Types Of Wood House Shutters
Basswood is the wood of choice for many wood house shutters. Not only is it durable and can withstand temperatures from the freezing cold to the tropical heat, but it is also economical and looks great both inside the house and outside. Although there are other hardwoods used in shutters, basswood is the number one choice when it comes to wooden shutters.
Interior shutters are usually very straight and have a smooth texture. Unlike other woods that have very obvious graining, basswood is much smoother, making it an ideal choice for outside and inside shutters, especially for those who do not want to reveal grainy wood but do not want to paint the wood opaque.
Basswood is lightweight enough to handle and install easily, yet strong enough to withstand the elements. When you purchase interior window shutters, they are most likely made of basswood. Other window shutter woods that are used are as follows:
Oak
Oak is one of the more elegant woods and is very heavy. Oak also happens to be very grainy. Because oak is so heavy, it is not the ideal choice for interior wooden shutters as it can add pressure to the window jambs. Many people also do not like the grainy appearance of oak, yet oak does not paint very well. Oak is still a popular choice when it comes to shutters, just not the best choice.
Maple
Maple is another golden colored heavy wood that makes great furnishings but can be difficult to work with when it comes to shutters. Because maple is so hard, the jambs have to be drilled before installation which can be difficult. Maple interior shutters are heavy, like wood, and can wear down the window jambs. It can be difficult to get the louvers to be uniform with maple wood, as well.
Cedar
Cedar is a good strong hardwood and stains very well. Cedar wood is lightweight enough to make them easy to work with when it comes to interior wooden shutters. Unlike oak or maple, cedar shutters will not wear down the window jamb. However, cedar tends to scratch and bruise easier than other woods and can require replacement.
Poplar
Because poplar contains so many minerals and has a greenish color, it is better painted than stained. For many people, the idea of wooden shutters entails the look of real wood and reject poplar because they do not want to have to paint the wood. Painting usually has to be done much more often than staining and once you paint, you have to continue to do so. For this reason, poplar, although cheaper than the other woods, is not the best choice when it comes to house shutters.
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