The Differences Between Wood And Faux Wood Blinds
Horizontal blinds are a popular choice of window covering as they offer a great deal of privacy and can control the amount of light that is let into the room effectively. If a person wants wooden blinds for their home then they have the choice of real wood or faux (French for fake) wood. There are a number of differences between the two including cost, durability and composition and each type has it's own advantages.
Materials Used For Blinds
Window blinds and shades can be made from various types of wood including solid wood such as cherry, maple and oak which are heavier and more expensive then blinds made from aspen, basswood or poplar. Synthetic polymers or PVC are used to make faux wood style blinds. These materials are heavier than any of the types of wood that are used to produce wood blinds and they are less likely to warp or discolor when exposed to heat.
Cost Difference Between The Two Types Wood is more expensive than faux wood because it uses more expensive raw materials to produce the blinds and the production process costs more because the wood will either need to be painted or stained. A stamping process is used to give a grain effect in faux wood. The actual cost of the blinds will vary according to the dimensions of the window that they are covering. As an example a blind made from customized wood for a 35 x 60 inch window could cost up to $200 whereas a faux wood alternative would cost anywhere from $90 to $175.
Disadvantages Of Each Wood is an organic material and this means that wood blinds are more likely than faux wood blinds to discolor, sag or crack. The blinds may be at a higher risk of sagging or warping if they are used in rooms that have a higher moisture levels such as kitchens, bathrooms and basements. Discoloration in wood blinds is more likely if they are used in windows that are south facing or in rooms that regularly reach temperatures of higher than 90 degrees F.
The disadvantage of faux wood blinds is that mechanical failures are common due to the weight of the blinds. If the lift mechanism on the wand or cord becomes worn then the slats may fail to lower or raise properly and may begin to jam. The mechanisms may fail quicker on blinds that are long and wide.
Advantages Of Each All types of wood blinds have a visual appeal that will complement most designs and style of room. If the slats are stained then this highlights the grain of the wood which give an interesting aspect to the blind. Painted slats are suited to more modern rooms. If they are in the right environment and not exposed to too much heat and humidity then wood blinds can last for a number of years. The main advantage of faux wood blinds is that they are not affected by the heat in the same way as wood blinds are. The difference in the visual effect between the two types of blinds is minimal.
The environment of the room should be considered before making the choice between wood and faux wood blinds to ensure they will not have to be replaced too often. Faux wooden blinds tend to be the cheaper option. Resources: http://www.duette.co.uk/energy-saving-blinds http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Differences-Between-WoodAnd-Faux-Wood-Blinds&id=8504249
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