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Paulownia vs Basswood Shutters

Plantation Shutters are made from an array of different material in this modern age and as they have become increasingly popular in recent years so has the desire to find cheaper alternatives.



In the last few years some of our competitors are offering you the chance to have 'Hardwood Shutters at MDF prices'. Now, first of all, we are huge fans of MDF Shutters. They are a great choice for most windows and offer all the benefits of Hardwood Shutters with added durability. They look just the same as Hardwood and they are great value for money.


But sometimes Hardwood is the best option. Hardwood Shutters are lightweight so are particularly suited to larger windows and doors. They are also the preferred choice with Tier-on-Tier and shaped Shutters.


But are all Hardwoods equal??


No, is the simple answer.


Paulownia Shutters


Our competitors offering the 'Hardwood at MDF Prices' deal are selling a Shutter made from Paulownia wood. First appearing on the market around 2009, this cheaper wood Shutter comes a from the extremely fast growing Paulownia tree native to China. It's low density means it's very lightweight and much softer than other woods leaving it susceptible to marking and damage.



Paulownia wood has a naturally course and porous grain, this means that acrylic filler has to be applied to the wood before painting to create a smooth surface. We have seen evidence of this coating cracking under the heat cycles the Shutters experience at a window.


  • Low density hardwood

  • Easily damaged

  • Course grain that requires filler


Basswood Shutters


Our range of Boston Premium Shutters are made from Basswood. Basswood is the preferred choice of quality Shutter manufacturers for its strength and fine uniform texture. It has excellent dimensional stability and does not warp like other hardwoods.



It's higher density means it's stronger than Paulownia and will withstand everyday use ensuring your Shutters last.


  • Strong durable material

  • Smooth fine grain

  • Stable, warp free wood


We source our Shutters from the largest most renown manufacturer in the world. They have been making Shutters for over 30 years and are considered the world experts on Shutters. They supply the likes of Hillary's Blinds, Thomas Sandersons and Hunter Douglas.


So when you are being offered a deal that seems to be too good to be true... it probably is!






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