Exterior shutters can be used for several reasons. History shows that exterior shutters have been used since the era of ancient Greece. Today, exterior shutters are found made of iron or steel, aluminum, wood, vinyl, and few other synthetic materials. Some exterior shutters have both functional and decorative uses, while most today are used only for decorative purposes. Exterior wood shutters fulfill the requirements of getting both functional and decorative benefits.

Pine is one of the most popular types of wood used for making exterior wood shutters. Pine is not a hardwood, but the main reason for its popularity is its low cost. Although not as popular, mahogany is one of the most durable types of wood used for making exterior wood shutters. Mahogany's rich, dark color makes it look very attractive and aesthetic while at the same time it is able to withstand rot and erosion caused by being affixed to the exterior. Fir, cedar, poplar, redwood, and cypress are also commonly used in making wood shutters. There are several benefits of using wood for your exterior shutters. Let's take a look at some of the primary benefits of installing these shutters.

Primary Benefits of Wood Shutters

  • Protection – Wood shutters are good for protection against the harmful UV rays of the sun. You'll find these wood shutters a blessing, especially during hot summers. They will prevent the sun’s rays from entering the house, making your bedroom a cool, cozy and dark haven, ideal for a quick afternoon nap. Prevention from constantly getting exposed to harsh sun rays also improves the longevity of your furniture. Due to their good insulation property, they protect the interiors of the house from the outside climatic conditions. During the winter months, they can be swung open to allow the sun in for its natural greenhouse effect which can lower your heating costs.
  • Durability – Most wood shutters made of a good quality wood will have high durability. Cedar is one of the most durable types of wood because its natural tanin oils keep it protected from wood boring insects. It can not only withstand high winds and rain, but also protect you from scorching heat. Also, unlike vinyl or other synthetic shutters, exterior wood shutters are made from a natural and renewable resource, which is better in terms of eco-friendliness. Customized wood shutters made from a whole-cut piece of hardwood will be less prone to damages like cracks and low-quality joins, increasing their longevity.
  • Style – Adding exterior wood shutters increases the aesthetic appeal of the house. These shutters make the house look attractive and elegant at the same time. Depending on your preference and your house's overall look, you can choose from designs and patterns that look chic and modern or rustic and traditional. It is possible to mount wood shutters on operable hinges, allowing you to open them up to let the outdoors in or close them to shut out unfavorable weather. This improves the overall energy efficiency of the house. Since exterior wood shutters can also be painted, it is better to choose colors that compliment the color of the outer walls of the house. Exterior shutters can also come with either fixed or adjustable louvers. With wood shutters, you can customize the size, style, patterns and colors as per your needs.
  • Installation – Installation of wood shutters requires a fair amount of skill, especially if you want them to function. However, if you are not comfortable installing the exterior wood shutters yourself, you can also hire a contractor who can do the work for you. Exterior shutters that fit badly can give an overall sloppy look and make the house appear disproportionate. Since precision and accuracy is important to make the best use of the wood shutters, it is often best to leave the work in the hands of experts.
Impact of Shutter Installation on Property Value

Privacy and noise control can be major factors when buyers check houses on sale. Nobody likes overly curious neighbors or any form of intrusion on their privacy. Also, sometimes houses near main roads or ones with thin walls can get external noises inside quite easily, robbing the occupants of peace and calm. Exterior wood shutters can be the solution to such problems. They not only prevent outside people from looking inside the house, but are also quite effective in damping noise. These features can increase the overall value of the property in the market.

Exterior shutters undoubtedly have several benefits and with unlimited choices available in the market, you can choose the right ones for your home, depending on your requirements.