Pros and Cons of Real Wood Shutters (Plantation Shutters Guide)

Lexi Westingate | Blinds Chalet Design Team

Updated: Apr 8 2026

Pros and Cons of Real Wood Shutters (Plantation Shutters Guide) image

Real wood shutters—often referred to as wood plantation shutters—are known for their natural beauty, craftsmanship, and timeless design. They are made from genuine hardwood and are often chosen as a premium window treatment option.

While they offer many advantages, they may not be the right fit for every home or environment. Understanding the pros and cons of real wood shutters can help you make a more informed decision.

If you're new to this option, start with our What Are Real Wood Shutters guide or browse our real wood shutters collection. Enhance your home with our premium high-quality interior shutters available in a variety of finishes.

Pros of Real Wood Shutters

1. Natural Wood Appearance

One of the biggest advantages of real wood shutters is their authentic wood grain and natural finish. They offer a level of warmth and texture that engineered materials cannot fully replicate.

2. Lightweight Material

Real wood shutters are typically lighter than faux wood or composite shutters. This makes them a good choice for larger windows where weight can affect operation.

3. Custom Finishes and Stains

Wood shutters are available in a wide range of stains and painted finishes, allowing for more customization and design flexibility.

4. Timeless Style

Real wood shutters are often chosen for their classic, architectural look that works well in both traditional and modern interiors.

5. Premium Look and Feel

Because they are made from natural materials, real wood shutters are often considered a higher-end option that can enhance the overall appearance of a space.

Learn more: Benefits of Real Wood Shutters

Cons of Real Wood Shutters

1. Higher Cost

Real wood shutters are typically more expensive than faux wood or composite shutters due to the cost of natural materials and craftsmanship.

2. Less Resistant to Moisture

Wood can be more sensitive to humidity and moisture. In areas like bathrooms or kitchens, this may affect long-term performance if not properly maintained.

3. Requires More Maintenance

Real wood shutters may require more care over time compared to engineered materials, especially to maintain their finish and appearance.

4. Potential for Warping or Cracking

Natural wood can expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity, which may lead to warping or cracking over time in certain environments.

5. Longer Lead Times

Because real wood shutters are often custom-made, they may have longer production and delivery times compared to more standard window treatments.

Real Wood vs Faux Wood Shutters

Real wood shutters and faux wood shutters offer similar functionality but differ in material, appearance, and performance. Real wood shutters focus on natural beauty and lightweight construction, while faux wood shutters emphasize durability and moisture resistance.

For a full comparison, see our Faux Wood Shutters vs Real Wood Shutters guide.

Are Real Wood Shutters Right for You?

Real wood shutters are a strong choice for homeowners who prioritize natural materials, custom finishes, and a premium look. They are especially well suited for living rooms, bedrooms, and other spaces where design and aesthetics are a priority.

However, they may not be the best option for high-moisture environments or for those seeking a lower-cost alternative.

Next step: Are Real Wood Shutters Worth It

Explore Real Wood Shutters

Ready to explore your options? Browse our real wood shutters collection.

You can also explore:

How to Choose Real Wood Shutters

Customization Options for Real Wood Shutters

Installation Guide for Real Wood Shutters

Highest Rated Plantation Shutters

Top Selling Wood Shutters

How Much do Real Wood Shutters Cost

Final Thoughts

Real wood shutters offer a combination of natural beauty, customization, and timeless design. By understanding both their advantages and limitations, you can decide whether they are the right fit for your home and lifestyle.

Pros and Cons of Real Wood Shutters FAQs

What are the benefits of real wood shutters?

The main benefits include natural wood appearance, lightweight construction, customizable finishes, and a timeless design.

What are the disadvantages of real wood shutters?

The main disadvantages include higher cost, sensitivity to moisture, potential maintenance needs, and longer lead times.

Are real wood shutters better than faux wood shutters?

Real wood shutters are better for natural appearance and lighter weight, while faux wood shutters are better for durability and moisture resistance.

Do real wood shutters last long?

Yes. With proper care and maintenance, real wood shutters can last for many years.

Are real wood shutters good for bathrooms?

Real wood shutters are generally not recommended for high-moisture areas like bathrooms unless properly treated, as moisture can affect the material over time.

