Workshop guides · Published by Timberlouvres · 23 October 2026
Choosing Timber for Fixed Window Shutters
Choose timber for fixed window shutters by considering the intended finish, site exposure, appearance and confirmed workshop supply. The calculator lets you compare Treated Pine, Western Red Cedar, Tasmanian Oak and Blackbutt, but availability and suitability remain subject to confirmation.
Timberlouvres is part of Karem Woodcraft Pty. Limited. For the wider decorative timber range and custom work, visit Karem Woodcraft, our main workshop brand.
Start with the finish you want to see
If the shutters will be painted, tell the workshop the proposed coating system and colour. If the timber will remain visible, explain the appearance you want and ask about a suitable finish and maintenance requirements. A small digital preview cannot show the grain, tone and variation of every finished board.
Where appearance is central to the design, ask whether a current material sample or relevant workshop photograph is available. Describe the surrounding cladding, window frames and other timber so the workshop understands what the shutters need to sit beside.
What the four selections mean
- Treated Pine: the first selection in the calculator and the starting point for the supplied price list. Confirm the treatment, preparation and finishing instructions for your order.
- Western Red Cedar: an alternative timber preference. Confirm the current grade, appearance, suitability and supply with the workshop.
- Tasmanian Oak: another quoted preference. Confirm the material specification and intended exposure before committing to it.
- Blackbutt: available to select for an enquiry and estimate. Confirm suitability, finish and availability for the particular installation.
The option list does not certify a timber for every location or establish a bushfire rating for the assembled shutter. Provide any project requirements to the workshop for separate review.
Explain the exposure instead of saying “outside”
Include whether the panel will be beneath a deep verandah, beside an exposed upstairs window or in another location. Note the orientation, nearby paving or planting, and any regular contact with water. Send a wide photograph and a close view of the fixing area.
These details help frame the material discussion. They do not replace an installer’s assessment of fixings, clearances or the substrate. Ask who is responsible for preparing hidden faces and end grain before installation.
How timber selection changes the estimate
The current pricing starts with the supplied pine list increased by 15%. Western Red Cedar uses 2.5 times that updated pine price; Tasmanian Oak uses 1.9 times; Blackbutt uses 2.2 times. Prices shown are in Australian dollars and include GST.
Each height and width is priced up independently to the next listed band. A 1481 mm high × 579 mm wide panel uses the 1500 × 600 mm band. The Treated Pine estimate is $587.65 per panel including GST; the requested finished size stays 1481 × 579 mm. Confirm delivery, installation and finishing costs separately.
The panel construction stays clearly specified
These fixed window panels use a 42 × 35 mm frame section and 32 × 9 mm slats permanently set at 45 degrees. Slat spacing and count vary by panel. Certain heights need a bearer through the centre, with its position confirmed during project review.
The face-on material preview changes with the selected dimensions and timber. It remains indicative, rather than a fabrication drawing or a promise of exact colour and grain. Use the measuring guide to distinguish opening measurements from finished panel dimensions.
Before choosing your final timber
Read Karem Woodcraft’s LOSP H3 treated-pine guide if you want background on treated pine. Then ask the workshop to confirm the specification for your particular product, including material, treatment where applicable, finish, maintenance and current availability.
Use the window shutter calculator to prepare dimensions and compare the current estimates. For matching shutters to other decorative timber or planning a larger facade project, contact Karem Woodcraft.