Prior to synthetically made shutters were introduced to the market, window shutters were originally made of wood. There is elegance and expensive looking style in using wood shutters. These wooden shutters are good investment due to its durability. It has the capability to surpass severe natural conditions.

Wood shutters are made from various types of wood. Know how they differ from each other and which kind will work for you.

Alder

Alder makes good material for window shutters. Because the wood comes from relatively small trees, finger joints are used to make the alder window shutters.

Basswood

Basswood is perhaps the sturdiest kind of hardwood made into shutters. Basswood shutters are characterized by their fine and uniform textures and indistinct wood grain. It is easy to work with basswood. It glues and screws well and can be sanded or stained into a perfectly smooth finish. Basswood dries fast and retains a good dimensional stability afterwards. It also has low resin and tannin content.

Cedar

Cedar wood is highly receptive of staining techniques. One disadvantage though is that it is soft and can be easily scratched and dented. Window shutters made of cedar make an ideal choice if you would like to install shutters on the outside. Cedar is durable and can withstand decay and moisture for much longer. It is mostly stable and holds paint well. Cedar also repels insects.

Maple

This wood is heavy. With its weight, the screws need to be pre-drilled. Creating tension in uniform manner may be difficult for this wood.

Oak

Like Maple wood this is also heavy. With such weight, screws also need to be pre-drilled. One thing to watch out for is that with its weight the window may be pulled down. This is prone to warping making painting the wood not a very suggested idea.

Poplar

Poplar is less costly compared to other hardwoods and it is widely available. Window shutters made of poplar are ideal for milling and painting. Staining, however, is not recommended as this type of wood is characterized by a certain green tinge and mineral streaks. The weight of poplar window shutters is moderately heavy.

These hardwoods lasts longer but if you want to be economical, you can go for lesser expensive and not of high quality woods. Make sure to check that the paint on the wood is of appropriate thickness and durable. The finishing should also be smooth. To do so check for the glued parts, the sanding and the joints. You can ask your manufacturer for some samples to help you decide which wood to pick. Additional information can also be provided to you by the company.

Hardwood shutters are home owner’s investment. Quality Hardwood Window Shutters lined up the best choices for you.