Wood Shutters

The appeal of timber: why wood shutters still win

Whether you are renovating a villa or finishing a new coastal build, wood plantation shutters offer a rare mix of beauty and performance. The natural grain sits comfortably beside native flooring and cabinetry, while precision louvers give fingertip control of light, airflow and privacy. Properly sealed basswood or phoenix wood even stands up to New Zealand’s high UV levels, outlasting many soft-furnishing alternatives.

Interior vs exterior wood louvered shutters

Interior applications

• Living rooms: adjustable slats reduce glare without blocking the view.
• Bathrooms: choose hardwood with marine-grade paint for humidity resistance.
• Sliding doors: track-mounted sliding wood shutters tidy away neatly to maximise openings.

Exterior applications

Exterior wood shutters add depth to façades, protect glazing during storms and improve energy efficiency by creating a ventilated air gap. If you live in a high-wind zone, confirm fixings comply with NZS 3604 and remember that how to install wood shutters on masonry differs from timber framing. A professional installer will pre-drill and use corrosion-resistant anchors so your new feature lasts the distance.

Solid wood vs faux wood shutters

Composite and PVC alternatives are improving, yet genuine timber still offers:

• Strength-to-weight: Lightweight panels place less stress on hinges and frames.
• Eco-cred: Sustainably harvested basswood sequesters carbon rather than emitting it.
• Refinishing potential: Sand back and repaint to match future colour palettes.

If moisture is a concern, consider basswood shutters vs faux wood. Faux products withstand prolonged wet areas but can bow under heat; quality hardwood stays true when properly finished. Balance aesthetics, exposure and budget before deciding.

Sizing & measuring guide

1. Measure the window opening width and height at three points; record the smallest figures.
2. Check squareness – a diagonal difference of more than 5 mm may require build-out battens.
3. Allow at least 25 mm clearance for interior wood louvered shutters to rotate fully without striking hardware.
4. For exterior wood window shutters, add 5–10 mm around the frame to accommodate timber movement.

Installation options

Confident DIYers often search how to install exterior wood shutters; however, lapses in flashing or fastener selection can void warranties. Professional installers typically:

• Pre-paint all edges to seal against moisture ingress.
• Use stainless or galvanised fixings suited to coastal zones.
• Bed exterior frames on butyl tape to prevent capillary water paths.

Interior panels are easier—most suppliers provide hidden hinge frames that simply screw into reveals. If you are unsure how to hang wood shutters on brick, request a site measure.

Maintenance & repair

Timber requires seasonal checks. Dust with a soft cloth, touch-up any paint chips and recoat high-sun areas every 5–7 years. Minor wood shutter repair—such as replacing a broken louver pin—takes minutes with off-the-shelf kits.

Costs & lead times

Expect NZ$350–600 m² for painted basswood and NZ$450–700 m² for stained cedar. Custom colours, arched tops or solid wood shutters interior panels add roughly 15 %. Lead times average 4–6 weeks, longer during pre-Christmas rush.

Compare other window treatments

Still deciding? Browse our wider blinds collection or dive into specifics:

• blind accessories for finishing touches
• Sleek roller blinds that disappear into cassettes
• Textural roman blinds for soft elegance
• Light-directing venetian blinds in wood or aluminium
• Practical vertical blinds ideal for sliders
• Thermal honeycomb blinds to cut heat loss
• Crisp pleated blinds for skylights and gables

Next steps

Browse the curated range of country wood shutters, refine by finish, and contact suppliers directly through ArchiPro. One enquiry reaches multiple craftspeople—saving time while ensuring you secure the perfect timber solution for your project.