Board And Batten Shutters: A Lovely Finishing Touch For Your Home

Originally made from wood, board and batten shutters are now available in a range of materials. While wood is still often used, sometimes to maintain historical accuracy, it is more subject to weather conditions than other materials, and it is also often more expensive.  Should you deem wood preferable, cedar can be a sensible, though expensive, choice; cedar wood is quite durable and withstands the elements well.  Man-made materials, including vinyl and composite board, are generally a more frugal choice than wood and are often maintenance-free as well.  Thanks to advances in technology, these man-made materials can be used to produce shutters that are virtually indistinguishable from wooden ones.

This style of shutter is available in a variety of styles; board and batten shutters consist of several vertical boards and a horizontal board, or batten, near the top and the bottom.  Traditionally, the vertical boards were spaced apart, but now they are often joined together, with no gaps, using tongue and groove boards.  It is not uncommon to see this basic style accented with a cut-out shape, allowing this style of shutter to be easily customized to the homeowner's personal taste.  Board and batten shutters are also often found with arched tops, either to fit the arched windows that are common in Tudor homes or to lend a distinctive look to the home.  Whatever style and material you prefer, you will certainly be able to find a type of board and batten shutter to suit your taste.