How Long Do Plantation Shutters Last

Plantation shutters are beautiful when they’re first installed, but how long do they stay that way? Nothing is designed to last forever, but well-made plantation shutters should last for years to come without having to be replaced or frequently repaired. The truth is, it depends on the shutters themselves, the way they’re made, and the shutter company that manufactures and installs them.

Hand-Crafted Shutters vs. Mass Produced

Mass produced plantation shutters are made faster, generally in a factory and by machines. The problem is that these mass produced shutters don’t have the same level of quality control that they would have if a human being made them. Machines can be smart, but they still don’t have the same critical thinking skills that a person has. 

On the other hand, our shutters are hand-crafted in our workshop. Every shutter is made by human hands and made to last. We have experience to know what will ensure durable and beautiful plantation shutters. And we put that same level of dedication into each shutter we make. That means when we say our shutters last, we can stand behind them because we made them ourselves.

Interior Wood Shutters

Wood can get a bad reputation when it comes to durability. Despite being a sturdy material, it’s also quite porous, and when exposed to moisture or humidity, wood can swell, warp, or rot. This is all true, but it tends to be more of a concern with exterior wood elements. Interior plantation shutters exist in a more controlled environment and therefore will last for a longer period of time without swelling, warping, or rotting, especially if regular maintenance is done. In addition, we make many of our shutters with hardy woods such as yellow poplar to ensure that durability.

Shutter Maintenance

As we mentioned, our plantation shutters are made with wood, which is known for its permeability. Thus when cleaning plantation shutters, it’s a good idea to avoid wetting them first. Instead, use a slightly damp soft cloth to wipe down the louvers and sides of the shutters. Additionally, avoid using any harsh chemicals when cleaning shutters. For stained wood shutters, you will want to refinish them every few years in order to ensure their health, as well as repainting painted shutters occasionally. However, our shutters are made to minimize the frequency with which this will need to be done. If you notice the stain or paint fading, it may be time to give them a touchup.

Painted and Stained Shutters

At Shenandoah Shutters, we offer both painted and stained plantation shutters. Our stained plantation shutters enhance the natural, earthy beauty of the wood. For these, we typically use basswood, which comes through beautifully with a natural stain. However, some homeowners prefer white or cream shutters to better suit their home’s style. For these shutters, we use the less porous yellow poplar wood. This gives the paint a more vibrant appearance and allows it to last longer without fading. 

Our shutters are built to last for years and years to come, and with a little bit of maintenance and occasional touch ups, that’s just what you’ll be able to enjoy from them. Have more questions about the durability of our shutters? Contact Shenandoah Shutters today to learn more or to order plantation shutters of your own.