Shutters come in a variety of frame styles and mounting options to suit your windows and preferences. Understanding the pros and cons of each helps ensure you choose the ideal shutters for your home.

Hardboard Shutters for Affordability

Hardboard is a compressed wood fiber material that offers an affordable shutter option. These lightweight shutters mount directly to window frames with hinges or brackets.

Hardboard withstands weather but lacks the richness of real wood. However, painted hardboard convincingly imitates wood shutters for less cost.

All-Wood Shutters for Natural Beauty

All-wood shutters highlight the gorgeous grains and textures of solid wood. Basswood and poplar are common shutter woods, offering strength and workability. The rich look of wood pairs beautifully with many home styles.

However, solid wood costs more and needs regular maintenance to prevent cracking or warping. But properly cared for wood shutters will last for decades.

PVC Shutters for Low Maintenance

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) shutters offer a long-lasting, weather-resistant alternative to wood. The thick plastic material resists moisture, rotting, insects and scratches.

PVC provides the look of painted wood with little maintenance. However, the plastic appearance lacks natural wood’s visual warmth and appeal.

Panel Shutters for Traditional Styling

Panel shutters feature rectangular louvered sections in a single-tier frame. The distinctive divided shape pairs well with Colonial, cottage and other classic architectures.

Panel shutters offer customizable sizing. However, the seams between louvered sections can collect dust and dirt if not cleaned routinely.

Board-and-Batten Shutters for Rustic Charm

Board-and-batten shutters have wide horizontal boards with thin vertical battens covering the seams. This rustic style complements Craftsman, farmhouse and lodge aesthetics.

The simple design allows adjustable louvers. However, wood battens can loosen over time and require re-securing.

Bahama Shutters to Block Sun While Allowing Airflow

Bahama shutters mount above windows to provide shade and ventilation. The hinged top tilts out while the bottom remains fixed in place.

Bahamas are perfect for blocking sunlight and heat while allowing air circulation. However, they only shade top window portions.

Track Mounting for Irregular Windows

Track mounting systems suit arched, circular and uniquely shaped windows. Shutters hang from an upper track and slide side-to-side on a lower track.

Tracks enable shutters for hard-to-fit windows. Yet tracks stand out from the window frames more than subtle hinges.

Hidden Hinge Mounting for Seamless Look

Hidden hinges attach shutters to window frames discreetly on the inside edges. This preserves a clean, continuous look compared to exposed hinges.

However, hidden hinges make removing or adjusting shutters more difficult. Exposed hinges allow easier shutter detachment when needed.

Layer Mounting to Combine Different Shutter Types

Consider layering two shutter types, like combining stationary Bahamas with lower operable paneled shutters. This blends the strengths of different shutter styles.

Layer mounting provides design flexibility. But installing two shutter systems costs more and requires precise alignment.

Built-In Mounting for Shutter-Frame Combos

Built-in shutters feature frames permanently integrated into surrounding walls or window boxes. This achieves a flawless custom-built look.

However, built-ins don’t allow easy removal. Damaged built-in shutters are also harder to replace or repair.

Conclusion

The optimal combination of shutter style, material and mounting depends on your home, windows, budget and preferences. Knowing the pros and cons of each option helps ensure you select durable, fitting shutters to enhance your windows beautifully and practically.