Simplistic design with timeless appeal, plantation shutters are very popular amongst homes of many different architectural styles. Stylish yet providing a practical source of protection from heat and light, there are a number of different types available in the market, from PVC to natural timber. Nu Style Shutters is Perth’s leading supplier of custom plantation shutters and shading solutions, and we are often asked which material is best in terms of longevity, insulation and aesthetics. Here we will run through the common materials used in Australian plantation shutters so that you can find the best solution for your Perth home.
Aluminium
Lightweight yet incredibly robust, aluminium makes strong and versatile plantation shutters. Aluminium is resistant to rust, making aluminium plantation shutters the ideal all-weather shutters that can stand the test of time indoors and in outdoor alfresco areas without bending, warping, fading or cracking. With the ability to be powder-coated to almost any colour requirement including silver, black and luxurious satin finishes, they are also easy to clean and require no maintenance. Aluminium can span slightly wider making it useful over larger openings, and is a sleek material that complements both old and new homes.
PVC
Strong and hard-wearing, PVC is resistant to moisture and humidity making it the perfect option for wet areas including bathrooms, laundries and kitchens. Offering excellent insulation properties, PVC plantation shutters will increase the thermal efficiency of your home, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Offering a clean, minimalist look and feel, colour choices in PVC are limited, but if it’s insulation that’s your priority, PVC is a great choice.
Basswood
Premium Basswood is a very strong and durable timber, and is the ideal choice for those who like the textural warmth and look of natural timber. More affordable compared to fellow hardwoods Western Red Cedar, Maple or Oak yet higher quality than cheaper timbers such as Poplar and Paulownia, Basswood has excellent dimensional stability and strength and does not warp. It also has tight pores and a fine uniform texture with an indistinct grain, meaning that it can be sanded and painted or stained to a very smooth and consistent, high quality finish.
Which is the Best for Insulation?
No matter what type of material you choose, all offer some degree of insulation. However, PVC and aluminium will provide far greater thermal properties than timber shutters. Aluminium and PVC naturally trap sunlight and heat, ensuring the interior room temperature remains stable.
Which is Best for a Contemporary Home?
With their clean lines and sleek appearance, contemporary homes generally opt for PVC or aluminium plantation shutters. The flexibility in colour choice associated with aluminium makes it suitable for both modern and traditional home designs. The perfect accompaniment to a warm interior, timber plantation shutters are also a versatile option for many Perth homes. At Nu Style Shutters, we typically recommend timber for those clients who want the authentic timber look and feel. If white is your colour of choice, PVC and internal aluminium are a more durable and longer lasting option backed by a 25-year warranty.
Buy Plantation Shutters from a Reputable Australian Company
There are so many plantation shutter makers and suppliers in Australia, and you can find options at a range of different price points, so it’s easy to get confused. It’s best to choose a company with a reputation for high quality, who endorse their workmanship with generous warranty and have the experience and knowledge to answer all of your questions. Whether you are looking for a purely aesthetic option, or something that helps to maintain your home’s temperature, the team at Nu Style Shutters will work with you to find out which type works best with your existing design, whilst meeting your unique needs and budget.
Call us today on 1300 798 776 or contact us online for an obligation-free quote online now.
