The Difference Between Wood and Composite Exterior Shutters

Most people nowadays are not aware of the difference between wood and composite exterior shutter. So this article today can give you the details comparison between these two materials.

Nowadays, wood and composite are the two most widely-used materials in making shutters. However, some people find it hard to tell them apart. To help you out, today we will clarify the advantages and disadvantages of them.

As you might know, composite is made out of recycled wood dust, glue, and zinc borate. Consequently, it is not wood anymore. However, some properties remain the same, which are the superior points of composite exterior shutters over natural wood ones.

Below is a detailed comparison between them.

Durability

Prolonged exposure to sunlight or a highly humid atmosphere is harmful to natural wood. It can cause the wood to break, rot, which requires costly repairs. The lifespan of native timber is only a few years or even months if not properly stored.

On the contrary, with glue and zinc borate added, composite can withstand the water and humid weather as well as direct sunlight. This feature overcomes the disadvantage of wood and makes composite  the winner in terms of durability.

Weight

As mentioned above, glue is added during the processing of composite. And sometimes, the manufacturers also add some additives to enhance the structure of composite. That means composite is denser and therefore heavier than natural wood.

Weight is not a matter for adults. But if you install exterior shutters for the old, children, or people with strength issues, it might be a thing to consider.

Cost

Here is the most significant difference between wood and composite exterior shutters.

Wood tends to sit in the middle to high price range, depending on the selection of specific materials. Besides, wood is not a sustainable material since it can cause deforestation. For that reason, the price of wood is always much higher than composite.

Meanwhile, composite exterior shutters are  affordable. Also, they are more economical in the installation compared to wood. And composite does not require any special maintenance. You can clean it with water and a soft cloth .

With a longer lifespan, composite shutters can save you a lot in the long run. In short, it is a perfect alternative for wood in making exterior shutters.

Bottom Line

To conclude, the above are the significant differences between wood and composite exterior shutters. Hopefully, this article can shed some light on the advantages and disadvantages of these two materials.

If you have any questions or comments, please leave it below. We are pleased to give you an answer.

Thank you for reading!