Exterior plantation shutters, much like interior shutters, offer many benefits to homeowners. These benefits include functionality, durability, aesthetic appeal and increased home value. Utah Shutters is proud to offer both exterior and interior shutters to homeowners across the Wasatch Front. Our exterior shutters are built out of the finest wood and hand crafted to the customer’s specifications. Shutters are available for windows of all types and shapes – whether irregular windows, arched windows or curved windows – and we’re positive our custom shutters will add beauty and value to your home from the exterior as well as the interior.
Differences From Interior Shutters
Exterior and interior shutters differ in terms of purpose, functionality, construction and installation. First and foremost the purpose may vary. Interior shutters almost always are constructed with the same main components of louvres (slats), tilt rod, and trim for maximum utility. Alternatively, outside shutters may or may not contain these components and may in some cases be more for aesthetics purposes rather than functional ones. A great example of this would be a very simple outside window shutter combined with a custom planter and corbels to enhance the beauty of the exterior of a home.
The differences in functionality often stem from whether a louvre style shutter is selected. The louvre and tilt-rod component of interior shutters allow one to adjust the slant of the louvres in addition to swinging open the shutters completely. This may or may not be the case with exterior shutters as while some shutters may have the louvre functionality others may be a simple widow covering that swings open or shut and acts only as a covering for the window – either fully closed or fully open.
The construction and installation of exterior shutters are where many of the differences lie. While interior shutters may be installed within or outside of the frame of the window exterior shutters are always installed around the edges of the window. This allows the shutter to be flush against the home when fully open. Further, exterior shutters will not contain the actual trim of an interior shutter but rather be fastened to the home to allow full range of motion of the shutter. The shutters are fastened to a home in a way that doesn`t take away from the beauty of the shutter itself but rather adds to it as the beautiful wood shutter is the only visible part of our installation.
Styles of Exterior Shutters
The final distinction between inside and outside shutters is the style of the shutter. Interior shutters often only vary based on the location of the tilt rod, the trim around the window (trim can match existing trim in your home or be custom made in a variety of decorative styles) and the size of the louvre. Alternatively, exterior shutters are much more visible and thus have a wide range of designs used. These designs include the following styles:
- Framed shutters – angel wing, louvered, raised panel, partitioned, herringbone, lightning and two-part partitioned.
- Board and Batten Shutters
- Classic exterior shutters
- Traditional z-style shutters
- Panel style shutters
Further, for arched shutters there can be several different designs including arch tops, soft arch-top, gothic arch top and even saloon tops.
Types of Woods Used for Exterior Shutters
Similar to our interior shutters Utah Shutters is flexible in the different types of woods used in the construction of your exterior shutters. Notwithstanding, there are certain types of woods that are a better fit for exterior shutters due to the increased wear and tear these shutters experience from being constantly exposed to the elements. The best types of wood for exterior shutters are redwood and cedar. Each of these is explained in more detail below.
Redwood Exterior Plantation Shutters
Redwood undoubtedly brings to mind for many the famous California redwoods that tower up to more than 350 feet tall. Redwood is in fact popular throughout Central and Northern California and to a lesser extent the South Eastern United States including areas stretching from Maryland to Texas. Redwood is popular in the use of shutters due to its durability. This is evidenced by the fact that redwood is often used in the construction of house beams, rail road ties, bridge timbers, furniture as well as garden steps and borders. This longevity and resistance to decay makes redwood an excellent choice for exterior shutters that will be subject to Utah’s four seasons three hundred and sixty-five days of the year.
Cedar Exterior Plantation Shutters
Like redwood, cedar is an excellent type of wood for exterior shutters. Similarly to Redwood trees, cedar trees are quite famous. The cedars of Lebanon are often cited not only in scripture as being used for ships, buildings and temples but also as some of the finest wood available. Even today cedar remains a breathtaking part of modern day Lebanon and other areas surrounding Lebanon. Further, the cedar tree is at the center of the Lebanese national flag in reference to the fame of this tree. There are countless types of cedar trees many of which are predominant in the Western United States. These types of cedar are the ones most often used in the construction of our shutters. Similar to redwood, cedar’s use in our shutters stems from its longevity and ability to withstand Utah’s varied climate throughout the year.
Exterior Shutters and Our Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty
While we offer a lifetime craftsmanship warranty on our interior shutters and are fully confident that whether its exterior or interior shutters that we build for you that they will be of the highest quality and craftsmanship our warranty doesn’t cover exterior shutters. This is due to the fact that despite expert craftsmanship, construction and installation the exterior shutters are constantly exposed to the elements whereas the interior shutters are not. So while the exterior shutters will undoubtedly be long lasting they are not covered under the warranty.
Exterior Shutter Quote and Ordering Process
Our exterior shutters can be ordered through the exact same process as our interior shutters. You can call us at 801-792-7864, email us at sales@utahshutters.com or request a free quote here on the website. Upon contacting us we will be able to complete the process of providing you a no-obligation estimate and answering any questions you may have in regards to your exterior shutters.