Wooden shutters: are real wood shutters worth it?
Wooden shutters are the classic choice — warm, solid and quiet in the hand. But not all wood is equal, and real timber isn't the answer for every room. Here's how we advise homeowners across Ipswich and Suffolk.
4 November 2026 · 6 min read
Are wooden shutters worth it?
For living rooms, bedrooms, hallways and bay windows, yes. Real wood shutters look and feel better than most alternatives, stay straight on wide openings and last for decades with almost no maintenance.
Our most popular range, Strato, is made from paulownia — one of the lightest hardwoods used in shutter making. Panels are easy to open and kind to the hinges, while ABS-coated stiles keep them flat.
Where wooden shutters don't belong
Bathrooms, wet rooms and windows directly above a kitchen sink. Any untreated timber edge will eventually swell in a splash zone. For those rooms we fit Endura, which wraps the wood in a fully sealed, waterproof ABS skin.
Do wooden shutters keep heat in?
A closed wooden shutter traps a layer of still air against the glass, which softens draughts and helps a room hold its warmth on winter evenings. It's not a replacement for good glazing, but most customers notice the difference.
Do wooden shutters reduce noise?
They help. Closed louvres add a solid layer between you and the street, which takes the edge off traffic noise in Ipswich town-centre homes. The bigger win is usually headlight glare and privacy.
How to clean wooden shutters
- · Close the louvres and dust with a microfibre cloth or soft brush attachment, top to bottom.
- · Flip the louvres the other way and repeat.
- · For marks, use a barely-damp cloth and dry straight away — never soak painted wood.
- · Avoid polish, bleach or abrasive sprays.
