As landlords, we want our vacancy rate to be nice and low; we are also aware of our budgets. One way we can do this is to have a well-presented property and include furnishings that will make a tenant’s lifestyle comfortable. When prospective tenants are out searching for the ideal rental, they don’t just look at appearances; they look for what is going to be practical.
So which window coverings are perfect for both landlord and lessee? Shutters. But not any shutters, faux wood shutters. Real wooden shutters have a limited lifespan and can be expensive. Throw in entertaining, children, windows and doors left open by accident, water and humidity; you’ll be left with warped window shutters and unhappy tenants.
Why faux wood shutters are the best option for rentals
Faux wood shutters most commonly come in aluminium, Polysatin or PVC and are known for the following benefits.
- Sun-proof
The Australian sun can be brutal, and its UV rays can quickly damage timber shutters, making them crack, peel and even warp. Aluminium, Polysatin or PVC shutters, on the other hand, can withstand the heat more effectively.
- Moisture-proof
For all of the summer storms that catch people by surprise, there’s always a window left open and wooden shutters that get wet and experience damage. PVC, Polysating and Aluminium shutters, on the other hand, are moisture-proof and particularly suitable for the humid bathroom.
- Lightweight
Wooden shutters are typically very bulky and heavy whereas, PVC, Polysatin and Aluminium are naturally light materials which make the shutters easy to use.
- Affordable
Wood alternatives such as PVC, Polysatin and Aluminium blinds are known as the cheaper option, but less expensive doesn’t mean cheap. They are still durable and visually appealing for all households.
- Easy to maintain
Everyone who’s had wooden shutters knows that after time they start to look a little sad; sanding and varnishing wooden blinds isn’t fun. Wooden alternatives, however, don’t require any sanding or painting and have less a chance of getting damaged by things like water.
- They last longer
If you look at all of the things that can potentially damage a wooden blind, it’s easy to see that the lifespan isn’t all that big. But look at an aluminium shutter, and you can see the difference. Aluminium is naturally lightweight, durable, noncorrosive, nonsparking, nonmagnetic, non-toxic and non-combustible. There was even a time when aluminium was more expensive than gold or silver. Napoleon III served state dinners on aluminium plates!
- Easy to clean
One of the main problems with wooden shutters is that wood is porous, making cleaning difficult, particularly if you live with kids who always have sticky fingers! PVC, Polysatin and Aluminium shutters aren’t porous and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and less stress.
So, you’ve taken a look through the seven reasons faux wood shutters are the best option. Can you see how much time, frustration and expense you can avoid simply by opting for faux wood shutters? Faux wood shutters are by no means inferior but most definitely the smarter of the window coverings.
Jo Hyslop is the owner of Blinds Plus Awnings, a Brisbane based business that sells and installs blinds, awnings and shutters, and are dedicated to using local shutter manufacturers.
