For homeowners looking to add a bit of color or decoration to the outside of their house, exterior shutters are an easy, cost-effective method to use for the task.  Before making a purchase there are several items to consider. 

Will the shutters be used solely for decorative purposes or should they also be operable?  Should they add color to the existing structure or just a design element?  Vinyl, wood, composite, fiberglass or aluminum?  Inexpensive or pricey?  Easily installed or professional installation required?   

Although there are many forms of exterior shutters, and even more being introduced to the market on a regular basis, the two most popular types of exterior shutters today are shutters made of vinyl (or plastic) and wood.  Both offer many design, color and style options along with being aesthetically pleasing and relatively easy to install. 

Vinyl exterior shutters are not meant to be functional; rather their main goal is to add embellishment to windows.  These shutters are cost-effective, can withstand extreme weather conditions year after year and are easy to install – all advantages when it comes to remodeling or increasing a home’s market value. 

Vinyl shutters come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and styles and can be purchased from specialty stores, home improvement stores or online stores.  Once ordered however, vinyl shutters do not make a good candidate for painting.  Although painting is possible, it is much easier to choose a color in the beginning that will work for the long haul. 

Installing vinyl shutters is relatively simple.  As they won’t be used as operable window coverings they can quickly be screwed or nailed into the existing building.  An extensive range of vinyl shutter hardware is available and can give an added decorative boost to the home’s exterior appearance. 

Vinyl shutters are easy to care for and don’t require routine maintenance except for an occasional wipe-down to prevent dirt build-up.  There is no wood to rot and no paint to chip.  Once installed they can be forgotten about except for the enjoyment of seeing them on the home. 

Recently, a new material made of UV stabilized copolymer has been used in quality manufactured vinyl shutters.  The new method ensures less fading and damage by the sun.  For older shutters not made of the UV stabilized material, there are products on the market that can be applied to refresh the look of worn-out and faded shutters.    

Cleaning vinyl shutters is easy and keeps the exterior of the home looking fresh and neat.  Use a damp cloth with dish soap and wipe down all surfaces.  If the dirt and grime have built up over the years a revitalizing agent may be needed in place of ordinary soap and water.  These materials and cleaning supplies can be found at any major hardware or home improvement store.

A minor drawback to vinyl shutters is the typical grainy wood finish applied to the finished product; the wood appears to be true wood from the vantage point of the street but upon closer inspection the plastic or vinyl material is noticeable. 

Wood exterior shutters not only increase visual appeal to a house but some are operable as well.  For long lasting wood shutters that are durable and able to withstand the elements, a shutter made from cedar is the best choice.  Cedar is also well known for its ability to repel termites and will hold paint well.  Other options for wood shutters include yellow pine (a more economical way to have long lasting wood shutters if cedar is unaffordable), basswood, and a new choice that is made to look exactly like wood - EXTIRA ®, a moisture, rot and termite resistant material. 

Regardless of the type of wood selected, a coat of oil-based primer on the shutters is recommended before the final application of paint or stain is put on.  Wood shutters can be directly attached to the house for easy installation just as the vinyl shutters – but only if they are permanently mounted.  If however, the shutters are to be operable they must be attached with shutter hardware, also available in many styles to complement the shutters and home.  Hardware includes shutter caps, shutter hinges, shutter dogs, and shutter bolts. 

All hardware is optional although shutter caps are highly recommended for both operable and permanent fixture shutters.  The caps sit atop the shutters and protect them from water damage caused by snow or rain.  For a non-interrupted look the caps can be painted the same color as the shutters. 

Choice of exterior wood shutter styles includes louvered, paneled, and board-n-batten designs.  Each different style adds a distinct unique feeling to the windows and house.  In addition, wood shutters can be ordered for standard window sizes for quick availability or can be custom made to fit oddly shaped windows or door openings.

As an added benefit, wood shutters provide an extra layer of protection to glass windows during inclement weather and can double as a means to insulate drafty or single-pane windows and glass doors