If a person wants wooden blinds for their home then they have the choice of real wood or faux (French for fake) wood.

1. The Differences Between
Wood And Faux Wood
Blinds

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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-Wood-
And-Faux-Wood-Blinds&id=8504249

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