When it comes to window coverings, there are none quite as charming and inviting as the plantation shutter. Commonly used indoors, they are the perfect window treatment that balances style with durability and light-blocking capability.
The material your plantation shutters are made out of can go a long way in determining how they look, how long they last and how much maintenance they’ll need. This blog will discuss some of the most popular types of plantation shutter materials and how to choose the best ones for your property.
If you’re unsure about what type of blinds we’re talking about, let’s break it down quickly. Plantation shutters are a type of window shutter that has louvres (inner horizontal slats) that you can adjust to let in more or less light. Plantation shutters, in particular, are known for only having two shutters per window (like two doors opening to the outside world) and wider louvre blades than other types of shutters.
At Alfresco Blinds, our plantation blinds can be installed in hinged, bifold or sliding styles.
We can create plantation shutters to suit unusually-shaped windows. Triangles, arches and bay windows are no problem!
Now that you have an idea of what plantation shutters are and how they work, let’s dive into the different materials they’re made from here at Alfresco Blinds.
Many homeowners love the appearance of wood when used for plantation shutters. The warm look, rustic grain and soft feel of natural wood make it the favourite for many parts of the home, but not all types of wood are suitable for use as window treatments.
At Alfresco Blinds, we offer basswood as our choice of material for anyone looking for wooden window shutters in Melbourne. This wood has many great qualities that make it the standout choice for plantation shutters, including:
Because it is so easy to work with and glue, Basswood shutters are perfect for making into tricky shapes. Whether your windows are square, round or even hexagon-shaped, we can make Basswood plantation shutters to fit them perfectly.
Basswood (Tilia americana) is a wood found across the eastern parts of Northern America, and is a common choice for woodworkers due to its softness and workability. It has no odour, no health hazards (beyond the ones typical of all wood-related to inhaling wood dust) and is a sustainable choice, as its trees are not endangered. It is often used to make musical instruments, like classical and electric guitars!
Its resistance to warping makes planning shutters suitable for almost every area of the home. Their charm makes them perfect for use in the kitchen or lounge room, while their ability to resist dampness also makes them suitable for use in bathrooms and laundries.
Direct contact with water still isn’t advisable, so keep them away from windows that are right above sinks and other areas where splashing may occur.
PVC plantation shutters are the smart choice for homeowners who want the look of wood without all the upkeep. Made from a synthetic plastic, PVC shutters are charming and inviting, mimicking the look of natural wood that so many love. Being a synthetic material, they are easy to colour, and these colours will last you, too! No fading, chipping or cracking will occur in these long-lasting window treatments.
Here are some of the things we love about PVC plantation shutters in Melbourne:
Because of their special installation process, you might pay a little more for this type of shutter than other plantation shutters in Melbourne. However, the money you’ll save on heating and cooling, maintenance, and repairs makes this initial cost one worth paying!
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, and it is one of the most popular types of plastics produced in the world. It is often used to make pipes, gutters, signs, clothing, cables, and, of course, vinyl records!
Their immunity to rot and mould makes PVC shutters in Melbourne a smart choice for areas like the bathroom, kitchen and laundry. Their sleek look also makes them a popular sight in entertaining areas like the dining or lounge rooms (their ease of cleaning also helps in this case).
At Alfresco Blinds, our Ultra20 plantation shutters are the ultimate choice for homeowners wanting shutters that can insulate their homes effectively. Made of a composite polymer, these shutters are modern, long-lasting and sleek, shedding the rustic look of wooden shutters and instead offering a cool and simple design for your windows.
You’ll love our composite plantation shutters for their:
You can choose from a wide variety of styles, too! Whether you want a classic fixed or hinged look, or more contemporary bifold, sliding or corner shutters, we can accommodate. We also offer a 20-year warranty on all our Ultra20 shutters.
Melbourne’s choice for quality blinds and expert installs.
Ultra20 is a composite material (meaning made from two different materials) consisting of a PVC resin outer and an aluminium core. The PVC gives you the stylish looks you crave, while the aluminium core gives them their strength and durability.
Because of their superior durability, Ultra20 plantation shutters can be used in every room of your property. From bathrooms and kitchens to bedrooms and living areas, they’re a sleek and modern choice you’ll love to use and look at every day.
Now comes the choice! How do you choose the best window plantation shutters for your Melbourne property? All of our shutter options are water-resistant, attractive and durable. It may come down to the price you are willing to pay, the amount of upkeep you are willing to put in, and what colour you have your heart set on.
This chart may make things easier for you!
| Basswood | PVC | Ultra20 | |
| Durability | Strong | Strong | Strong |
| Upkeep | Moderate | Minimal | Minimal |
| Colour Choice | Strong | Strong | Minimal |
| Weight | Light | Light | Light |
| Eco-friendly | Moderate | Strong | Moderate |
| Insulation | Light | Moderate | Strong |
Consider whether you want the warmth and look of real wood, as this can come with a little extra upkeep on your part!
Basswood plantation shutters can be stained, but also offer you the most options in terms of colour. At Alfresco, we will use a timber sealer to protect your shutters from moisture, before adding two undercoats for extra UV protection. These are followed by two topcoats of colour that are also UV and moisture-resistant.
We have 15 colours for you to choose from, including black and several shades of white. Our team can also match your shutters to any shade in the Dulux paint range, or even add a glossy finish as an extra.
Not sure if you want plantation shutters or traditional blinds? Read our blog on the Top 5 Benefits of Choosing Plantation Shutters Over Traditional Blinds to help make your decision.
If you’re looking for plantation window shutters in Melbourne, the incredible range at Alfresco Blinds can’t be beat. Whether you have a question regarding the best type of plantation shutters for your home or business, or want to start the process of having yours installed, we can help.
We have decades of combined experience in the blinds industry and pride ourselves on only offering products that are Australian-made using the best materials from around the world. This is reflected in our 100% customer satisfaction guarantee!
Contact us online for a free measure and quote, or call 1300 735 077 to chat with our team. We also encourage you to visit us in Epping, where you can see and feel a selection of our beautiful plantation shutters in person.
