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Wooden Window Shutters
Wooden Window Shutters -Why?
Almost all traditional window shutters on domestic residences are made from wood and most of them are constructed from solid hardwood. Metal window shutters may be more secure, and softwood may be cheaper in the short-term, but hardwood is the best because it can cope with direct sunlight, fluctuating humidity and a rapid change in temperature.
If you come from a temperate climate, you may be thinking of storm shutters, but there are other uses for them too. Wooden window shutters can be used to reduce the temperature in the house when the sun is on that wall by increasing the amount of shade on the window itself or to reduce the need for double glazing in the winter. They are also an excellent deterrent to burglars, when the shutter panels are locked shut.
For security reasons, exterior window shutters are only as good as the method used to mount them on the wall and the locks fitted on them to secure them. If they are not for security, then a simple bolt is sufficient, especially if the bolt is on the inside of the shutter, but then you will need interior access too.
The type of wood that you choose for your window shutters is also very important. Softwood will do the job, but will need regular maintenance treatment in the form of painting or varnishing to seal the water out. Hardwood is oily and so naturally more resistant to moisture, but it is a lot heavier, which is great for security, not so good for your walls and hard on the pocket. However, overall, it is still the best and gives a superior finish,
When it comes to design, make sure that the shutters sit well out of the way of the required window opening length and the required window opening width if your windows open outwards and not up and down. You don’t want the stutters to obstruct your window openings and thereby the light, so they need to fold back well to the side of the window.
One way of using the best materials, is to save money on labour my making and or fixing the wooden window shutters yourself. They are not difficult to make and most DIY’ers could fit them easily. Maybe you know someone locally who could make you a set for your home? Fitting is straightforward requiring the minimum of tools: a hammer, a drill, a screwdriver and an assistant 
Wooden window shutters can be decorated prior to installation and the fixing of accessories such as hinges, knobs and locks, but will probably need to be touched up again after being hung to seal the screw holes even if they are brass screws, which are obligatory really on exterior shutters.
Interior shutters may be of softwood and decorated to match the style of each room, but it is easier to kick them in because the shutter panels open inwards anyway. You will therefore need four bolts, one top and bottom on each panel and they will have to match up with receivers mounted firmly on the wall. Interior wood shutters are excellent for helping to keep the house cool during a heat wave.
If you do some research first, you will find excellent wooden window shutters that will help reduce your energy costs, improve the security of your home and maybe even save you the cost of buying double or triple glazing. However, it is much more fun to fid a local carpenter to make your shutters up to your own requirements and they will give you years of pleasure and peace of mind.
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