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What Are Faux Wood Shutters?

September 08, 2025

In the past, plantation shutters were made of wood. Today, we have advanced synthetic materials that may have the same look as wood but provide enhanced durability and longevity. These aptly called “faux wood” materials make exceptional plantation shutters for your Phoenix windows. If you aren’t familiar with faux wood shutters, learn more about these well-liked, adaptable window treatments!

Why Use Faux Wood Shutters In Your Phoenix Home?

Interior shutters are a fantastic but sometimes overlooked window treatment because many residents don’t know much about them. To start, interior shutters have a hinged panel that sits inside a frame secured around your window. This well-built panel covers the window unless you pull it open. Within the panel you’ll discover a row of functional louvers. These slender but firm louvers rest flush with each other when shut. Tilt them up, and they let light through.

Interior shutters historically are known for being constructed of solid wood, but faux wood shutters are available in a range of manufactured wood substitutes. These longer-lasting materials are less susceptible to humidity, scratches, bugs, and mold that can harm wood shutters. They also do as good a job, if not better, of halting sunlight and exterior air as wood shutters.

Are There Different Options For Faux Wood Shutters?

White Polywood shutters on a kitchen window

If you are trying to figure out which non-wood shutter is ideal for your home, it can be hard to identify the differences. Faux wood may have advantages over natural wood, but not all faux-wood shutters are the same. 

Vinyl shutters aren’t a true faux wood, but they may be suggested as a substitute to wood shutters. Vinyl shutters are affordable, but you’ll sacrifice quality. They look like plastic and can crack, warp, or even melt in the hot sun. Once that occurs, they don’t give you adequate light control, energy efficiency, or privacy.

Synthetic-wrapped shutters are fabricated from pressed wood, glued MDF, or wood chip materials, and then coated with a vinyl, synthetic, or plastic coating. They’re sturdier than vinyl shutters, but their pressed wood parts are susceptible to moisture and humidity. Also, wrapped shutters can’t be custom-fitted for specialty-shaped windows like circles and arches.

Solid extruded shutters are constructed from resilient compounds and finished with an outer coating. They can be molded with a smooth or wood-like texture. Their composite fibers keep them from splintering or warping like wood can. High-quality, solid extruded louvered shutters like Polywood® shutters hold up beautifully for decades in any room, giving you the best value for your investment. Yet, inferior extruded shutters may be less durable or don’t have the UV inhibitor that stops fading.

What To Look For In A Great Faux Wood Shutter

White Polywood shutters on tall living room windows

Not all faux wood shutters in Phoenix are created equal. When shopping for interior shutters, you require an option that enhances your home and life for years to come. Your leading option is Polywood shutters. They offer the following benefits:

  • Stunning appearance
  • Work with all home designs
  • Withstand daily use for decades
  • Resists damage from sunlight, moisture, temperature extremes, and scratching
  • Easy to clean
  • Fit any window shape
  • Stop most daylight and outside temperature transfer

Bring Your Interior Shutter Questions To The Experts

No one knows more about interior shutters than the specialists at Sunburst Shutters Phoenix! We’ll respond to all your questions about faux wood shutters and other window treatments when you request a free in-home consultation. Contact us at 480-485-7743 or complete the form on this page to request an appointment. We'll show you our premium products and help you customize the ideal shutter for your needs.