Occasionally, Architectural Elements that
once served a functional purpose become superfluous features
that exist only for aesthetic appeal. Like exterior window
shutters.
Used in the past to block sunlight and
provide protection from storms, shutters today are "here
but not here." They go largely unnoticed, but most
production homes and even some traditional custom homes
have them. In fact, in some areas of the country, it can
be hard to find a house without shutters.
Rick Skidmore, president and founder of
Timberlane in North Wales, Pa., says the demand
for wood shutters in particular is growing rapidly.
"There is a huge movement toward
authentic products," Skidmore says, "and wood
shutters fall into that category." Though wood can
be hard to maintain, for some people it's all about authenticity.
New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New York have
seen high demand for wood, Skidmore says, because people
prefer a traditional look in those markets.
Timberlane offers wood products made from
Western red cedar that feature mortise-and-tenon joinery
for strength. Copper capping on each shutter helps prevent
water infiltration.
