“MDF or Hardwood Shutters?” If we had a penny for every time we were asked this question, well, we’d have more than a few pennies. Whether you’ve just started shopping for shutters, or you're considering adding to your collection, you’ve likely heard this question bandied about. With shutters available in both materials, it can be difficult to decide on which is better suited to your needs. Well, in this short blog, we’ll cut through the noise and give you the 4-1-1 on these two shutter ranges.
MDF Shutters
MDF stands for medium density fibreboard. This means MDF is a composite material, made up of wood fibres that are bonded together using resin. The manufacturing process involves pressing and drying the fibres, which makes them compact and dense. This in turn improves the stability, making MDF great at withstanding changes in heat and humidity. MDF is also a little cheaper than hardwood, so if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, it may be worth considering.
However, MDF shutter blinds are much heavier than their hardwood counterparts, making them unsuitable for larger windows. They’re also coated in plastic as opposed to painted, meaning a less smooth texture. Furthermore, MDF is vulnerable to water damage, so if your windows are prone to condensation, hardwood or an alternative material (such as our waterproof Faux Wood Shutters) will be more suitable.
Hardwood shutters
Hardwood Shutters
Hardwood is harder (hence the name) and denser than MDF. This makes it more suitable to machine carving and shaping. This higher density also promises much more durability than MDF shutters. It’s also significantly lighter too, making it ideal for large windows. With hardwood shutters you can rest assured that they won’t put undue pressure on the hinges, nor will they compromise the structural integrity of your window recess.
Another key difference is that MDF shutters will usually have a plastic coating, whereas our hardwood shutters are painted with several coatings of a very fine polyurethane paint. This gives them a lovely, smooth matte finish. And as mentioned above, hardwood is much more suitable for rooms which are prone to damp or condensation. And while they may be a little more expensive, you’ll be getting a product which will last for years to come. Decades even.
If you’re still unsure whether or not to go for MDF or Hardwood shutters, then get in touch today. One of our shutter experts would be happy to talk things through with you. Sent an email to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you ASAP. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.