PVC plantation shutters: Are they actually worth the money?
Your windows probably aren’t working as hard as they could be are they? Maybe you’re sick of constantly adjusting blinds that never quite block the light properly or you’re dealing with curtains that collect dust all the time.
Perhaps you’ve been thinking about plantation shutters but can’t decide if PVC is worth it or whether to stick with timber?
Prestige Plantation Shutters have advised us that PVC plantation shutters have become quite popular recently but there’s still some untrue information floating around about what they can and can’t do.
Let’s be honest, window treatments are one of those things most people put off until they absolutely have to deal with them. Then you start actually looking at options and realise there’s heaps more to consider than you thought.
The thing with PVC shutters is they’re not just a cheap alternative to timber – they’re actually a completely different product with their own advantages and disadvantages.
The thing is most people don’t understand the differences until after they’ve made a decision and sometimes that leads to disappointment because you has different expectations.
What exactly are PVC plantation shutters anyway?
PVC plantation shutters are made from polyvinyl chloride which is basically a type of plastic that’s been engineered to look and feel more like timber. In our day and age manufacturing has come a long way from the obviously plastic looking shutters you might know.
Modern PVC shutters have timber like textures, proper weight to them and they’re designed to handle Australian conditions without the maintenance that come with real timber. They’re not trying to fool anyone into thinking they’re timber but they’re also not obviously fake either.
Quality PVC shutters use a cellular core structure that makes them feel lighter than timber but still solid enough to handle weather and usage. Cheaper versions skip this and just use solid PVC which tends to feel flimsy and not withstand the test of time.
The real advantages of PVC shutters
Moisture resistance is probably the biggest advantage and this matters heaps in Australian conditions. Bathrooms, kitchens and coastal areas are all places where timber shutters would need constant maintenance or replacement. PVC just handles moisture without swelling or warping and you don’t have to worry about mould issues.
Low maintenance is another big one. This means you don’t have to repaint, no staining and you don’t have to do wood treatments. Just wipe them down occasionally and they keep looking good. Which is quite appealing to home owners when you consider that timber shutters might need touching up every few years depending on where you live.
The overall cost effectiveness can’t be ignored either. Quality PVC shutters typically cost 30-40% less than equivalent timber ones. That’s significant saving especially for larger homes or commercial properties where you’re covering lots of window area.
Colour stability is another one of PVC’s benefits as PVC shutters won’t fade like painted timber can and the colour goes right through the material rather than just being a surface coating.
What PVC shutters can’t do
Let’s be realistic about the limitations because there are definitely some things PVC cant handle as well as timber.
Heat resistance is probably the main concern in Australia. Quality PVC handles normal heat fine but in extreme situations like west-facing windows in summer or very hot climates, cheaper PVC can start to soften or warp. Good quality PVC shutters include UV stabilisers so make sure to do your research if this could be an issue for you.
Repair options are more limited with PVC. Timber shutters can be sanded down and filled or repainted or even have individual slats replaced fairly easily. PVC shutters that get damaged often need complete panel replacement. Which gets expensive.
Sound properties are different too. Timber has natural acoustic qualities that help with sounds while PVC is more likely to create a hollow sound.
The look and feel will never be exactly like timber no matter how good the manufacturing is. Some people can live with this but others find it bothers them every time they look at the shutters.
Weight differences mean PVC shutters feel lighter which can change how they feel when you open and close them. Not necessarily worse just different.
Quality differences in PVC shutters
This is where things can get interesting because not all PVC shutters are the same and the price differences often reflect the differences in quality.
Cheap PVC shutters usually use basic hinges and simple mounting systems. They tend to do the job for a few years but don’t expect them last long term or handle heavy weather conditions. They are normally imported and made with minimal quality control.
Mid-range PVC shutters typically use better hardware and more sophisticated manufacturing. They’ll handle Australian conditions reasonably well and come with decent warranties.
Premium PVC shutters use advanced materials, high-quality hardware and also sophisticated design features. Some are made up with timber cores with PVC cladding or use multi layered construction.
Maintenance and longevity
One of the main selling points of PVC shutters is low maintenance but that also doesn’t mean zero maintenance. They still need regular cleaning and the occasional hardware fixing.
Cleaning is straightforward because you just wipe down with a damp cloth and mild detergent. No special products are needed and you don’t have to worry about water damage like you would with timber shutters.
Hardware maintenance involves the lubrication of hinges and mechanisms to keep them working smoothly. Quality hardware should last years without any maintence but cheaper stuff might need more frequent tweaking.
Expected lifespan for quality PVC shutters is typically 15-20 years in normal residential use. Cheaper ones might only last 5-10 years before looking tired or developing mechanical problems. Could be longer though.
UV degradation is the main long-term concern especially in harsh Australian conditions. Quality PVC includes UV stabilisers but cheaper versions can become brittle or discoloured over time.
Common mistakes people make
Choosing based on price alone is probably the biggest mistake. Cheap PVC shutters can end up costing more in the long run when you think about repairs or replacements. Choosing the cheaper option now normally ends up costing you.
Ignoring the installation quality is another big one. Even the best PVC shutters will perform poorly if they’re installed wrong.
Expecting timber performance from PVC shutters sets people up for disappointment because they’re different products with different characteristics, that’s for sure.
Skipping the warranty research can be costly if you end up having any issues.
When PVC shutters make sense
High moisture environments like bathrooms, kitchens and laundries are perfect for PVC shutters. The moisture resistance alone makes them worth getting because they withstand it way better than wood.
Rental properties benefit from PVC shutters because they’re low maintenance and handle tenant use.
Coastal locations where salt air would destroy timber shutters quickly make PVC a pretty obvious and practical choice.
Budget-conscious projects where you want the plantation shutter look without the timber price can work well with quality PVC options.
Commercial applications often favour PVC because of the reduced maintenance requirements.
When timber might be better
Heritage or character homes mostly look better with timber shutters that complement the style of the home as they look classic, the plastic of the PVC may look odd.
High class and high budget homes and builds where budget isn’t a concern might benefit from timber’s superior look and feel. If you aren’t worried about the cost of maintenance etc then timber may be the way to go.
Sound sensitive environments where you may experience heavy sound pollution might favour timber’s natural sound dampening.
Very hot climates or extreme sun exposure areas might impact the PVC, so timber may be a better option here.
Making the decision
At the end of the day PVC plantation shutters aren’t right for everyone but they are a great choice if their benefits line with your wants. The key is understanding what you’re getting and choosing quality products that suit your home and needs.
Don’t get caught up in the timber versus PVC debate just focus on what works for your situation, budget and expectations. Quality PVC shutters can provide years of reliable service while cheap ones will probably disappoint you regardless of the price savings.
If you’re considering PVC shutters then be sure to take the time to see quality examples in person understand the warranty terms and make sure you’re working with experienced installers. The installation quality often matters more than the product differences when it comes to holding up long term.
And remember window treatments are something you’ll live with for years so it’s worth getting them right the first time rather than trying to save a few dollars on something you’ll probably regret later.
