Wood vs. Poly Shutters for Texas Homes

Many Texas homeowners believe poly shutters look plain or artificial. That may have been true in the past, but today’s versions are high-end and look like the real thing. Wood shutters have evolved nicely, too. Excessive heat and humidity can still damage them, although modern wood shutters have tougher finishes that hold up much better than older styles did.

So which of those interior shutters are right for your Texas home? Let’s look at how both react to the elements of Texas weather; then we’ll discuss the options and zero in on the right choices.

Our experts at SmartLooks Window & Wall Decor know how Texas summers test window treatments. Along the Gulf Coast, homes in Houston and Corpus Christi deal with damp, heavy air for months. Central and West Texas windows that face west take hours of harsh afternoon sun. Wood struggles in that climate because it absorbs moisture; over time, it can swell, warp, or the louvers can stick.

Fortunately, you have options that can withstand our intense elements. Lightweight basswood shutters, for example, last longest in rooms with steady air conditioning and a quality protective finish. Poly shutters, on the other hand, shrug off moisture. That durability makes them a smart fit for bathrooms, kitchens, and sunny rooms.

Heritance® Hardwood Shutters deliver a luxurious aesthetic and 100% natural hardwood. They feature Truemill® dovetail construction with interlocking joints rather than glued-together ones. Homeowners also appreciate the Integra™ Finish, which protects the wood as it ages. 

We can show you over 20 paint and stain options for these basswood shutters; a warm stain looks especially striking in living rooms, dining rooms, and studies, where the premium wood grain pairs well with elements like leather, stone, or exposed beams.

NewStyle® Hybrid Shutters mimic the appearance of real wood but offer the toughness of composite materials. Their Finetech® finish creates a soft, low-sheen that resembles carefully painted wood; these hard-working shutters suit both formal and casual decor.

That toughness makes them a natural choice for humid bathrooms, busy kitchens, and windows facing the afternoon sun. They also share the Truemill® dovetail construction and louver sizes offered with Heritance® Hardwood Shutters.

Making the Right Choice

There are many factors in making the right choice of shutters in your home, including color options, budget, and more. Many homeowners mix shutter materials, like placing hardwood in the living room and poly shutters in a bathroom. If you do that, we suggest keeping the same louver size throughout for a cohesive design. 

Think about the windows and their exposure levels when choosing the right style for your home:

• A kitchen window above a sink absorbs heat, splashes, stains, and humidity.
• Dining room windows typically see little moisture and light wear, which makes them a natural place to show off a rich wood stain.
• Living room windows often face the street and might soak up the afternoon sun.
• Bathroom windows face steam from showers and baths, where moisture can warp wood.

Our talented team at SmartLooks Window & Wall Decor can help you compare Heritance® Hardwood Shutters and NewStyle® Hybrid Shutters in person. Schedule a consultation for more information. We serve clients in Richardson and the Dallas Metroplex, including Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Fairview, Wylie, Sachse, Murphy, Parker, Garland, Rowlett, Rockwall, Heath, Sasche, Addison, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Celina, and the surrounding areas.