Throughout my years of work in the window treatment business, I am often
asked what the difference is between real wood and faux wood blinds. I have
installed hundreds of each kind over the years in my customers homes and
businesses. In most cases, it is based on aesthetics, because visually you
really cannot tell the difference. However, there are differences in price, weight,
colors selection, ability to resist moisture, and durability. We will review these
differences in this article.
How Are They Similar
Before we review the differences, lets look at how they are alike. First, both
types of blinds are effective at controlling outside light. Wood and faux woods
share common components. For example, the headrail (metal part at the top of
the blind) and mechanisms inside are normally the same. Draw cords that raise
and lower, tilt controls that rotate the slats and cord locks that lock your blind in
place when you raise it are typically the same. So whether you choose a wood
blind, or faux wood, they will operate the same.
Cost Comparison
As far as difference, lets start out with the most obvious difference, the price.
Faux woods are more moderately priced. The cost savings are considerable
compared to real wood. For example, I was in the market for two blinds for my
sons room. I avoided the local shop at home places because I know they are
usually the highest priced. I went online and compared the price of a number of
different companies. I also compared wood vs. faux wood. I found two faux
wood blinds for under $39 each. The same set of blinds in wood was $65 each.
I chose the faux wood based on price and some other reasons I will discuss later
on. In this case, the faux wood blinds were 40% less than the wood blinds which
is pretty common.
Dont Overlook This
The next thing to consider, is how much the blind weighs when you draw it up.
This is often overlooked but can become an issue especially on larger windows.
Wood blinds are much lighter than the heavier faux wood. On a large window,
say 60 inches wide by 60 inches long, the average person would not have a
problem raising or lowering a wood blind. A faux wood on the other hand would
be more difficult. As you raise it to the half way position, you will need two
hands to raise it up the rest of the way. In most homes this would not be a
problem. However, elderly people and people with medical conditions would
have problems. To eliminate this problem you could choose real wood blinds or
two faux wood blinds side by side.
Color Selection
Now lets consider color selection. Woods are going to offer a larger color
selection from which to choose. For example, the company I ordered my sons
blinds had 17 wood colors and only 9 faux wood colors.
Which Is More Resistant To Moisture
Moisture resistance and durability are important considerations as well. Faux
woods are superior to woods when it comes to moisture. They are less porous
so water beads up on the surface therefore avoiding warping and cracking. In a
bathroom, or laundry room, or areas above a sink, faux wood blinds are a good
choice. Faux woods win the durability test as well because they are more
plyable and can stand up better to kids and pets.
A Few More Tips
To sum it up, both wood and faux wood blinds are excellent choices for
controlling light. Which type you choose may depend on your budget and where
they will be used. Wood blinds offer a larger color selection to fit your decor and
they are lighter in weight for easier lifting. Faux wood blinds are moderately
priced to fit your budget, and are a good choice in high moisture areas, and will
stand up to kids and pets. Dont be afraid to mix them up as well. If you want
wood blinds but are concerned about putting them in your bathroom or laundry
room, use faux woods in these high moisture areas. Tip, ask for longer controls
over a sink or washer and dryer. Whether you choose wood blinds or faux wood
blinds the look will still be a great looking blind. I hope this overview takes some
of the mystery out of wood vs. faux wood blinds.
asked what the difference is between real wood and faux wood blinds. I have
installed hundreds of each kind over the years in my customers homes and
businesses. In most cases, it is based on aesthetics, because visually you
really cannot tell the difference. However, there are differences in price, weight,
colors selection, ability to resist moisture, and durability. We will review these
differences in this article.
How Are They Similar
Before we review the differences, lets look at how they are alike. First, both
types of blinds are effective at controlling outside light. Wood and faux woods
share common components. For example, the headrail (metal part at the top of
the blind) and mechanisms inside are normally the same. Draw cords that raise
and lower, tilt controls that rotate the slats and cord locks that lock your blind in
place when you raise it are typically the same. So whether you choose a wood
blind, or faux wood, they will operate the same.
Cost Comparison
As far as difference, lets start out with the most obvious difference, the price.
Faux woods are more moderately priced. The cost savings are considerable
compared to real wood. For example, I was in the market for two blinds for my
sons room. I avoided the local shop at home places because I know they are
usually the highest priced. I went online and compared the price of a number of
different companies. I also compared wood vs. faux wood. I found two faux
wood blinds for under $39 each. The same set of blinds in wood was $65 each.
I chose the faux wood based on price and some other reasons I will discuss later
on. In this case, the faux wood blinds were 40% less than the wood blinds which
is pretty common.
Dont Overlook This
The next thing to consider, is how much the blind weighs when you draw it up.
This is often overlooked but can become an issue especially on larger windows.
Wood blinds are much lighter than the heavier faux wood. On a large window,
say 60 inches wide by 60 inches long, the average person would not have a
problem raising or lowering a wood blind. A faux wood on the other hand would
be more difficult. As you raise it to the half way position, you will need two
hands to raise it up the rest of the way. In most homes this would not be a
problem. However, elderly people and people with medical conditions would
have problems. To eliminate this problem you could choose real wood blinds or
two faux wood blinds side by side.
Color Selection
Now lets consider color selection. Woods are going to offer a larger color
selection from which to choose. For example, the company I ordered my sons
blinds had 17 wood colors and only 9 faux wood colors.
Which Is More Resistant To Moisture
Moisture resistance and durability are important considerations as well. Faux
woods are superior to woods when it comes to moisture. They are less porous
so water beads up on the surface therefore avoiding warping and cracking. In a
bathroom, or laundry room, or areas above a sink, faux wood blinds are a good
choice. Faux woods win the durability test as well because they are more
plyable and can stand up better to kids and pets.
A Few More Tips
To sum it up, both wood and faux wood blinds are excellent choices for
controlling light. Which type you choose may depend on your budget and where
they will be used. Wood blinds offer a larger color selection to fit your decor and
they are lighter in weight for easier lifting. Faux wood blinds are moderately
priced to fit your budget, and are a good choice in high moisture areas, and will
stand up to kids and pets. Dont be afraid to mix them up as well. If you want
wood blinds but are concerned about putting them in your bathroom or laundry
room, use faux woods in these high moisture areas. Tip, ask for longer controls
over a sink or washer and dryer. Whether you choose wood blinds or faux wood
blinds the look will still be a great looking blind. I hope this overview takes some
of the mystery out of wood vs. faux wood blinds.
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