Tag Archives: pvc

Timber Shutters vs PVC Shutters – Pros and Cons

Different shutters for different reasons

The maximum span for a single shutter panel varies for the two products. Timber can span up to 1000mm in width, where as PVC can only span to a maximum width of 700mm. This is due to PVC being heavier and less rigid than timber. Therefore in some cases if people wish to use pvc rather than timber for some window sizes you may not achieve the desired number of shutter panels per window as you would like. An example of this is, lets say, a window is 900mm wide (quite common in newly built homes), if you use pvc the required number of panels is 2 due to the single panel width limit of 700mm for pvc , if you use timber this window can have 1 panel as the single panel width limit for timber is 1000mm. In a lot of new homes a minimalist look is what most of our customers wish to achieve, as seen from the example above in a lot of cases timber is required to achieve this throughout living areas of homes.

morning natural light shutters

Riverview Perth’s Timber Shutters

Our timber shutters have a two pack enamel paint finish as opposed to most timber shutters in the Perth market which are a single pack acrylic finish , this actually gives them a water resistant barrier .

In most cases we try to avoid using the PVC shutters for any areas which don’t need to be fully water proof as pvc does limit the customer to smaller panels which in a lot of cases leads to compromises on the desired panel configurations they wish to achieve, as pointed out in the example above.

plantation shutters partial open

PVC Shutters and aluminium cores

All PVC shutters are made with an aluminium core to stiffen and strengthen the panels and louvre blades as pvc is a very pliable product they cannot be manufactured without it . A lot of sales representatives will tell you that they have a superior pvc product as they have an aluminium core. But the fact is all PVC shutters are made with an aluminium core. Don’t be fooled by this false gimmicky sales tactic.

As timber can span wider than PVC, living areas that involve wider openings would be recommended by us to be in timber. If you think of it this way, the fewer panels in each opening the more open the window will look and feel , giving you greater viewing area when louvers are open and a clean minimal look – which in most cases is the reason our customers choose shutters in the first place.

Which type of shutters are best for wet areas?

PVC is a great product for wet areas as it is waterproof .
Timber is not water proof however it’s a great product for living areas that don’t require water proofing.

Which shutter type would be best for me?

Both are great products and when used correctly in conjunction with our knowledge we will provide an appealing and functional system for any window or opening, at Riverview we are not sales people simply trying to meet a monthly sales target. We are tradespeople who are all about great customer service, giving our customers the right sound advice with no sales spin! Give us a call today to experience the “Riverview Difference”.