Are polywood shutters better than wood for Las Vegas?

For most Las Vegas homes, polywood (poly vinyl/composite) shutters are the better choice. They won't warp, crack, or fade in extreme desert heat (115°F+), are more moisture-resistant for bathrooms, block more heat (up to 73%), and cost 30-40% less than real wood. Wood shutters offer a natural aesthetic but require more maintenance in the desert climate.

How long do polywood shutters last in Las Vegas?

Quality polywood shutters last 25-30+ years in Las Vegas when properly installed. They're engineered for extreme conditions and won't deteriorate from UV exposure or heat. Most manufacturers offer 25-year warranties. Real wood shutters may last 15-20 years but require more maintenance to prevent warping and fading.

What's the price difference between polywood and wood shutters?

Polywood shutters typically cost $13-20 per square foot for materials, while basswood shutters cost $25-40 per square foot. For a typical Las Vegas home with 10 windows, polywood saves $2,000-$4,000 compared to real wood. Despite the lower cost, polywood offers better durability for desert conditions.

Can you tell the difference between polywood and wood shutters?

From a normal viewing distance, most people cannot distinguish between quality polywood and wood shutters. Polywood has a smooth, painted finish while wood shows subtle grain texture. Up close, wood has natural variations. Both look premium and increase home value. The main differences are in performance, not appearance.

Blog / Shutter Materials

Polywood vs Wood Shutters: Which is Best for Las Vegas?

A detailed comparison from 20+ years of installing shutters in the Las Vegas desert.

Updated December 2024 | By Shutters Cheap

Quick Answer:

Polywood (poly vinyl/composite) shutters are the better choice for 90% of Las Vegas homes. They handle extreme heat better, cost less, and require zero maintenance. Choose wood only if natural grain texture is essential to your design vision.

The Las Vegas Climate Challenge

Las Vegas presents unique challenges for window treatments:

115°F+ summer heat - Can warp and crack certain materials
Intense UV exposure - 300+ sunny days per year causes fading
Low humidity - Causes wood to dry and split over time
Dust - Requires easy-to-clean surfaces

After installing thousands of shutters across the valley, we've seen what works - and what doesn't.

Polywood vs Wood: Complete Comparison

Feature	Polywood	Basswood
Price (per sq ft)	$13-20	$25-40
Heat Resistance	Excellent - Won't warp at 115°F+	Good - May warp over time
UV Fade Resistance	Excellent - UV stabilized	Moderate - Requires refinishing
Moisture Resistance	Excellent - Ideal for bathrooms	Poor - Not for wet areas
Heat Blocking	Up to 73%	Up to 50%
Maintenance	Wipe with damp cloth	Dust regularly, occasional refinishing
Warranty	25 years	25 years
Appearance	Smooth painted finish	Natural wood grain
Color Options	White, off-white, limited colors	Any Sherwin-Williams color
Best For	West-facing windows, bathrooms, budget-conscious	Luxury finishes, custom stains

When to Choose Polywood

Choose polywood shutters if:

You have west-facing windows that get intense afternoon sun
You want shutters in bathrooms or kitchens (moisture resistance)
You prefer low maintenance - no refinishing ever
You want maximum energy efficiency (73% heat blocking)
You want to save 30-40% vs wood shutters
You want white or off-white shutters (most popular in Vegas)

When to Choose Wood (Basswood)

Choose wood shutters if:

You want a custom stain color to match existing woodwork
Natural wood grain texture is essential to your design
Windows are not in direct intense sunlight
You're willing to maintain and refinish periodically
You're installing in a luxury home where budget isn't primary

Cost Comparison for Average Las Vegas Home

Polywood Shutters

$3,500 - $5,000

10 average windows, installed

Basswood Shutters

$6,000 - $9,000

10 average windows, installed

Our Recommendation

After 20+ years of installing shutters in Las Vegas homes, we recommend polywood for most customers. Here's why:

Performance - Polywood handles Vegas heat better and lasts longer without maintenance
Value - You get a premium look at 30-40% less cost
Energy savings - Higher heat blocking means lower AC bills
Bathroom-safe - Can use the same shutters throughout your home

That said, we install plenty of basswood shutters for customers who want custom stains or natural wood aesthetics. Both are quality products backed by our 25-year warranty.

See Both Options In Person

The best way to decide is to see and touch both materials. Our mobile showroom brings polywood and basswood samples directly to your home - free, no obligation.

Call 702-528-1926 Schedule Free Showroom Visit