Shutter BoysVinyl shutters in Oak Park: vinyl or wood?
Oak Park's weather and homes
In Oak Park, July averages a high of 85°F and January a low of 19.4°F, about 20 days a year reach 90°F, 106 nights fall at or below freezing, and 40.6 inches of precipitation falls in a typical year. That's fewer hot days than 68% of the 881 US cities we have climate figures for.
86% of homes were built before 1980, and owners live in 60% of them.
Berwyn, 3 miles away, has much the same number of days a year at 90°F or more (20).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2020–2024; NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020. Daylight and sun height: calculated from the city’s latitude.
Uneven openings
In older homes, openings are rarely square. Wood can be lightly sanded to fit at install; vinyl can't be sanded at all.
Dry winters
Here's a fair point for vinyl: it doesn't take on or give off moisture, so dry heated winters don't move it. Wood moves a little with the seasons; paint and a sensible indoor humidity keep it small.
| Feature | Solid poplar (ours) | Vinyl / PVC | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand to fit an uneven opening | Yes | No | Usually not |
| Repaint later | Yes | Not recommended | Depends on the coating |
| Colours | Any paint or stain | Mostly whites | Factory colours |
| Shower spray | Keep it away | Waterproof | Only with a waterproof option |
| Skylights and hot glass | Doesn’t soften in heat | Makers advise against skylights | Ask the maker |
Where our shutters fit
Every Shutter Boys shutter is made from solid American poplar to the measurements you take, then shipped to Oak Park for you to fit. We make solid poplar only, because it is the better shutter in every room that stays dry.
The designer shows the price of each window as you add it, in US dollars.
Need vinyl for a shower window as well? We can supply it alongside your wood shutters. Ask about vinyl
More about shutters in Oak Park
Price your windows
Pick your look once, add every window, and see each one drawn and priced. Send it to us and we reply with your quote.