Vinyl shutters in Reston: vinyl or wood?

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

Reston's weather and homes

In Reston, July averages a high of 83.8°F and January a low of 23.4°F, about 13 days a year reach 90°F, 99 nights fall at or below freezing, and 46.6 inches of precipitation falls in a typical year. That's fewer hot days than 82% of the 881 US cities we have climate figures for.

41% of homes were built before 1980, and owners live in 61% of them.

Centreville, 9 miles away, has 33 days a year at 90°F or more, more than Reston's 13.

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

Where vinyl does win

In a wet climate, vinyl's real advantage is water: it's waterproof and wood isn't. For a window inside a shower, vinyl is the right product. For every other room, a ventilated painted wood shutter does better.

Bathroom shutters

How the choices compare in Reston
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 Reston 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