What Customers Kept Asking Us About Our Shutters
“Do you have something stronger than timber but not as heavy or artificial as full fauxwood?”
For years, we didn’t.
Timber shutters are beautiful. They’re light, elegant, and easy to live with.
But in some rooms kitchens, high-humidity zones they can start to feel a little too delicate.
Full fauxwood, on the other hand, is tough. But it’s heavy. It feels dense. And for some homes, that’s a compromise too far.
We didn’t have a true in-between. But we love a good challenge.
Introducing Woodguard Shutters.
It’s not a replacement for timber.
It’s not a downgrade from fauxwood.
It’s the middle ground customers have been asking for a shutter that balances lightness, strength, and real-wood comfort.
What That Means for Your Home
- Your shutters open and close smoothly even years from now.
Because lighter panels put less stress on frames, hinges, and hands. - They hold up to real life: moisture, fingerprints, everyday knocks.
Because each Woodguard shutter is made from real timber, sealed in a durable polymer finish. - The coating gives a clean, consistent surface that’s easier to maintain and built to last.
But underneath? Still timber. Still warm. Still real.
And most importantly:
These shutters aren’t picked for how your room looks on day one.
They’re chosen for how you live in that room on day 100, day 1,000, and beyond.
Where Woodguard Shutters Work Best
Woodguard is ideal for:
- Wide window spans that need lighter panels
- Kitchens and family rooms where life never stops moving
- Busy households that need resilience without going full plastic
- Anyone who wants durability, but still cares what it feels like to live with
Why We Offer It
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all shutter solutions.
Some rooms call for solid timber. Some call for full fauxwood.
And sometimes, you need something that balances both.
That’s where Woodguard fits.
Our job isn’t to push the same product over and over.
It’s to understand your rooms, your windows, your lifestyle and guide you to what will work quietly, reliably, and beautifully for years.
As my grandad used to say:
“It’s not our job to find customers for our shutters.
It’s our job to find the right shutters for our customers.”
Woodguard Shutters help us do just that.
Frequently Asked Questions About Woodguard Shutters
Is Woodguard made from real wood?
Yes — every Woodguard shutter starts with real timber. It’s then sealed in a durable polymer coating that protects against moisture and knocks while maintaining a wood core.
Do Woodguard shutters look like natural timber?
Not exactly. The polymer finish gives a smoother, more uniform appearance than raw timber. But the warmth, strength, and feel of real wood are still there under the surface.
Are they lighter than fauxwood shutters?
Yes. One of the main benefits of Woodguard is its weight. Compared to full fauxwood panels, Woodguard is significantly lighter making it ideal for wider windows or daily use.
Can Woodguard be used in kitchens and bathrooms?
Absolutely. The protective coating makes it a great choice for high-moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries.
How do they compare in price to timber or fauxwood?
Surprisingly Woodguard Shuuters are cheaper than both full timber and fauxwood shutters.
Will the coating wear or fade over time?
The polymer finish is built for long-term durability and fade resistance. With normal use and basic care, your shutters will look great for many years.
About Phil Coleman
Phil Coleman is the fifth generation of his family to run Barlow Blinds, a Leicester business that has been making blinds since 1887. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Phil has played a leading role in shaping industry standards including being part of the team that wrote the only NVQ qualification for blind and shutter installers. He also serves on the Management Committee of the British Blind & Shutter Association (BBSA), helping to set best practice across the trade. Under his leadership, Barlow Blinds has remained true to its founding principle: “It’s not our job to find customers for our blinds, it’s our job to find the right blinds for our customers.”
