by A. R. Rojas
No matter where you are located, you are sure to find many homes in your area that boast exterior wood shutters. For centuries, homes have donned shutters for many reasons including protection from the natural elements and to give that classical look to the exterior. No matter what your reason is for purchasing exterior wood shutters, you should not compromise on quality or necessity since they will become a part of your home for years to come. Just like any other part of your home, quality is essential when installing exterior window shades in order to avoid replacing them sooner rather than later due to damage or breakdown of materials.
Had I been less resolved to work, I would perhaps had made an effort to begin immediately. But since my resolution was formal and before twenty four hours, in the empty slots of the next day where everything fit so nicely because I was not yet there, it was better not to choose a night at which I was not well-disposed for a debut to which the following days proved, alas, no more propitious.... Unfortunately, the following day was not the exterior and vast day which I had feverishly awaited.
—Marcel Proust (1871–1922)
There are three main styles of exterior window treatments to choose from when exploring your options for outdoor window coverings. Open and closed louvers will give you different results while board and batten or raised panel shutters can give you an entirely different look to your home. There are many options through a number of manufacturers including the size and style to exterior wood shutters, so be sure to ask any questions you may have about the benefits and disadvantages of each style. Different homes may look more appealing with one style of exterior shutter over another style or model.
Board and batten exterior shutters are known to be manufactured at a discount due to the ability to construct them cheaper than open or closed louver style shutters. This type of shutter can be manufactured as open or closed, can be ordered and constructed fairly quickly within a short time and is highly durable. Their appearance can be individualized to include arched tops, cut out designs or even extra crossover pieces adding an entirely different pattern.
The competent leader of men cares little for the niceties of other peoples’ characters: he cares much—everything—for the exterior uses to which they may be put.... These are men to be moved. How should he move them? He supplies the power; others simply the materials on which that power operates.
—Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924)
Raised panel shutters are designed to give your home a complete look that will resist water or other environmental damage and are easy to paint so they will match your home. These types of exterior window shades are easy to maintain, since they have a smooth finish across the panel and are less prone to warping, cracking or other imperfections. While some raised panel shutters are made with vinyl and other composite materials, you can still find many styles using mahogany or other popular wood grains.
Open and closed louver exterior wood shutters are more popular than any other type wood shutter. With the classic, colonial look, louver shutters are versatile enough to go with almost any home design. Many homes will have exterior window treatments for decoration only, while others require them for protection from environmental elements or even privacy. Depending on the size of your windows, you may find window shades that are readily available for delivery or pick up at your local retailer, while other styles may have to be custom made as special orders. These types of exterior shutters will take longer than those that are already in stock in a warehouse, so before you begin your shopping, be sure to have the correct measurements of the windows you need covering.