Once you've decided on shutters, the next question is the material. Almost every project we quote in Newcastle uses one of two: hardwood or faux wood.
Hardwood (premium)
Real timber — usually paulownia, basswood or teak. Light, strong and beautifully grained. It takes paint and stain better than anything else, and it's the only material with the strength to span the very widest panels.
Best for: living rooms, principal bedrooms, bay windows, anywhere it'll be admired up close.
Faux wood (practical)
An engineered polymer that mimics painted timber. Genuinely waterproof, heavier, slightly chunkier louvre profile. Costs around 20–30% less than hardwood.
Best for: bathrooms, kitchens, en-suites, utility rooms, and any window where moisture is a factor.
The honest answer
Most Newcastle homes we quote end up with a mix — hardwood on the front-of-house rooms, faux wood on the wet rooms. It's the cleverest use of budget without compromising on the rooms that matter.
