The demand for shutters as window coverings is growing internationally, not just here in the UK. The American market is huge so to keep up with demand, over the past decade manufacturers in China have stepped up production. They use the latest technology and have years of experience in choosing suitable materials, these manufacturers are producing the worlds best modern shutters at the most competitive prices. Because of volume the price of these well made shutters has reduced over time, putting them in reach of more people.
To fit properly, shutters must be tailor made to fit each window. So each shutter is made individually. Incredible when you think about it. They also have to take into account louvre / slat size choices and work out how many are needed for each door or section. Then there are different colours too. Not to mention hinge types, hinge colours and extras like rods, knobs or locks. The frames around the shutter doors differ too, depending on how they are going to be installed and personal choice.
Whilst the shutters are manufactured fairly quickly in these state-of-the art factories, conveyance is usually by ship simply because of cost and volume. This can add 12 plus weeks to delivery. Such is the quality and price, they are well worth waiting for.
So why aren't they made locally you may wonder. Well, the main reason is cost.
British manufacturers simply can't make the same quality for the same price.
There are some shutters made in the UK, two types.
The first type is painstakingly hand made from expensive hardwoods. These are cost prohibitive for most homeowners and are great quality. They are usually stained, not painted, so the natural wood grain is still visible.
The second type is usually assembled from imported components, especially a form of plastic. Whilst these have a shorter lead time, they may not be acceptable quality and choices are limited, especially colour. (our experience with installing them in customers homes has not been positive. A client insisted on having them so we agreed, they were installed but the louvres warped in the heat and had to be remade, needless to say we do not use them anymore!)
Solid wood is the best material for the majority of shutters. Reputable manufacturers season the timber according to the conditions likely in the area of the world they end up. We purchase "North European" condition solid wood shutters. Suitable hard woods like slow grown white pine, bass wood, paulownia, ash etc stand the test of time. They are also the most environmentally friendly option. They can be painted just about any colour. If stained then you can usually see the unique woodgrain of each piece.
MDF shutters are made from Medium Density Fibreboard. Whilst it has its merits, we do not use MDF in our shutters or our frames. MDF is a stable material made of compressed fibres and a lot of glue keeping it together. The glue is one of the problems. It is full of toxic formaldehyde that keeps outgassing for years. You can't see it, smell it or feel it. It is especially detrimental to babies and children. Causing allergies, skin rashes, irritated eyes, nose and throat and is implicated in the development of myeloid leukaemia. Another problem is the weight. Heavier than the hardwoods used for shutters, MDF should not be used for shutters beyond a certain size. The weight and the fragility of MDF when the outer protective layer is pierced, such as with screws, can cause the shutter doors to sag over time. When MDF is exposed to water the fibres swell, once this happens not only does it look unsightly but louvres and doors may not open and close properly. We do not recommend MDF shutters. They may be initially cheaper than solid wood but do not last anywhere near as long.
Then we get to the plastic and polyvinyl shutters. There are differing qualities of plastic and it can be hard to tell the difference. We have had the bad experience of plastic louvres warping in the heat so we now only use high quality polyvinyl materials for windows that may get damp or wet such as in bathrooms or kitchens. Our PVC louvres have an aluminium core for strength so louvres don't sag or warp.
So there you have it. If moisture is not a consideration then solid wood shutters are the best material. Followed by high quality PVC (polyvinyl) shutters. MDF is heavy and easily adversely affected by moisture. The plastic shutters are vulnerable to temperature and can be cheaply made.
If you like to know more about the details in this article then please get in touch at www.countryhomeshutters.co.uk
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