The Different Types of Exterior Window Shutters

Most people like to have some type of exterior window shutters on their home. They look nice and really add something to the appearance of the home. There are a number of different types of these shutters available depending on which styles you prefer. These days most homes have shutters that are fixed and purely decorative, though some homes, especially in hurricane prone areas, do have fully functional hurricane rated exterior shutters.

One of the less expensive and more common types of exterior window shutters is the louvered shutter. You can get vinyl shutters of this type very inexpensively. They can come at a cost of about $50, or you can get fancier options, such as cedar, starting at around $100. These come in a number of different styles, from single wide, to double wide, to those with a curved top. You can also get them with different numbers and configurations of panels.

Another common style is the board and batten exterior window shutters. They are similar in price to the louvered shutters, and come in vinyl, composite, or wood such as cedar. These commonly have extra design features like cut outs or curved tops. They also sometimes have fancier hardware. They can be found with either an open weave or a closed weave, depending on whether or not you would like spaces between the boards.

Some people prefer the look of raised panel exterior window shutters. This type of shutters was usually used on the first floor of homes for added security. They tend to be slightly cheaper than the louvered or board and batten shutters, with the vinyl fixed shutters starting around $30. You can also get them in composite, cedar or other wood, and they come in either single or double wide options.

Bahama window shutters are also available. These are usually functional shutters, based more on the styles of shutters in the Caribbean. They are good for allowing breezes to come through while minimizing light damage and not obstructing the view too much. These shutters function similar to awnings. As these are functional options, they will be a bit more expensive than some of the non-functional, fixed shutters described previously.

Exterior window shutters are not only decorative but also improve energy efficiency, act as an additional layer of insulation, provide privacy and protect your windows from storm damage. Whatever style your choose, exterior window shutters are an excellent investment for your home.