While engineered woods may work fine inside walls and discount furniture where they are protected from external damage, the same cannot be said for shutters. Shutters face daily temperature swings and direct sunlight. In finger-jointed, edge-glued, laminated, plywood, and MDF (fiberboard), every cut and glue joint is another opportunity for sun or moisture to enter and ruin your shutters. These wood and glue mixtures have 10 to 1,000 more joints and cross cuts, causing finish and water damage problems. Eliminate the risk by using only 100% whole basswood for all painted and stained shutters.