Plantation Shutters in Franklin, TN – Composite vs. Wood

I am often asked at Plantation Shutter consultations about the merits of wood shutters versus composite shutters. We use Norman Window Fashions for our wood and composite shutters as they are the consensus best shutters in the world. There are some competitors out there that only sell a wood shutter so they will try to impress on folks that is the only way to go. Many of these shutters are also not of the best quality. There are certainly some advantages to a wood shutter. They are lighter weight, can cover a larger area with one panel, and are perfect for those looking for a woodgrain look. The downside is they are typically more expensive and take longer to deliver. With our Norman composite shutters you get a lower price, a 3-4 week delivery, and the best warranty in the industry. Many people think of a PVC or plastic shutter when they hear composite but they are made of MDF (compressed wood) and have the same finish as the wood shutters. While most shutter companies refer to yellowing or discoloring over time as “normal wear and tear”, Norman includes that in their lifetime warranty and will replace the affected shutter component at no charge! It is our recommendation in most cases to go with a composite shutter when you are just looking to match white window trim. There are also ways to customize your shutter purchase such as adding Invisible Tilt to eliminate that tilt rod running down the middle of the shutter panel. We can dive into as many specifics as you like in our free plantation shutter consultation. We are also happy to discuss these topics over the phone as you are preparing for that big window treatment decision!