Wood shutters in Wichita

What real wood offers over vinyl and composite in Wichita's homes and weather, and how our made-to-measure poplar shutters fit in.
Level 1 (flat) moulding, paint stage 1, 3½-inch louvers, tilting open and closed.

Wichita homes and weather, for wood

In Wichita, July averages a high of 92.6°F and January a low of 22.5°F, about 65 days a year reach 90°F, 103 nights fall at or below freezing, and 35.7 inches of precipitation falls in a typical year.

57% of homes were built before 1980 and 19% in 2000 or later; 66% are detached houses.

In Enid, 93 miles away, 69% of homes are built before 1980, 12 points more than here.

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, heated winters

With 103 freezing nights a year, homes here run the heat for months, and heated air is dry. Wood gives up a little moisture over the winter and takes it back in summer; paint slows that but doesn't stop it. A humidifier set to a moderate level keeps the movement small, and it's kinder to the rest of the house's woodwork too.

Why poplar

Older, out-of-square openings

In a city where 57% of homes are decades old, openings are rarely perfectly square. Wood can be lightly sanded to fit at install; vinyl and most coated composites can't.

How to measure

Hot glass

65 days a year reach 90°F. Wood doesn't soften in heat. Plastic can: Hunter Douglas, which sells vinyl shutters, advises against its vinyl shutters in skylights, where it says they may warp.

Wood vs vinyl

How the choices compare in Wichita
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 Wichita for you to fit. One wood, painted in any colour or stained, with nothing hollow inside.

The designer shows the price of each window as you add it, in US dollars.

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