When shopping for window coverings, many homeowners compare real wood plantation shutters to faux wood plantation shutters. Each option offers unique benefits for style, function, and budget, which makes it important to understand the differences before making a decision.
Understanding Real Wood Plantation Shutters
Real wood plantation shutters are crafted from natural hardwoods such as basswood or poplar. These materials provide an authentic look that adds warmth and character to a home. Many homeowners love real wood because no two shutters are exactly alike, and the unique grain patterns give every room a custom touch.
Benefits of Real Wood
- Authentic beauty: Natural wood adds richness and elegance that synthetic alternatives cannot fully replicate.
- Lightweight operation: Real wood shutters are lighter than many engineered products, which makes them easier to handle on large window openings.
- Custom finishes: Wood can be painted or stained in a wide range of colors, allowing for perfect coordination with cabinetry, flooring, or trim.
Considerations of Real Wood
Real wood shutters are a premium choice, so they often come at a higher price point. That investment pays off in timeless style and the ability to refinish them if your décor changes. Because they are made from natural wood, they do best in drier spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas. For rooms with higher moisture levels, many homeowners choose faux wood plantation shutters to complement their real wood shutters elsewhere.
What Are Faux Wood Plantation Shutters?
Faux wood plantation shutters are built from engineered materials like PVC, vinyl, or a composite that replicates the appearance of natural wood. They are designed to mimic the beauty of real wood while standing up to moisture, heat, and everyday wear.
Benefits of Faux Wood
- Durability: Faux wood is resistant to cracking, fading, and scratching, making it ideal for busy households with children or pets.
- Moisture resistance: These shutters are perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and sunrooms because they won’t warp or swell from humidity.
- Affordable price: Faux wood plantation shutters offer a lower cost option while still delivering a polished, traditional look.
Considerations of Faux Wood
Faux wood plantation shutters are slightly heavier than natural wood, but this also makes them feel sturdy and substantial. While they don’t offer quite as many stain variations as real wood, they come in a wide selection of classic paints and finishes that work beautifully in modern and traditional homes alike. Most homeowners find faux wood plantation shutters give them peace of mind in areas where durability and low maintenance matter most.
Energy Efficiency and Comfort
Both real and faux wood plantation shutters provide excellent insulation compared to basic blinds or curtains. Their solid construction blocks heat during the summer and keeps warmth inside during the winter. Faux wood tends to perform especially well in humid environments where natural wood may expand or contract.
In climates like St. Louis, where summers are hot and winters can be chilly, both styles can contribute to lower energy bills and improved comfort. Choosing shutters that fit tightly to the window frame makes a big difference in energy efficiency.
Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
Keeping shutters clean extends their lifespan and keeps them looking sharp.
- Real wood plantation shutters: Use a soft, dry cloth or feather duster to remove dust. Avoid harsh cleaners or excessive water since moisture can damage wood. A light polish designed for wood furniture can help maintain shine.
- Faux wood plantation shutters: These can handle more moisture, so they can be wiped with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed. Their low-maintenance nature makes them perfect for high-traffic spaces or rental properties.
Style and Design Trends
Plantation shutters have remained popular for decades, but trends in finishes and colors continue to evolve.
- Real wood: Dark stains such as walnut or espresso remain popular in traditional homes. Painted finishes like white or cream are timeless choices that complement most interiors.
- Faux wood plantation shutters: White and off-white are top sellers, especially for modern spaces where clean lines and bright interiors are in style. Many faux wood options now replicate wood grain so closely that guests may not realize they are synthetic.
Shutters also pair well with layered treatments such as drapery panels, which allow homeowners to blend softness with structure.
Choosing the Right Plantation Shutter for Each Room
The best choice often depends on the room where the shutters will be installed.
- Living rooms and dining rooms: Real wood adds elegance and becomes a design focal point.
- Kitchens and bathrooms: Faux wood plantation shutters offer practicality and long-term durability.
- Bedrooms: Either option works well, though faux wood plantation shutters may provide more peace of mind if humidity is a concern.
- Basements or sunrooms: Faux wood shutters are almost always the smarter choice because of their resistance to moisture and temperature swings.
Cost and Longevity
Real wood plantation shutters are often more expensive upfront but can last for decades with proper care. Faux wood plantation shutters generally cost less but still offer long-lasting performance. The best choice comes down to whether a homeowner values the timeless beauty of wood or the resilience and practicality of faux materials.
Common Questions Homeowners Ask
Will faux wood plantation shutters look cheap?
No. Today’s faux wood products are designed to replicate the look of real wood so closely that most guests cannot tell the difference without touching them.
Can real wood shutters be refinished?
Yes. Wood shutters can be sanded, stained, or repainted to match new décor, which makes them highly adaptable over time.
Are plantation shutters worth the investment?
Absolutely. Both real and faux plantation shutters add value to your home, improve insulation, and provide a timeless look that appeals to future buyers.
Which Plantation Shutter Is Right for You?
If you want natural warmth and the ability to refinish your shutters in the future, real wood may be the best option. If you need moisture resistance, easy maintenance, and affordability, faux wood plantation shutters might be the right choice. Both styles can dramatically enhance your home’s design while improving comfort and efficiency.
Work with the Experts
Choosing between real and faux wood plantation shutters can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to decide alone. The team at Show Me Blinds and Shutters has more than 30 years of experience helping homeowners throughout St. Louis and beyond choose the perfect window treatments.
Ready to explore your options? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. You can also connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn for inspiration, updates, and client success stories.