Wood has a low resistance to moisture. It rots easily when frequently exposed to moisture. Extreme temperature changes also cause wooden shutters to warp or splint. Wooden shutters are a high maintenance feature. You need to paint regularly or varnish to preserve them in good shape.
If the shutters are made of wood you can trim them to fit, you can' trim vinyl shutters.
Shutters can be made from materials such as wood, plastic or aluminum.
Exterior wood shutters can be purchased in numerous locations, both directly instore and online. These include 'The California Company', 'Shutters Up' and 'Home Depot'.
You can always paint faux wood shutters, but make sure to use a good primer so the paint doesn't peel.
Try www.decorativeshutters.com/home.html. They sell many varities of shutters.
Wood shutters are more sturdy and will last longer. They also wil look much more sophisticated and pleasing in your house. Plastic shutters are vulnerable to wear and tear, so for a long term addition, choose wood.
You can find replacement wood shutters on the following website: http://www.blinds.com/control/subCategory/categoryID,68. They have a great selection.
Any plastic shutters should be avoided in favor of wood ones.
It depends a lot on what materials are used to make the plantation shutters. You can get real wood, polywood (foam) or faux wood (vinyl). Here's a great post that gives a lot of detail on the different types of plantation shutters, and what they cost: http://www.buyplantationshutters.com/blog/how-much-do-plantation-shutters-cost
It depends on how the shutters are attached to the house and how good their condition is. But even well-constructed shutters are at risk in a category 4 storm.
They both have their pluses and minuses. Composite Shutters are usually less expensive, they look like real wood, have a coated surface with a lifetime finish, but they're not water proof, and the panels only go up to 30" wide. Vinyl Shutters are water proof, are made of high impact plastic, panels go up to 36" wide, they also have a lifetime finish, but they have have snap together components and a shiny finish that give it a plastic look.
Actually plantation shutters and interior shutters are the same thing but there are several different kinds . the traditional shutters were and still are made of wood . But you can also buy shutters made of a composite material on the inside and it will have a vinyl coating . then you have the Poly core shutters , this is made from a solid PVC material, and they are completely water proof. Hope this helps.