Choosing Raised Panel Shutters for a Traditional Colonial Look
If you would like to give your home a traditional colonial look, you should definitely consider installing raised panel shutters. This type of shutter, invented in Western Europe and popularized in New England, consists of raised panel boards between the stiles and rails. This design simulates raised panel doors, thus providing a design complement or contrast on many homes. They provide more security than traditional louvered shutters when mounted on operable shutter hinges and have a more refined appearance than board and batten shutters.
An interesting style for raised panel shutters in the 18th and 19th centuries was embrasured shutters. These shutters fold into pockets built into the window jamb. Brick homes of this period had thick walls and thus provided a deep window jamb, allowing the shutters to be stored when hinged in the open position. For this reason, the shutters seem to disappear when in the open position. At night the shutters fold across the window for privacy and protection from inclement weather.
Today, raised panel shutters come in standard and one-piece single wide, double wide, and combination styles. They can be single or double hung. Materials include vinyl, composite, cedar, poplar and basswood.
Two examples of this style are shown in the following videos. The first features wood shutters from Architectural Depot, while the second features vinyl shutters from ExteriorSolutions.com:
Vinyl raised panel shutters are the least expensive option (approximately $30-$100 per pair). They come in a wide variety of colors and are virtually maintenance free. You can opt for a wood grain textured look that will give these shutters the appearance of real wood. As an alternative to vinyl, composite shutters also provide the look of real wood without the maintenance or deterioration associated with wood. The price per pair, however, can run up to $145.
Cedar shutters will definitely add to the “curb appeal” of your home. Raised panel shutters constructed from Western red cedar have better longevity than those constructed from white cedar. Compared to vinyl, cedar shutters run slightly higher in price, from $100-$115 per pair based on width.
Whether you have a new or vintage home and regardless of what shutter style or material you choose, you can rest assured that raised panel shutters will add to both the beauty and value of your home.
