Choosing Between Cedar and Vinyl Exterior Shutters
Cedar and vinyl are the two most common exterior shutter materials, and they suit different projects. Vinyl costs less up front and needs no refinishing. Cedar costs more up front, needs periodic refinishing, and can last longer with the natural look and feel of real wood. Neither is a wrong choice; the right one depends on your budget, timeline, and preferences.
Here's a plain-English comparison of the trade-offs.
Cost
Vinyl: Typically $25 to $60 a pair at big-box stores. Some designer vinyl lines run higher.
Cedar: Typically $110 to $250+ a pair depending on size, style, and finish. Solid wood costs more to manufacture and ship.
Over a 25 to 30 year window, the gap narrows once you factor in replacement cycles for vinyl and refinishing cycles for cedar. See the maintenance section below.
Longevity and Maintenance
Vinyl: No refinishing required. UV inhibitors in modern vinyl extend fade resistance significantly. Typical service life is 10 to 15 years before color fade or brittleness may prompt replacement. Vinyl is generally replaced rather than repaired when it reaches end of life.
Cedar: Requires refinishing every 5 to 7 years to protect the wood and maintain color. With that maintenance, cedar shutters commonly last 20 to 30 years or more. Cedar can be refinished multiple times over its lifespan, and small damage is often repairable rather than requiring replacement.
See our guide to cedar shutter lifespan and our refinishing walkthrough for more detail on the maintenance side.
Appearance
Vinyl: Manufactured in consistent colors that hold across the whole panel. Modern vinyl has improved considerably in appearance; premium lines mimic wood grain fairly convincingly at typical viewing distances. In direct sun and up close, most people can tell vinyl from real wood by the sheen.
Cedar: Real wood grain. Each piece has slight variation in color and grain pattern. Accepts stain, semi-transparent finishes, and paint. Weathers to a natural patina over time. The look most people picture when they picture "wood shutters" is what cedar looks like.
Weather and Climate Considerations
Vinyl: Rot-proof, insect-proof, unaffected by moisture. Best in humid, coastal, or high-precipitation climates where wood requires more attention. Some vinyl lines are available in hurricane-rated impact versions for high-wind coastal zones.
Cedar: Natural oils and tight grain provide inherent rot and insect resistance. Handles temperature swings well. In coastal, humid, or high-sun climates, plan on more frequent refinishing to protect the finish.
Style Range
Vinyl: Widely available in Louvered, Board & Batten, and Raised Panel styles. Color options vary by manufacturer but generally include most common exterior neutrals.
Cedar: Available in every traditional shutter style plus custom options. Any color finish is possible with paint or stain. Better fit for period-authentic looks on historic and traditional homes.
When Each Material Makes Sense
Choose vinyl if:
- You want the lowest upfront cost
- You do not want to think about maintenance
- You are in a coastal or hurricane-prone area and want impact-rated shutters
- You are outfitting a rental property or short-hold home
- Your HOA specifies vinyl or a color that only vinyl comes in
Choose cedar if:
- You want the look and feel of real wood
- You are outfitting a long-term primary residence
- Your home style is historic, traditional, farmhouse, or craftsman
- You are comfortable with a periodic refinishing schedule
- You want the option to change colors down the road with a repaint
The Bottom Line
Vinyl and cedar are both legitimate choices for exterior shutters. Vinyl wins on upfront cost and low-maintenance convenience. Cedar wins on wood-authentic appearance and long-term repairability. Match the material to your project rather than to a single "best" answer.
If you have decided real wood is the fit, browse our cedar exterior shutter collection, sold in pairs with free shipping.