Natural or Faux Wood: Merits of Wood Blinds in Washington, D.C.

Blinds are one of the most popular types of window treatments in American homes. They offer excellent functionality-providing privacy and additional insulation by regulating, to your liking, the amount of sunlight and air that enter your room. And with today’s array of choices in materials and colors, window blinds have become important decorative features to enhance the look and feel of interior space.

There are different types of blinds in Washington, D.C., and among homeowners’ recent favorites include both natural and faux wood blinds. These blinds are often complemented with suitable window treatments to create a more polished style to the room. Here are some considerations to keep in mind before buying your window blinds.

Wood vs. PVC
The vertical or horizontal slats of wood blinds are constructed from wood materials, such as oak, maple, and aspen. Faux wood blinds, meanwhile, are made from PVC composites or synthetic polymers.

Durability and Maintenance
In terms of durability, wood blinds—because they are constructed from natural and organic materials—are quite susceptible to damage, such as discoloration, cracking, warping, and sagging. Furthermore, they are more vulnerable in areas with high temperatures and humidity, and may thus require periodic painting or staining in order to maintain the wood’s structural integrity and functionality.

Faux wood blinds, meanwhile, have the advantage over wood blinds in that they are more durable and resistant to extreme temperatures. According to an article on Yahoo! Voices:

Faux wood blinds are usually made of a PVC composite type material which means they are extremely flexible and will usually bounce back, instead of break, like wood blinds do when extra pressure is applied. The material that is used to make faux wood blinds also makes them easier to clean than wood as often you can clean with harsher chemicals. Faux wood blinds generally do not warp and they often come with a lifetime limited warranty from the manufacturer.

Cost
Wood blinds, because they are made from natural materials, are typically more expensive than faux wood blinds, which are comparatively more affordable due to lower production costs. According to Yahoo! Voices, however, you can still get a good deal for wood blinds: “If you order your wood blinds from a good company, you can get a decent warranty that comes with your purchase.” Companies, such as Beltway Blinds, offer a wide variety of wood and faux wood blinds in Washington, D.C. that you can buy at a modest price.

(From Wood Blinds or Faux Wood Blinds: Which Option is Best for Your Home, Yahoo! Voices, May 27, 2009)