Garden Route Shutters: PVC vs Aluminium for Coastal Homes
This guide to Garden Route shutters compares PVC shutters and aluminium shutters for coastal South Africa homes in Knysna, George and Plettenberg Bay, with practical advice on design, longevity and maintenance.
The Timeless Appeal Of Shutters
Good shutters never feel dated. They are architectural rather than fashionable. They frame proportions, filter light and add rhythm to façades. International design features often show coastal retreats where shutters are central to calm interiors and balanced exteriors. As seen in Elle Decor coastal living, shutters remain a quiet signature that links inside and outside in a graceful way.
PVC Shutters Indoors
PVC shutters are moisture resistant and simple to care for. They work elegantly in bathrooms, sculleries and kitchens where humidity runs high. Their clean lines and smooth finish bring order to busy rooms. PVC shutters are a practical luxury, making daily routines easier while looking refined.
Aluminium Shutters Outdoors
Aluminium excels when weather and salt come into play. A natural oxide layer gives protection and powder coated finishes add another shield. These shutters hold colour and strength even on exposed façades. The look stays slim and composed while the structure works quietly in the background. Aluminium shutters also signal permanence and quality at resale. Beautiful, permanent window architecture reads as care and investment.
Maintenance That Protects Your View
Close to the shoreline, a gentle rinse once a week keeps finishes fresh. Between two and five kilometres inland, a light clean every few weeks is usually enough. Further inland, a seasonal once over will do. Small rituals protect the finish and keep views clear for years.
Duncan’s Insight
Duncan’s Personal Recommendation
In real coastal homes traditional front tilt rods can interrupt the view and the tiny fixings may loosen with salt and movement. Hidden tilt systems avoid that. They are quieter, cleaner to look at and sturdier over time. It is the kind of detail people only notice once they live with shutters every day.
Use PVC for protected interiors where moisture is a factor. Use aluminium for outdoor areas or anywhere exposed to weather. Both perform well on the Garden Route when used in the right place and both add lasting value to a home.
PVC And Aluminium Compared
| Aspect | PVC Shutters | Aluminium Shutters |
|---|---|---|
| Best use | Moisture rich interiors | Exteriors and coastal exposure |
| Longevity | Many years indoors with minimal care | Two decades or more with simple upkeep |
| Design impact | Clean and tailored indoors | Architectural presence outdoors |
| Resale value | Valuable upgrade | High value asset |
Questions People Ask
Do shutters add value?
Yes. Made to measure shutters are seen as a permanent improvement. They add aesthetic clarity, comfort and energy control that buyers notice.
Which shutters suit the coast?
Both PVC and aluminium suit the Garden Route. PVC thrives indoors. Aluminium excels outdoors. Match material to context rather than choosing one as better than the other.
Are shutters still considered stylish?
Always. Shutters remain a classic detail in coastal architecture and in contemporary homes where calm lines matter. They do not date and they work with many interior styles.
Ready to choose shutters that lift your home? Explore our shutters, discover durable outdoor weather blinds, view our portfolio, or see how shade ports shape light and comfort.
