Plantation Shutters are now commonplace in homes across Perth and Western Australia. They offer privacy and the ability to control the amount of light that enters your home, not to mention aesthetic appeal and increased property value. They are available in several materials. If you’re considering plantation shutters for your home or business, the type of material is one of the most important decisions you will make.
Types of Plantation Shutters
Here is a brief break-down of the different types available within Australia –
PVC Plantation Shutters (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC plantation shutters are window coverings designed to mimic the look of traditional wooden plantation shutters but made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic.
Wood/Timber
Popular wood types used are basswood, poplar, kiri, paulownia, cedar, and white teak. These timbers are sustainably grown.
Composite/MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
Composite is made from manufactured wood fibre boards with a vinyl/PVC coating.
Aluminium
Aluminum is a lightweight yet durable metal option for plantation shutters.
The most suitable material for your requirements will depend on your budget, moisture exposure, desired look, and insulation needs. PVC and timber are the most popular choices for interior plantation shutters in Perth and Australia.
Why Choose PVC Plantation Shutters Over Wood/Timber?
At Perth Shutter Installations, we recommend and supply PVC plantation shutters, as they have several advantages when compared to wood/timber shutters –
Durability & Low Maintenance
PVC is highly resistant to moisture, termites, warping, cracking and fading, making PVC shutters more durable than timber. They require little to no maintenance compared to timber, which tend to require touch-ups or repainting over time.
PVC is reinforced with an aluminium core to prevent warping and sagging, then finished with a durable 2-pack paint coating. They also use mortise and tenon joints, which are significantly stronger than screwed panels found on wooden shutters.
Cost-Effectiveness
PVC shutters are generally less expensive than timber shutters because –
- PVC is a synthetic plastic polymer that is less expensive to manufacture compared to solid wood.
- The raw material costs for PVC are lower than those for sourcing quality wood like basswood or poplar for wooden shutters.
- PVC shutters require less labour-intensive construction compared to crafting wooden shutters.
- While prices vary, PVC shutters are estimated to be 15-30% less expensive than comparable wooden shutters.
- Wooden shutters are a more premium natural material and command a higher price point in the market.
Water & UV Resistance
The solid construction and 2-pack paint finish of PVC plantation shutters make them waterproof, allowing use in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. They also have built-in UV protection to prevent fading from sunlight exposure.
On the other hand, wood/timber shutters are susceptible to moisture damage, which can compromise the product’s structural integrity. Furthermore, warm, damp bathrooms promote mould and mildew growth on wooden surfaces.
Fire Resistance
PVC plantation shutters are fire-resistant and compliant with most Australian regulations.
Energy Efficiency
Both timber and PVC plantation shutters offer good insulation to reduce energy costs, though timber may require more maintenance to retain insulating properties long-term.
The lighter weight of PVC allows for wider panel widths of up to 900mm for a seamless look. They are also more environmentally friendly as timber is a renewable resource.
Some people feel timber/wood offers a more natural and aesthetically pleasing look with wood grain patterns, particularly if you have wooden furniture and decor to match.
So, while PVC plantation shutters offer superior durability, moisture resistance, and affordability, timber shutters provide a premium aesthetic for those willing to invest in higher costs and maintenance requirements.
PVC Shutters from Perth Shutter Installations
Perth Shutter Installations is a family-owned and operated business with over ten years of industry experience. As a small company with virtually no overheads, we offer a more personalised service and far cheaper prices than our major competitors throughout Perth. But don’t just take our word for it; we encourage you to secure several quotes and find out for yourself.
We specialise in, recommend, and supply Perth’s best-quality PVC plantation shutters and service the entire metropolitan area. From the initial quote to installing your shutters, you’ll deal directly with a tradesperson ONLY, not a pushy salesperson.
With a five-star rating from over 150 reviews on Facebook and Google, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands with Perth Shutter Installations. Give us a call today on 0401 622 929 to discuss your requirements and schedule an obligation-free measure and quote.