Exterior Window Shutters Buyers' Guide

Exterior shutters are a great way to improve the curb appeal of any home. Adding shutters is one of the few improvements that offer a return on your investment when it’s time to sell, not to mention the enjoyment and pride you’ll feel every time you pull into your driveway.

We’ve put together this guide to provide homeowners with detailed information about a variety of decorative window shutter materials and manufacturers. Armed with this information, you’ll be well equipped to choose the perfect shutters to fit your tastes and lifestyle.

Vinyl Shutters

Long lasting, low maintenance vinyl is the most affordable shutter option. Homeowners choose vinyl because of its durability, easy upkeep and traditional wood-look. Legends vinyl shutters are available in stock and custom sizes and a wide variety of fade-resistant colors.

We're proud to offer our Legends Exterior Vinyl Shutters to homeowners and builders. Years of development have resulted in a sturdy vinyl shutter with realistic wood grain that withstands the elements without fading, Affordable, durable and beautiful, Legends Vinyl Shutters will add instant curb appeal to your home. And we offer free shipping on all Legends Vinyl Shutters!

Premium and Custom Sizes

By selecting our standard-height Premium Vinyl Louvered or Raised Panel Shutters in 12" or 14.5" widths, you can save up to 25%! Even if the shutter height you need isn’t a stock size, rest assured our Custom-Size Vinyl Shutters are the best value in the marketplace today.

Vinyl Shutter Comparison

Aluminum Shutters

Aluminum shutters are the choice of homeowners looking for extra protection and security. This reasonably priced alternative to wood shutters is sturdy, durable and low-maintenance, with a smooth surface that can be powder-coat finished in hundreds of different colors.

Decorative Aluminum shutters have evolved in recent years to provide a reasonably-priced replacement for wood shutters. Legends Aluminum Louver, Board and Batten and Bahama shutters have enjoyed approval by many historical districts, as costs and maintenance levels have increased for wood shutters. 

Legends Aluminum Shutters are relatively low maintenance and can be powder-coat finished in hundreds of colors. Aluminum shutters have a three-year warranty.

When purchasing an aluminum exterior shutter, note the differences between Legends Aluminum Shutters and many of our competitors:

Legends Aluminum Shutter

Legends Aluminum Shutter
Mitered Corners
Traditional True Louvers

Competitor Aluminum Shutter

Competitor's Shutter
 
Overlap Corners
Non-Traditional Louvers

Wood Shutters

For true traditionalists, wood is the only option. Legends wood shutters come ready to finish, in paint or stain-grade Western Red Cedar and Cypress. These long-wearing, classic shutters are available in many different styles, and can be installed in both operable and decorative configurations.

Legends Wood Shutters are available in a variety of styles in paint and stain-grade Western Red Cedar or Cypress. Our shutters are produced From individual wood profiles. This allows for the shutters to be produced in virtually any size or shape as the parts are assembled after being cut. 

When properly primed and varnished or painted, Legends Wood Shutters should last for ten years or more. We’ve seen installations that are over 20 years old and still look great!

Legends Wood Shutters are made to your specifications and ship in 3 to 4 weeks.  Custom specifications and paint finish are available upon request.

About Western Red Cedar:

Western Red Cedar is generally the wood of choice when it comes to exterior wood shutters. Western Red Cedar is knot-free, with a smooth grain that receptive to paint or varnish. Western Red Cedar has superiror color retention, and will not fade or yellow once coated. This fine-grained wood has natural tannins that give it natural resistance to deterioration, fungus and wood-destroying insects. 

About Cypress:

Cypress is a popular choice for outdoor construction because of its watertight durability and attractive grain. Cypress trees generate cypressene, a natural preservative oil that makes cypress heartwood resistant to insects, fungus, decay and the elements.

Composite Shutters

Legends Composite Shutters are made From proprietary materials mixed with resin binders shaped into actual wood shapes (profiles). These shapes are cut, milled and assembled using waterproof adhesives into your shutters.

The difference is our composite material is much longer lasting, easier to work with and accepts a paint finish better than wood. This opens the opportunity for special shapes and virtually unlimited design possibilities.

Legends Composite Shutters are available in 38 historically accurate Sherwin-Williams colors From their Exterior Preservation Palette, or can be custom painted in the color of your choice for a small additional cost.

Legends Composite Shutters have a limited lifetime warranty for materials and ten years on the finish. Legends Composite Shutters are competitively priced below comparable products and in many cases can be shipped in 3-4 weeks.

Legends Composite Shutter Features

Construction Proprietary Composite Material
Standard Paint Colors  38 Sherwin-Williams Exterior Preservation Palette Colors
Custom Paint Colors $150/pair
Operable Yes with suitable hardware (hinges, etc.)
Operable Louvers Yes, for all louvered shutter models
Cutouts Available at $45/pair
Architectural Detailing Maximum
Storm Approved Available
Bi-Fold Panels Available
Warranty Limited Lifetime Shutter, 10 Years Paint