Sustainability

Cedar Shutters Sustainability

The only major building material that’s renewable

Wood is the only major building material that is renewable—a reason why Canada’s forest base is still abundant after 150 years of harvesting. For every Western Red Cedar that’s harvested, at least 3 are planted. Lumber producers have been replacing harvested trees so diligently over the last few decades that North American forests have actually grown by 20% since 1970.

Reduced material consumption versus other building materials

Wood is durable, allowing it to last for a very long time. Churches in Norway and temples in Japan have lasted over a thousand years. In North America, there are many examples of historic wood buildings from the 16th century that are still standing. Even the foundation of the Empire State Building rests on wood piles. In fact, wood not only lasts, but there are many examples of new buildings that have used wood reclaimed from decommissioned buildings. This is the ultimate in reducing the consumption of materials, as there are very few building materials that are reused in this way when a building is decommissioned.

Reduced energy consumption

Wood products require much less energy to produce than composites, concrete or steel – that’s according to an independent study that compared how much energy is needed to obtain, manufacture, transport and install building materials for identical wood frame, steel frame and concrete houses. These findings prove, once and for all, that wood is environmentally superior to alternative materials. And on top of that, wood has naturally occurring thermal properties. It conducts heat and insulates better than steel and concrete, so it saves even more energy (not to mention money) when it comes to heating and cooling homes.

Building with Real Cedar actually helps reduce greenhouse gasses

Cedar, along with other wood products, has the lowest impact of all building materials on air and water quality. For starters, the manufacturing of wood products produces far fewer toxins and greenhouse gases than the leading man-made materials. But it gets better than that; the regeneration of forests after harvest creates new trees, which take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen as they grow. That’s great news for the environment.

Western Red Cedar is recyclable and biodegradable and comes from the most sustainably managed forest

Man-made materials—including brick, cement and composite products—don’t break down like wood does once it’s discarded.

Western Red Cedar is green by nature, but certification is a bonus for consumers looking for an added assurance. More than 85 percent of timberland in British Columbia, Canada—where most western red cedar comes from—is certified by internationally recognized, independent forest certification agencies.

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Hear From Our Customers

Hear from homeowners who have worked with Vixen Hill, and if we’ve helped you with your shutters or cedar home products, we’d be grateful if you left us a review.

Truly a great experience with this company. As a lay person trying to order the correct products, the owner and office assistant were super helpful. I am pretty sure we exchanges no less than 50 emails through the process! Before and after posted (green shutters were original and in disrepair).

Julia Turner
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Measuring and ordering was extremely clear and concise. Painting at shop was done extremely well. Shutters were easy to install and we were very pleased.

Allan Beebe
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We are thrilled with our custom shutters from Vixen Hill. Andrea was great to work with and very patient as we navigated getting the right shutters for our home. They were just hung and we are thrilled with the results. Our stone home never looked so beautiful.

Anne Marie Stockbower
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Love our shutters! Great quality, communication & customer service. Highly recommend!

Patricia Guzowski
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I ordered Vixen Hill shutters to replace severely worn ones on our 1929 home close to sea (and weather) in Maine. I selected Vixen Hill on the recommendation of a builder who has used them in the past. The shutters are excellent, very strong and well-constructed. They are now attached and look great. We did
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Josh Cutler
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Vixen Hill has some of the best products in the market. They are always willing to go the extra mile to make customers happy. I’d recommend them to everyone.

Perry Thomson
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The quality and craftsmanship of the products from Vixen Hill is absolutely the best. Very easy to deal with, costumer service is very personal.

John Kahuila (bajj16)
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Vixen Hill is amazing! I highly recommend!

Angie Sandoval
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very pleased with my custom-made cedar shutters. Ian and his team are taking this 43 year old business into the 21st century. High quality craftsmanship and customer service.

William West Hopper (DC Car Guy)
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great product, bought cedar panels with glass/screens for my front porch and breezeway. Now adding doors to front porch. Make sure your contractor measures correctly,and review with company personnel, because everything is fitted

Michele Paxson
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent craftmanship

Kim Proud
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommended. Exactly what your looking for

Philip Van Schaick
Rated 5 out of 5 stars