When it comes to upgrading your home, few decisions carry the weight of those that impact both style and functionality. Interior window treatments, especially shutters, do more than frame a view—they provide comfort, privacy, and protection for years to come.
But with so many options on the market, how do you choose indoor shutters that not only look stunning but also stand the test of time? For many homeowners, the decision boils down to one key choice: wood vs. vinyl interior shutters.
Wood vs. Vinyl Interior Shutters: What’s the Difference?
The indoor shutter market offers two main options: real wood shutters and vinyl (plastic) shutters. Here’s a closer look at the differences:
Craftsmanship & Custom Fit
Vinyl shutters are mass-produced using fixed molds and come in standard sizes. This makes them a one-size-fits-all solution, often leaving gaps or awkward fits for unique or non-standard windows. At Castleberry Shutters, we believe no two windows are exactly alike. Our real wood interior shutters are custom-crafted to fit every window, from simple rectangles to more unique shapes like circles, arches, and ovals.
Think of it like tailoring: would you prefer an off-the-rack suit or one custom-made just for you? The same principle applies to your shutters. Wood shutters become a seamless, functional part of your home, rather than something that just sits on top of the window.
Appearance
Vinyl shutters attempt to mimic the look of real wood but often fall short. Plastic finishes, whether matte or glossy, lack the depth and character of natural materials. Real wood, on the other hand, can be stained or painted in any color you choose—yes, any color—to perfectly complement your home’s decor. And nothing beats the timeless beauty of natural wood grain.
Durability
Here’s where the difference becomes even more pronounced. Over time, indoor vinyl shutters are prone to issues like cracking, warping, and discoloration, especially in direct sunlight. Repairing these shutters is often not possible, meaning you’ll need to replace them entirely.
Interior wood shutters, when properly sealed and finished (a standard at Castleberry Shutters), are incredibly durable. We’ve installed interior wood shutters in homes that have lasted decades. With regular care, they hold their shape, resist sunlight damage, and maintain their beauty year after year.
Environmental Impact
When considering materials for your home, sustainability matters. Real wood shutters are crafted from natural, renewable materials and are biodegradable at the end of their life cycle (when responsibly sourced, as ours are). Vinyl shutters, on the other hand, are made from synthetic, non-renewable resources like PVC. These materials are not biodegradable and leave a significant environmental footprint.
Real Stories: The Cost of Vinyl Interior Shutters
We’ve seen firsthand the frustrations homeowners face with vinyl shutters. One customer in Florida paid a staggering $36,000 for over 60+ vinyl shutters, expecting durability and style. What they got instead were shutters afflicted with cracking, fading, and dislodged frames.
Above are onsite photos of the issues this customer was experiencing with their poly interior shutters
The solution? Our team traveled from Woodstock, Georgia, to replace every single plastic shutter with custom, handcrafted wood shutters. Over two days, our expert installer, Bill, transformed their home, and the results speak for themselves. Not only did these new shutters elevate the home’s appearance, but they also gave the homeowners peace of mind knowing they’d invested in a product built to last.
Why Choose Castleberry Shutters?
At Castleberry Shutters, we hold ourselves to the highest standards. When you choose our real wood shutters, you’re choosing:
• Timeless Craftsmanship: Each shutter is handcrafted by skilled artisans in our Woodstock, Georgia workshop.
• Custom Fit: Every window, no matter its shape or size, gets a perfect, tailored fit.
• Durability: Our shutters are built to last, withstanding years of use and exposure to sunlight.
• Endless Options: From stains to paints, we offer limitless customization to match your home’s style.
• Lifetime Guarantee: We stand by our work, offering one of the best lifetime guarantees in the industry.
At Castleberry Shutters, we’ve been crafting custom, real wood shutters since 1954, delivering beautiful, durable solutions for homes across Georgia and the surrounding states of Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Alabama. With more than 70 years of expertise, we know a thing or two about what makes a window treatment truly exceptional.
See the Difference
Check out our latest YouTube video featuring Uncle Shutters (aka Willy) as he explains key differences between vinyl shutters and wood shutters. You’ll see why homeowners across Georgia and the Southeast trust Castleberry Shutters to enhance their homes with quality craftsmanship.
Watch Now: Wood vs. Vinyl Shutters
Contact Us Today
Ready to elevate your home with custom, handcrafted wood shutters? Castleberry Shutters proudly serves Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Alabama. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, from measure to installation.
Call us at 770-926-6370 or visit us in Woodstock, Georgia, to get started.