Wood blinds have a beautiful appearance, but they often come with a steep price tag and frustrating maintenance requirements. Faux wood blinds are a good alternative for many homeowners because they provide the same beauty of wood with an affordable price and greater durability.
But what is “faux wood” made of, and what makes it different from real wood?
Common Materials Used in Faux Wood Blinds
What are faux wood blinds made of? The composition of faux wood blinds depends on the manufacturer and the individual product. The most common materials include:
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Vinyl
- Composite wood core with sturdy plastic polymer coating
While all of these material compositions offer benefits over real wood blinds, they are not all created equal. Some varieties from lower-quality manufacturers are thin and flimsy, flexing more than real wood. This requires extra string supports to prevent the window treatment from bowing, which could result in a less attractive look.
That’s why it’s important to not just consider the material, but also the manufacturer and installer when choosing faux wood blinds. With a high-quality product and professional installation, you can achieve a beautiful, real-wood look that fools even the keenest observers – all without the high cost and increased maintenance requirements of real wood blinds.
Real Wood vs. Faux Wood
Real wood blinds are beautiful and comparatively lightweight, but they’re very expensive. They’re also susceptible to warping in humid rooms, such as the kitchen and bathroom, and the finish can fade or crack after years in the sun. Dust also collects quickly on real wood blinds, especially if you use an oil-based dusting product to clean the slats.
Faux wood blinds are affordable, durable and easy to maintain. Many have an anti-static feature that helps prevent excessive dust from settling, reducing how often you need to break out the feather duster. To ensure long-lasting blinds that don’t fade or yellow after years of hanging in direct sunlight, look for products with 100 percent UV protection. Remember, faux wood blinds come with added weight, which could make them a poor choice for very large windows. The added weight also makes professional installation a must.
Installing Faux Wood Blinds in Portland, OR
Don’t make updating your window coverings a chore. Contact IBP Portland today for help choosing the right window blinds for your northwest Oregon home. We can help you decide if faux wood blinds are the best choice.
