Vinyl shutters in West Des Moines: vinyl or wood?

Vinyl is cheaper and waterproof; solid wood can be sanded, repainted and made in any colour. Which suits West Des Moines's weather and homes, room by room.
Arched window, level 3 moulding, paint stage 2.

West Des Moines's weather and homes

In West Des Moines, July averages a high of 85.6°F and January a low of 13.8°F, about 22 days a year reach 90°F, 128 nights fall at or below freezing, and 37.5 inches of precipitation falls in a typical year. That's fewer hot days than 66% of the 881 US cities we have climate figures for.

28% of homes were built before 1980, and owners live in 57% of them.

Des Moines, 9 miles away, has much the same number of days a year at 90°F or more (22).

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.

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.

Why poplar

How the choices compare in West Des Moines
FeatureSolid poplar (ours)Vinyl / PVCComposite
Sand to fit an uneven openingYesNoUsually not
Repaint laterYesNot recommendedDepends on the coating
ColoursAny paint or stainMostly whitesFactory colours
Shower sprayKeep it awayWaterproofOnly with a waterproof option
Skylights and hot glassDoesn’t soften in heatMakers advise against skylightsAsk the maker

Where our shutters fit

Every Shutter Boys shutter is made from solid American poplar to the measurements you take, then shipped to West Des Moines 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

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.

Design your shutters