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What Are Faux Wood Shutters?

September 08, 2025

One hundred years ago, plantation shutters were manufactured from wood. Today, we have advanced synthetic materials that resemble wood but offer more durability and longevity. Frequently described as “faux wood,” these materials make exceptional interior shutters for your Cleveland windows. If you’re not familiar with faux wood shutters, learn more about these sought-after, adaptable window treatments!

Why Install Faux Wood Shutters In Your Cleveland Home?

Interior shutters are a fantastic but at times overlooked window treatment because many residents aren’t experienced with them. To start, interior shutters utilize a hinged panel that rests within a frame secured around your window. This well-built panel covers the window unless you swing it open on its hinge. Within the panel you’ll see a row of adjustable louvers. These narrow but firm louvers sit against each other when closed. Shift them up, and they let light through.

Interior shutters traditionally are known for being made from natural wood, but faux wood shutters are available in a range of manufactured wood substitutes. These modern materials are less vulnerable to moisture, scrapes, bugs, and mold that can harm wood shutters. They also are just as effective, if not moreso, of halting light and exterior air as wood shutters.

Are There Different Kinds Of Faux Wood Shutters?

White Polywood shutters on a kitchen window

If you are thinking about which non-wood shutter is right for your home, it might be difficult to identify the differences. Faux wood can have superior characteristics over real wood, but not all faux-wood shutters are identical. 

Vinyl shutters are not an actual faux wood, but they may be presented as a substitute to wood shutters. Vinyl shutters are easy on your finances, but you get what you pay for. They look like plastic and can warp, crack, or even melt in hot sunlight. Once that happens, they won’t give you proper light control, energy efficiency, or privacy.

Synthetic-wrapped shutters are made of wood chip materials, glued MDF, or pressed wood, and then covered with a synthetic, vinyl, or plastic coating. They’re stronger than vinyl shutters, but their pressed wood parts are vulnerable to moisture and humidity. Also, you cannot custom-design wrapped shutters for specialty-shaped windows like circles and arches.

Solid extruded shutters are made from heavy-duty compounds and finished with an exterior coating. They can be molded to feature a smooth or wood-like texture. Their engineered fibers keep them from distorting or splintering like wood can. High-quality, solid extruded louvered shutters like Polywood® shutters last for decades on any window, offering the greatest value for your investment. Yet, low-quality extruded shutters can be more brittle or lack the UV inhibitor that prevents discoloration.

What To Ask For In A Superior Faux Wood Shutter

White Polywood shutters on tall living room windows

Not all faux wood shutters in Cleveland are created equal. When looking for interior shutters, you require a solution that enhances your home and life for years to come. Your leading option is Polywood shutters. They give you these benefits:

  • Stunning appearance
  • Work with all decor styles
  • Endure for decades
  • Impervious to damage from wet conditions, UV rays, scratching, and temperature extremes
  • Simple to clean
  • Suitable for any window size or shape
  • Block most light and outdoor temperature transfer

Bring All Your Interior Shutter Questions To The Specialists

No one knows more about interior shutters than the professionals at Sunburst Shutters Cleveland! We’ll respond to all your questions about faux wood shutters and other kinds of window treatments when you book a free in-home consultation. Contact us at 440-561-6787 or complete the form below to request an appointment. We'll demonstrate our long-lasting products and help you customize the perfect shutter for your home.