Know Your Hardwood Window Shutters

Window shutters were originally made of hard wood before shutters made of synthetic and less expensive materials came out in the market. Wood shutters are elegant-looking and expensive. They will definitely make a good investment for your home because shutters made of hardwood lasts a really long time. They can withstand natural conditions such as sunlight, humidity, and changes in temperature.

Wood shutters are made from various types of wood. Know how they differ from each other and which kind will work for you.

Alder

Alder makes good material for window shutters. Because the wood comes from relatively small trees, finger joints are used to make the alder window shutters.

Basswood

Basswood is perhaps the sturdiest kind of hardwood made into shutters. Basswood shutters are characterized by their fine and uniform textures and indistinct wood grain. It is easy to work with basswood. It glues and screws well and can be sanded or stained into a perfectly smooth finish. Basswood dries fast and retains a good dimensional stability afterwards. It also has low resin and tannin content.

Cedar

Cedar wood is highly receptive of staining techniques. One disadvantage though is that it is soft and can be easily scratched and dented. Window shutters made of cedar make an ideal choice if you would like to install shutters on the outside. Cedar is durable and can withstand decay and moisture for much longer. It is mostly stable and holds paint well. Cedar also repels insects.

Maple

Indoor window shutters made of maple are also very heavy. Like oak shutters, window shutters made from maple need their screw pre-drilled. Maple hardwood louvers can be difficult to tension uniformly.

Oak

Oak is a heavy and hard type of wood so shutters made of it weigh heavier than others. Thus, screws need to be pre-drilled so that the window jambs are not pulled down by the weight of the shutters. Oak shutters are not ideal for painting and the louvers have tendency to warp.

Poplar

Poplar is less costly compared to other hardwoods and it is widely available. Window shutters made of poplar are ideal for milling and painting. Staining, however, is not recommended as this type of wood is characterized by a certain green tinge and mineral streaks. The weight of poplar window shutters is moderately heavy.

The hardwoods mentioned are the sturdiest kinds. There are wood shutters of lesser quality and less costly available if you are willing to be more practical. Remember to look for wood shutters covered in thick, durable paint, a well-sanded surface, joints that are glued and doweled, and self-tensioning louvers. It also helps to ask for samples from your manufacturers before you place an order. Ask the company for all the specifications of their wooden shutters.

Indoor wood shutters does not only give you privacy, but it also serves as adornment to beautify your house. Learn more about these beautiful indoor wood shutters by visiting this website http://indoorwindowshutters.net/