Details	Standard	Guaranteed to Last	Guaranteed to Love
Pricing	FREE	$	$$
Warranty Duration
3 year limited warranty	✓	✓	✓
5 year limited warranty		✓	✓
Warranty Coverage
Defects	✓	✓	✓
Parts	✓	✓	✓
30 Day Returns(in-store credit)			✓

Details

Standard

Guaranteed to Last

Guaranteed to Love

Pricing

FREE

Warranty Duration

3 year limited warranty

✓

5 year limited warranty

✓

Warranty Coverage

Defects

✓

Parts

✓

30 Day Returns(in-store credit)

✓

Guarantee
What Is Covered Our window coverings are covered against manufacturing defects in materials or craftsmanship when used as intended, provided that: The product has been correctly measured, installed, and operated. All Blinds Chalet guidelines regarding product limitations, maintenance, and care have been followed. Who Is Eligible This warranty applies solely to the original purchaser of the product and is non-transferable. Blinds Chalet’s Responsibility If a covered defect is confirmed, Blinds Chalet will, at its discretion, repair the product, replace affected parts, or provide a comparable replacement. Costs not included: The customer is responsible for expenses related to shipping as well as any measuring, installation, removal, or reinstallation services. Labor charges, service visits, and similar costs are not covered by this warranty. What Is Not Covered Damage resulting from accidents, alterations, misuse, abuse, or neglect. Improper measurement, installation, cleaning, or maintenance. Normal wear and tear, including fading, discoloration, or deterioration from sunlight or moisture. Frayed cords, cord breakage, or reduced cord performance due to age or heavy use. Fading and normal aging of materials are expected characteristics and are not considered defects. Warranty Limitations This warranty is exclusive and replaces any other expressed or implied warranties. No Blinds Chalet employee or representative is authorized to modify or extend these terms. Blinds Chalet will not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from product use or failure. How to Request Service Blinds Chalet Customer Care [email protected] (480) 470-1127 Please include: Original proof of purchase, which can be your order number or purchase confirmation email A brief description of the issue The location of the window covering and clear photos or video of the issue Resolution on Warranties and Guarantees BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective. Limit 1 remake per covered product. If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired. In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade. Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer. If a product or component has been discontinued, Blinds Chalet will repair or replace the affected part with the closest available match in design and color.

Guarantee

What Is Covered

Our window coverings are covered against manufacturing defects in materials or craftsmanship when used as intended, provided that:

The product has been correctly measured, installed, and operated.
All Blinds Chalet guidelines regarding product limitations, maintenance, and care have been followed.

Who Is Eligible

This warranty applies solely to the original purchaser of the product and is non-transferable.

Blinds Chalet’s Responsibility

If a covered defect is confirmed, Blinds Chalet will, at its discretion, repair the product, replace affected parts, or provide a comparable replacement.

Costs not included: The customer is responsible for expenses related to shipping as well as any measuring, installation, removal, or reinstallation services. Labor charges, service visits, and similar costs are not covered by this warranty.

What Is Not Covered

Damage resulting from accidents, alterations, misuse, abuse, or neglect.
Improper measurement, installation, cleaning, or maintenance.
Normal wear and tear, including fading, discoloration, or deterioration from sunlight or moisture.
Frayed cords, cord breakage, or reduced cord performance due to age or heavy use.

Fading and normal aging of materials are expected characteristics and are not considered defects.

Warranty Limitations

This warranty is exclusive and replaces any other expressed or implied warranties. No Blinds Chalet employee or representative is authorized to modify or extend these terms.

Blinds Chalet will not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from product use or failure.

How to Request Service

Blinds Chalet Customer Care
[email protected]
(480) 470-1127

Please include:

Original proof of purchase, which can be your order number or purchase confirmation email
A brief description of the issue
The location of the window covering and clear photos or video of the issue

Resolution on Warranties and Guarantees

BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective. Limit 1 remake per covered product.
If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired.
In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade.
Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer.
If a product or component has been discontinued, Blinds Chalet will repair or replace the affected part with the closest available match in design and color.

5 Year Guaranteed to Last
Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.

5 Year Guaranteed to Last

Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.

5 Year Guaranteed to Love
Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years. 30 Day Returns If for any reason you are not satisfied with the window coverings and wish to return them for store credit, please notify us within 30 days of receiving the order. Our customer care department will provide a Return Goods Authorization number (RGA) and shipping address for the return. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and shipping labels are not provided. Returns are for store credit only and store credit will be available immediately after the items are received (Guaranteed to Love fee is not credited).

5 Year Guaranteed to Love

Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.
30 Day Returns
If for any reason you are not satisfied with the window coverings and wish to return them for store credit, please notify us within 30 days of receiving the order. Our customer care department will provide a Return Goods Authorization number (RGA) and shipping address for the return. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and shipping labels are not provided. Returns are for store credit only and store credit will be available immediately after the items are received (Guaranteed to Love fee is not credited).