Good Faux Wood Shutters vs Inferior Faux Wood Shutters in Bakersfield

There are a lot of faux wood shutters on the market, but what’s the difference between quality faux wood shutters, like our Polywood® shutters, that will hold up over years and faux wood shutters that will need to be switched out within a few years?

The trick is to look at the faux wood shutter’s craftsmanship and details such as its durability, finish, and energy efficiency capabilities.

Good faux wood won’t splinter, crack, chip or warp

Any type of faux wood shutters seem attractive when first installed.  However, shutters that are made with shoddy materials such as cheap composites, vinyl-wrapped particleboards, or flimsy louvers can start to warp, snap, splinter, or yellow.  Inferior shutters definitely won’t hold up in heavily used spaces or in spaces that have extreme heat, cold, or humidity.  

Well-made faux wood, like Polywood, is constructed from solid compounds that don’t warp, yellow or break.  Its rigid design allows shutters to withstand bowing, splintering, cracking, and chipping, especially in high-moisture or extreme temperature spaces.  Inspecting the warranty should be the best way to tell the durability of a faux wood shutter.  Companies that offer a lifetime guarantee stand behind their products because they only use the most durable materials.

Quality faux wood doesn’t stain

Easy dusting is the same for all types of faux wood window treatments.  But detailed cleaning has another set of issues. Vinyl and other cheap materials will absorb some moisture when wiped down with a damp rag.  Substandard faux wood shutters may have surfaces that can trap dust and dirt so that they are almost impossible to clean.

Companies that make quality window treatments know that faux wood should be easy to clean.  For example, Polywood uses a finish that is a cinch to wipe down quickly, so that your shutters appear spotless.  Good faux wood is completely water resistant, so if any muck and grime gets on the shutter, it should wipe off with a wet cloth or spray cleaner.

High quality faux wood is energy efficient

As you lower your quality faux wood shutters, you should notice a remarkable difference in air flow and heat transfer.  The solid louvers and impenetrable materials will help block UV rays that makes the room toasty and air transfer that can make a room chilly.  The top faux wood shutters, like Polywood shutters, will even go further in ensuring energy efficiency through UV inhibitors and weather stripping.

Plantation shutters made with an inferior composite doesn’t demonstrate the same energy efficiency benefits.  Shutters with cheap composites or hollow louvers will still let the outside air flow in freely. As time goes on, low quality shutters can start to sag and make gaps between the louvers.  The key to seeing if you are using a subpar faux wood is to look at its R-rating. The larger the number, the more energy efficient the shutter.

Call a Bakersfield Sunburst rep and pick a quality faux wood treatment

Finding a quality faux wood shutter can sometimes feel like an impossible task.  Good thing our Sunburst representatives will show you all our faux wood options, so you can pick the right quality faux wood shutter for your space.  To set up a free in-home consultation, call 661-449-1092 today.