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Cutout Designs
shutter cutout dolphin designAdding an image, symbol, or shape to your shutters can be one of the most fun ways to customize your shutter look.Cutout designs can be cut completely through the shutter so it is see-through or can be cut into the shutter for a recessed design. One important note: this design option can only be featured on a panel section or closed board and batten shutter.
There are many nautical cutout designs that make perfect shutters for beach houses, but you can also specify a unique design to be custom-made for you! It's up to you whether you'd like to choose from a catalog of designs or send an image you want to have made into a cutout.
Sometimes one of the toughest decisions is selecting your shutter color or finish. The best way to begin is to look at what colors are permanent fixtures of your exterior palette already. Note the color of siding, trim, and undertones of stone, brick, or roofing colors. Taking note of these surrounding hues will help to significantly narrow down your selection.
Timberlane shutter color chartMany beach houses have a clean, simple color scheme. Naturally, blues ranging from navy to light turquoise are frequently favored when choosing the color for shutters on beach houses. Off-whites, greens and even reds are also common choices. Of course, more than anything, color selection will be based on that specific beach home's exterior.
Should you choose to install wood shutters, you can also elect to show the natural beauty of the wood grain with a stain, clear coat, or semi-transparent wash. Regardless of the finish you want, it is recommended that you have it professionally applied to preserve the shutter for maximum life expectancy. Finishes aren't just the finishing look, they are also a protective barrier that can have a considerable impact on shutter maintenance and durability.
For help with selecting colors, check out this previous post when we asked our Shutter Experts which shutter and home exterior colors are their favorite pairings, or this post for more details about exterior design color theory.
Shutter Hardware
sea horse shutter tiebacks lag mount
Truly the finishing touch that makes all the difference, shutter hardware can add a big pop of style and is essential to the installation of real, functioning shutters. These small metal pieces often come as an afterthought because so many shutters we see today are fixed-mounted vinyl, which are made to mimic real shutters and do not open and close.
If you want to use your shutters as described in the section above, you will need functional shutters with the appropriate hardware. This includes hinges that allow the shutter to swing open and closed. Bermuda shutters will require support arms to hold them open as well as special hardware that is specific to that shutter style.
Probably the most fun part of adding style with your shutter hardware is with tiebacks, also called shutterdogs. These come in many different styles. Many tiebacks are perfect for the nautical motif of beach homes. From seashells to seahorses to dolphins, you can add that extra touch of aquatic style with tiebacks. In addition, many classic tieback designs also look great on beach houses - it all depends on the style you're going for!
Shutter Materials
In today's market, there is a variety of shutter materials to choose from. Wood is the traditional choice for functional shutters. Wood shutters offer incredible design flexibility, and they have undergone significant advances in engineering that allow for a much heartier life expectancy - even in wet climates. The finishing and sealing process plays a large role, as does shutter capping - a fitted metal barrier that runs along the top of the shutter to keep rain from seeping into its joints. Wood is a great choice for traditionalists. It should, however, be cared for with seasonal maintenance.
fixed louver PVC shutter cut in half to show construction methods and louver directionThere are other shutter materials that give homeowners many worry-free years of beauty with even less concern for maintenance. The proprietary synthetic blend of PVC and other maintenance-free materials known as Endurian can be modified nearly as much as wood, but will never rot or be subject to termite damage. Additionally, many homeowners by the shore opt for fiberglass when ordering
Bermuda shutters, due to its lightweight yet durable construction.
Ultimately, both wood and man-made materials can last in wet seaside climates, but the synthetic materials may be preferred by those who use their beach houses only seasonally. This will avoid the extra effort of the yearly maintenance that wood shutters require. Additionally, synthetics tend to stand up to moisture without issue, whereas wood is more subject to that concern (particularly if not finished or cared for properly).
Why Shutters are Great on Beach Houses
Curb Appeal
white exterior shutters on shore house with cedar shakes
It's easy to see why quality exterior shutters make a great addition to beach houses. The boosted curb appeal can give you that extra excitement and sense of whimsy when you first arrive, getting you into the beach vacation mindset. Approaching a house that just resonates a “beach fun” attitude and style can really lift your spirits and start off your beach visit on the right foot.
Furthermore, who doesn't want their beach house to stand out from the rest of the block? Many beach home neighborhoods were built all in one short period of time. They often have similar designs and were built by the same contractors. You'll be able to easily distinguish your beach house from the others with a unique shutter design. No more accidentally passing the house after you've been gone for a while; with those extra details, you'll know immediately which one is yours.
While the effects of boosted curb appeal are great to enjoy simply as a homeowner returning to a beautiful home, they can also offer great ROI and help move a house off the market more quickly. As any real estate agent will tell you, a lot of prospective homebuyers will make an initial decision before they even walk into a house. So, if you want to increase your home value and give it that “WOW” effect that will make it easy to sell when and if the time comes, high-quality exterior shutters can truly contribute towards that goal.
Practical Benefits
exterior beach shutters with combination fixed louvers and panels
And of course, how can we forget all the practical benefits of real exterior shutters on beach houses? Adjustable sun and air flow, as well as protection from rain, can really come in handy when you can actually use your shutters. Additionally, closing your shutters to insulate the home can even improve energy efficiency! And if you spend most of the year away from your beach house, closing and locking shutters creates an added layer of protection. Whether you choose Bermuda, panel, louver or board and batten, each kind will give you practical benefits as well as added beauty.
Ready to Design Shutters for Your Beach House?
Getting exterior shutters for your beach house is fun and easy. If you'd like more information before you begin your shutter project, check out our resource pages or peruse the style blog and Tropical and Beach Homes Gallery for inspiration
If you're just full of ideas and want to get started, designing the perfect exterior shutters for your beach house is just a phone call away! You can talk with your own personal Shutter Expert to get the right style and fit for you. Or, if you know exactly what you want for your shutters, use our easy online quoting tool to have us calculate a quote for your custom shutter project.