Vinyl shutters in Fargo: vinyl or wood?

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

Fargo's weather and homes

In Fargo, July averages a high of 81.6°F and January a low of −2.1°F, about 7 days a year reach 90°F, 183 nights fall at or below freezing, and 24.8 inches of precipitation falls in a typical year. That's fewer hot days than 92% of the 881 US cities we have climate figures for.

37% of homes were built before 1980, and owners live in 44% of them.

Grand Forks, 74 miles away, has much the same number of days a year at 90°F or more (7).

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

Renting

56% of homes are rented. If you're furnishing a rental you'll leave in a year or two, a cheaper vinyl shutter can make sense; for a home you'll stay in, wood can be repainted when you redecorate.

Are shutters worth it?

How the choices compare in Fargo
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 Fargo 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