Hardwood or MDF shutters?
One of the first decisions you will need to make about your perfect shutters will be the material you’d like to use. At The Shutter Studio, we offer four different materials, including three different wooden options and a Poly, faux wood. This can get overwhelming fast, especially when starting your shutter journey. MDF shutters are still in the market with our competitors and will always work out to be the most cost-effective, but this isn’t always the best choice.
Is MDF any good?
Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is a man-made wood. Various timbres get broken down into fibres which are then compressed and sealed. The resulting timbre isn’t much to look at, which is why unpainted MDF products are very rare. MDF is a very versatile material as it’s cheap, sturdy and quick to work with. MDF shutters are very hardwearing, and a great option if you have small children or pets but we now have a variety of hardwood options that are just as good in these areas. Our White Ash is an excellent choice for family homes, being dent and chip-proof meaning it would be perfect for customers looking for nursery decor ideas.
Another small benefit to MDF is that it is also less prone to water damage – although MDF will always be splash-proof rather than waterproof, whereas our alternative Poly material is completely waterproof and so simple to maintain.
The other problem with MDF is its weight. The dense fibres and compression mean MDF is almost twice as heavy as hardwood. If your window is wide, or you’re concerned about warping, we wouldn’t recommend an MDF shutter as this can result in damage to the hinges over time and you are more likely to need to replace them quickly.
Full Height Basswood Shutters
What is Basswood?
Also known as Tilia or Linden, Basswood is the original shutter material and one of our most popular, as well as our pine shutters. A real hardwood and fantastic to work with, a basswood shutter is rarely problematic. This material, similar to our other hardwoods, is much lighter than MDF and only a little less hardwearing – the only difference being it is also more expensive. At The Shutter Studio, we know making the commitment to shutters can take a hit on the finances which is why we believe in creating beautiful dressings that are built to last, meaning they are absolutely worth the money in the long run.
Basswood has a smooth finish which means we can offer it in a wider range of colours with an even, sprayed finish. If any damage occurs to the shutter we can sand the scratch out and re-spray the area, unlike MDF.
Which shutter material would suit me?
When it comes to choosing the perfect material for your home, much of the choice comes down to preference. If your window requires a certain material, your surveyor will let you know.
If your concern is children, damp conditions or saving money, our Poly Shutters would be the usual choice. For a long-lasting shutter that’s unlikely to cause you problems, go for Basswood. And if you’re looking for a more wooden look to your shutter, or want a stained finish, Monterey Pine is a good choice.
Your choice of material won’t limit your other options. Aside from the range of colours available, you remain free to customise parts of your order. From the louvre size to the hinge colour it’s easy to add extra touches that bring the shutter into your own style. At The Shutter Studio, we often see customers searching “MDF or hardwood shutters” and from the benefits, we have just discussed, we would always recommend a beautiful hardwood finish, to really complement the classic design of a real shutter.
The choice is yours.
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