Wood shutters in Raleigh

What real wood offers over vinyl and composite in Raleigh'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.

Raleigh homes and weather, for wood

In Raleigh, July averages a high of 90.6°F and January a low of 31.6°F, about 47 days a year reach 90°F, 57 nights fall at or below freezing, and 49.3 inches of precipitation falls in a typical year.

23% of homes were built before 1980 and 45% in 2000 or later; 44% are detached houses.

In Cary, 11 miles away, 12% of homes are built before 1980, 11 points fewer 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.

Newer, shallower windows

45% of homes are recent builds, where windows often sit close to the room side of the wall. Measure the depth to the glass and to any handle: it decides which louver size tilts freely.

Choosing a louver size

A wet climate

49.3 inches of rain a year means humid spells indoors too. Painted wood handles humidity in a ventilated room; what it can't take is water landing on it. Keep wood out of shower spray, and run the bathroom fan.

Bathroom shutters

How the choices compare in Raleigh
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 Raleigh 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