When it comes to plantation shutters, there are many choices, in terms of material, style, and finish. In this post, we’re going to drill down into the question of the best material for your needs – MDF vs paulownia vs basswood shutters.

There has been a lot of noise about materials in the shutter industry over the past few years, with the market showing increased popularity of hardwood shutters.

Whilst hardwood has always been a main staple of shutters, new budget options have now become available, and thus it has become more mainstream. But is it the best option for you and your living space?

MDF Shutters Or Hardwood Shutters?

Let’s take a look and see what’s best for you and your Essex home.

For years, MDF shutters have dominated the shutter world, and they remain one of the most popular choices of shutter material available today. On the other hand, hardwood shutters were seen as more of a high-end product. These window shutters were manufactured exclusively from basswood, as basswood is considered a luxury material.

Then a few years back, a more affordable alternative came to market. Enter: Paulownia.

Paulownia shutters, made from the wood of the Paulownia tree, are still classed as a hardwood, though in relation to its basswood counterpart, it’s softer and more fragile. It is, however, also lighter.

This led to businesses in the UK starting to offer “Hardwood shutters at MDF prices”, and this is where we currently are.

As you gather quotes, you’ll likely notice a lot of differences of opinion on the subject. This is because usually, shutter companies only offer one product, their ‘go-to’ product. We’re different. We offer a variety of options, meaning we have no bias and are able to treat each client according to their own individual needs, rather than pushing an agenda.

The huge range we offer at Shuttertec leaves us a little more impartial. With this in mind, we’ve put together this guide to help you understand what material will be the right option for you and your home.

So, which should you go for – MDF, Paulownia or Basswood shutters? Let’s dig into the pros and cons of each, so you can make an informed decision and be confident in your choice.

a bed with a chandelier in a room

MDF Shutters

What are MDF Shutters?

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) shutters are a popular choice in the plantation shutter industry. Made from engineered wood fibres compressed with resin and coated with a protective polypropylene finish, MDF shutters are known for their affordability, durability, and smooth surface finish.

Pros of MDF Shutters

✅ Affordability: MDF shutters are generally cheaper than natural wood shutters like basswood, making them a budget-friendly option.

✅ Durability: The engineered composition makes MDF resistant to warping, cracking, and splitting, which could be issues with some natural types of wood.

✅ Smooth Finish: MDF shutters are often coated with a polymer, providing a sleek, uniform appearance that resists staining.

✅ Low Maintenance: They are easy to clean and don’t require any refinishing.

✅ Heaviness = Sturdiness: MDF is denser and heavier than natural wood, giving the shutters a solid, sturdy feel.

Cons of MDF Shutters

❌ Weight: MDF is heavier than wood, making it less suitable for larger window openings, as the extra weight can strain hinges over time.

❌ Moisture Sensitivity: Although MDF is durable, it is not as moisture-resistant as some woods, and excessive exposure to humidity or water can cause swelling. This makes it unsuitable for any environment prone to high moisture. For this, we always recommend a PVC shutter.

❌ Limited Customisation: Unlike natural wood, MDF cannot be stained; it is usually only available in painted finishes and it is not available for shaped shutters as you cannot carve MDF as you can wood.

MDF shutters are a fantastic choice for those wanting a budget-friendly, durable, and aesthetically pleasing shutter solution. However, for larger windows, moisture-prone areas, or those wanting the natural look of authentic wood, basswood or paulownia may be the better options.

white hardwood shutter fitted onto wall

Paulownia Hardwood Shutters

What Are Paulownia Shutters?

Paulownia shutters are plantation shutters made from Paulownia wood, a lightweight but strong timber known for the environmental benefits of its fast growth, and the visual appeal of its fine grain. Paulownia timber is commonly used in furniture and musical instruments due to its stability and resistance to warping.

Pros of Paulownia Shutters

✅ Lightweight: One of the lightest hardwoods, making it easier to install and operate, especially for large windows.

✅ Durability & Strength: Despite being lightweight, Paulownia is surprisingly strong, offering long-lasting shutters, designed to stand the test of time.

