hardwood frame with composite louvers. This design keeps the beauty of real wood while adding the toughness of synthetics.
Pros:
- Strong and stable
- Gorgeous wood appearance
- More affordable than 100% wood
Cons:
- Slightly less customizable than pure wood
- Higher price than pure vinyl
Hybrids are an excellent middle-ground solution if you want beauty and durability without blowing your budget.
Important Things to Consider Before Choosing
When deciding on the best material for plantation shutters, ask yourself:
- Where will they be installed?
Bathrooms and kitchens need moisture-resistant materials. Living rooms and bedrooms can enjoy wood or hybrid options. - What’s your maintenance style?
Real wood requires occasional refinishing. Faux wood and vinyl need just a quick wipe-down. - What’s your budget?
Composite and vinyl shutters are generally more budget-friendly, while real wood is a luxury upgrade. - How big are your windows?
Large windows need lightweight materials to avoid sagging or drooping.
At Made in the Shade Colorado Springs, we help match your needs to the right shutter material during our free in-home consultation. Our experienced technicians bring samples right to your door, measure everything precisely, and walk you through your options—no guesswork required!
Quick Comparison Chart
| Material | Best For | Key Strength | Cost |
| Wood | Living rooms, dining rooms | Beauty and lightness | $$$ |
| Faux Wood | Kitchens, bathrooms | Moisture resistance | $$ |
| Vinyl | Basements, rentals | Affordability | $ |
| Hybrid | Family rooms, bedrooms | Strength and style | $$-$$$ |
Why Material Choice Matters in Colorado Springs
Colorado’s climate isn’t gentle.
Hot summers. Dry winters. Wild temperature shifts. According to Climate-Data.org, the average humidity here hovers around 47%, which can wreak havoc on the wrong shutter material. (Source at end.)
That’s why choosing the right one isn’t just about style—it’s about longevity.
Composite and hybrid shutters tend to perform best in homes where durability is key. Meanwhile, natural wood remains a favorite for homeowners who prize classic aesthetics and are willing to maintain it.
How Our Free In-Home Consultation Works
Choosing the best material for plantation shutters shouldn’t be stressful.
Our process is simple:
- We visit you – Our friendly design expert comes to your home, free of charge.
- We bring samples – Touch and see real examples of wood, composite, and vinyl shutters.
- We measure everything – Perfect fit is crucial, and we guarantee it.
- We make recommendations – Based on your home, style, and budget.
- You decide – No pressure, no pushy sales tactics.
It’s easy. It’s helpful. And best of all, it’s free!
Final Thoughts: Choose Smart, Live Happy
The truth is simple.
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer when it comes to the best material for plantation shutters. It all depends on your needs, your space, and your lifestyle.
Our team at Made in the Shade Colorado Springs is here to help you every step of the way. With our expert guidance, skilled installation, and free consultations, getting beautiful shutters for your home has never been easier—or more rewarding!
Schedule your free in-home consultation today. Let’s find the perfect plantation shutters for your home, together!
Not located in the Colorado Springs area? Made in the Shade services customers nationwide! Visit our homepage to find a dealer near you.
