The right shutter material depends on the room you're doing. As a rough guide: MDF for busy, dry rooms, hardwood for bigger windows and unusual shapes, waterproof ABS for bathrooms and kitchens, and aluminium if security matters. We make seven ranges in all, from entry-level MDF to sustainably sourced hardwood.
There's a lot of choice on the UK market, so it helps to know what your shutters are actually made from before you buy.
MDF: hardwearing and good value
Antigua is our entry-level range: MDF with a polypropylene coating, in nine shades. Bermuda pairs a painted MDF frame with lighter ABS louvres, so single panels can be wider, and it comes in 23 colours. Both cope well with everyday knocks, and both are best in dry, well-ventilated rooms.
Hardwood: lighter and more flexible
Cuba has real hardwood panels in an MDF frame, so it can cover larger windows. Bass Wood is sustainable premium hardwood in almost any shape or colour, with 23 paints, 27 stains and a custom colour match. Samoa is our top-of-the-range shutter, made from responsibly sourced hardwood, with an optional hidden hinge. It's also completely cord-free, which makes it a good choice for children's bedrooms.
Bathrooms and kitchens
Java is made from fully waterproof ABS, so it doesn't soak up moisture and it dries easily. It's the one to choose for bathrooms, kitchens and wet rooms.
Security
Portchester is intruder-resistant aluminium with a patented Italian locking mechanism. It suits patio and conservatory doors, and works indoors or out.
A quick guide
- Busy family rooms: Antigua or Bermuda
- Large windows and wider spans: Cuba, Bass Wood or Samoa
- Bay windows and special shapes: Bass Wood or Samoa
- Bathrooms and kitchens: Java
- Security: Portchester
Seeing the samples
At your free home visit we show you the materials and colours against your own windows, then give you a clear, no-pressure quote. You can also browse every finish on our colours and finishes page, or book a visit.
Once you've settled on a material, our guides to choosing a shutter style and shutter colour options are the natural next step.
Compare every shutter material or see our colours and finishes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between MDF and hardwood shutters?+
MDF shutters are hardwearing, easy to clean and our most affordable option. Hardwood shutters are lighter, which suits larger windows and more complex shapes, and they can be stained to show the natural grain.
Which shutter material is best for a bathroom?+
Our Java range, which is made from fully waterproof ABS. It doesn’t absorb moisture, is easy to dry, and is designed for bathrooms, kitchens and wet rooms.
Are your hardwood shutters sustainable?+
Our hardwood ranges are made from sustainably and responsibly sourced timber. Samoa uses timber from a plantation in the Solomon Islands that complies with the European Timber Regulations (EUTR).
Do you offer security shutters?+
Yes. Portchester is made from intruder-resistant aluminium with a patented Italian locking mechanism, and suits indoor or outdoor use. It comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty (3 years for external shutters).
Book Your Free Home Visit & Quotation
Thinking about shutters for your home? We’ll visit you, talk through your options and give you a clear, no-pressure quote.
Book a Free Home Visit