Engineered Timber plantation shutters are superior to PVC – here’s proof
Pro-Wood Shutters are made from Real Timber and are environmentally friendly
Paulownia is the main timber Pro-Wood Plantation Shutters uses. It is defined as a hardwood, is a plantation timber, is ‘engineered timber’ or laminated and kiln dried, providing stiffness and straightness over the long term, and is very light. Wikipedia. and Wood Database – sustainable.
Pro-Wood Shutters last up to 5 times longer than PVC shutters and do not yellow
Most PVC shutters have been on the market for only 5 to10 years. There has been a surge in supply in the last 5 years, so most of the problems with yellowing and loss of gloss etc are yet to be fully experienced by consumers. Often the discolouration is not that noticeable, for example if it is not in direct western sun. More expensive PVC’s such as those more expensive than wood like Thermalite and defined as a ‘poly’ but still containing PVC , have less tendency to yellow. The suppliers of this product do not include resistance to yellowing in their warranty.
Pro-Wood Shutters often have people visit our showroom and complain their PVC shutters are yellowing. One lady said her shutters were only three years old. She wanted us to repaint them. We advised her we could but would not warranty them. No one will paint old PVC, the paint does not stick. There are a small number of companies offering new PVC shutters with a painted finish, but their warranty is only three years. It chips too easily. Pro-Wood Shutters have a 7 year Warranty which includes colour fastness and the integrity of the coating.
The attached photos showing cracking and yellowing, were taken through the window of a competitors show room. This company have since closed their shop in Arundel. The shutters were in the window for less than 10 years as that is how long the unit was rented for. The windows were tinted and faced west.
Another example of PVC yellowing would be the planks in PVC fencing. Ormeau AFL Masters Football club President, Marty V. said the PVC fence installed five years ago (2016) was promoted as having “the latest UV protection”. However, it has distinctly yellowed. Lifting up a plank exposes the original colour where sun has not been on it. The original colour is an off white, not the yellow of the exposed part.
Wood shutters can be painted over and over. The wood does not deteriorate. Pro-Wood Plantation Shutters has repainted quite a few shutter lots that have been 15-18 years old. In maybe the 70-100 panels restored, we have not had to replace one louvre from warp or deterioration of the wood in some way. Pictures attached.
What other companies say about short life and yellowing of PVC:
1) Brisbane Shutters: Poor longevity
2) Premier shades: yellowing
3) Graham’s: yellowing inevitable
4) Louvreshop: nothing much can do once yellow
5) Vinidex ( an authority and PVC manufacturer): “Solar radiation causes changes in the molecular structure of polymeric materials, including PVC….. The result is a change to the surface of the product, firstly loss of gloss, progressing to chalking and discolouration (usually yellow to brown). …. Plastics undergo a change in morphology with time, independent of any exposure, …. Brittle-type fracture is more likely to occur, and a general reduction in impact resistance may be observed.” Note: Both of these characteristics are demonstrated in the photos of the former Arundel business’s shutters!!! Cracking and yellowing.
6) Home Garden Guides. “You should consider painting your vinyl shutters when they are still in good shape but only appear faded. If they show signs of cracks, wear and tear, or they’re broken, replacing is your best option. …. How long does paint last on vinyl shutters? Around 7 – 10 years. ….. coastal areas or high humidity areas, the paint might last a bit shorter than 7 years. Vinyl shutters may shine in cost and quality, but their biggest limitation is durability……But generally, Vinyl shutters are less durable compared to other options in the market like wood”
Problematic Recycling of PVC:
1) Shutters made with PVC have aluminium extrusions throughout the components making the plastic impossible or uneconomical to recycle!!! It is difficult if not impossible to separate the aluminium from the PVC, as they are extruded together. The shutters become land fill!!! This is different to PVC flooring, which does not have foreign metals in it and can be recycled, nor is PVC flooring subject to high UV load.
2) Ecowatch/Greenpeace on PVC: Toxicity. Difficulty in recycling.
What other companies are saying about long life wood shutters:
1) Beltwayblinds: 50 years
2) ShadesByYou. Wood longer lasting and better in many respects: “Timber shutters are extremely strong whilst also significantly lighter in weight than those made of PVC. Not only does this allow for greater durability, it also allows for the shutters to be of a greater width without the risk of sagging. Extending up to 1000mm….. PVC shutters are heavier than timber which limits the width to 700mm……timber shutters may require repainting. Typically, this won’t be required for about 15 years and is a relatively easy process to undertake …. in the event scratches or dents occur, unlike timber shutters repairing the [PVC] louvres isn’t possible…. [PVC] are slightly less expensive than timber shutters …. Timber shutters are also considered one of the best window treatments for insulation”
What is said about 2 pac urethane coating (Pro-Wood Shutters use Mirotone – an Australian Brand)
1) Excellent anti yellowing properties
2) Vista Kitchens: “Polyurethane finishes have been designed to stand the test of time. They have an extraordinary resistance against scratches and chips which is perfect for the family. As well as this, they are almost completely UV resistant, meaning that in 20 years time, your kitchen will look as good as the day it was installed”
Engineered Wood
Wood shutters have many advantages not available for synthetic materials like PVC. With timber wide widths, long drops – without a Mid Rail, endless repainting and life, softer lustre from the semi-gloss 2pac coating are all features. The most important stunning new design option is the ‘No Gaps’ fit offered exclusively by Pro-Wood Shutters. This sublime installation is just not possible to implement for PVC/poly shutters as PVC expands more than10 times (50x10-6) that of wood (3x10-6) and would jam in the opening.
The comparison below provides some of the benefits of engineered wood shutters.
PVC
Pro-Wood Shutters does not claim PVC shutters do not look good, as initially they do or should given the high cost.
The problem is
1) often PVC shutters are too glossy to begin with,
2) they don’t last beyond 5 to 15 years
3) They are not eco-friendly – PVC is a polymer created from fossil fuels.

Initially too glossy, PVC will lose its lustre faster than 2pac coated timber becoming dull in a few years. PVC always changes colour.