BOARD AND BATTEN SHUTTERS IDEAS

One of the popular style of wooden shutters is the board and batten style of shutter. This type of shutters brings back an old style feel and some people really like the vertical boards against the horizontal battens. These horizontal boards are used to fasten the vertical boards together and give them support.

While board and batten shutters can be functional and move to protect the windows, they are hardly storm proof and are not meant for real protection. You can also buy decorative board and batten shutters if you just like the look and don't need functioning shutters. As with other types of shutters, you can get them made from wood, vinyl, metal, and other materials.

Each board and batten shutter is made with only a few boards and so maintenance on this type of shutter is usually minimal. They are usually exterior shutters and in many parts of the country you don't see the board and batten style shutters too often and so they really stick out. When you are thinking of shutters ideas and what styles might look good on your home, you should consider the unique look of board and batten shudders.

RAISED PANEL SHUTTERS IDEAS

Raised panel shutters are usually exterior shutters and they are made with a frame of vertical siles and horizontal rails. The inside of the frame will have solid panels that are outset or "raised" from the panel surface. The outer edges of the raised part of the panel are typically routed into an ogee or other shape.

Vinyl is now the choice over wooden shutters because they last so much longer without having to do very much upkeep or maintenance. You can get raised panel shudders in any color or style and they make a great aesthetic addition to the outside of your home.