✅ Eco-Friendly & Sustainable: Paulownia is a fast growing tree (up to 15 feet per year), regenerating from the root system, making them a highly sustainable renewable resource.

✅ Attractive Straight Grain for Staining: Paulownia is a fine-grained wood, making it an excellent choice for the natural beauty of stained shutters, where natural wood aesthetics are desired.

✅ Resistant to Warping & Cracking: Has a natural resistance to moisture and temperature changes, reducing the likelihood of warping over time compared to some other woods.

Cons of Paulownia Shutters

❌ Low Density Compared to Other Hard Wood Types: While strong, Paulownia is not as dense as basswood, making it more prone to dents or damage from impact.

❌ Not Ideal for High-Moisture Areas: Although more resistant to moisture than some woods, Paulownia is still not as moisture-resistant as MDF or vinyl, making it less ideal for bathrooms or kitchens.

Paulownia vs Basswood Shutters

Paulownia is lighter and more sustainable but not as strong or dense as basswood. Basswood remains the industry standard for premium wooden shutters due to its superior durability and versatility.

Paulownia vs MDF Shutters

Paulownia is lighter and could look more high-end, but MDF is more impact-resistant and moisture-friendly, making it a popular choice for those wanting a cost-effective option, and in our opinion, the most ideal material for households with children.

White plantation bathroom shutters with sunlight filtering through.

Basswood Hardwood Shutters

What are Basswood Shutters?

Basswood timber shutters are one of the most popular choices in the plantation shutters industry, valued for their balance of affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Basswood is a type of hardwood known for being lightweight yet strong, making it an excellent material for shutters.

Pros of Basswood Shutters

✅ Lightweight & Durable – Basswood is stronger than MDF but lighter than some hardwoods, making it a great choice for large window shutters without adding excess weight.

✅ Smooth Finish – It has a fine grain, allowing for a smooth, polished finish when painted or stained.

✅ Minimal Warping – Unlike MDF, which can swell when exposed to moisture, basswood is more resistant to warping.

✅ Customisable – Paintable in a wide range of colours, stainable, and available for shapes. A really versatile all-rounder.

✅ Premium Product– One of the best shutters on the market, if you’re looking for luxury, they are only a step down from teak shutters or oak shutters.

✅ UK-Manufactured – We currently offer this as our UK-made shutter. Premium product in a 4-6 week lead time.

Cons of Basswood Shutters

❌ Not Fully Waterproof – We say that any material other than PVC can be affected by moisture, making it less ideal for wet rooms or kitchens.

❌ Softer Than Some Hardwoods – It is more prone to dents and scratches compared to denser woods like teak or mahogany.

❌ Higher Cost Than Most – Whilst more durable than most shutters, it does come at a price premium.

a window with blinds and a towel rack in a bathroom

Basswood vs Paulownia Shutters

  • Paulownia is even lighter than basswood but not as strong.
  • It is less resistant to dents and warping but still a good choice for shutters.
  • Generally, basswood is considered superior in durability and finish.

Basswood vs MDF Shutters

  • MDF is cheaper but much heavier and prone to warping in high humidity conditions.
  • MDF is only available in a painted finish, while basswood can be painted or stained.
  • MDF is ideal for budget-conscious buyers or those who don’t need premium shutters.

Final Verdict: Is Basswood a Good Choice?

Yes! Basswood shutters are a great all-around choice – they offer durability, timeless appeal, and are customisable, while also being more affordable than premium hardwoods. They compare well against paulownia (being stronger) and MDF (being lighter and more resistant to warping).

If you want a balance of quality, price, and performance, basswood shutters are a solid investment.

Final Thoughts

We hope you found this guide comprehensive and informative. We’ve tried to be as impartial as we can and just provide the consumer with the best information possible. What does this mean for you? Well, as we mentioned earlier we work to the clients’ needs. Each home is unique, each client is unique, and we have no preference other than fitting a shutter you’ll love in your home for years to come.

So whether it’s a premium basswood shutter or a tough, MDF shutter, we’ll work with you to find the right solution and the perfect choice for your home.

Ready to know more? Contact us.