Five Advantages of Faux Wood Blinds

Sunshine Drapery sliding glass doors window treatment

Window treatment options are expanding to include an increasing number of options, both in styles and materials. So varied has their style become that an Eavestrough Installation in Oakville professes that window treatment options play an important part in accentuating the aesthetics of a house. Homeowners can create an elegant styled room using thick custom drapery paired with translucent lace curtains or select from a variety of treatments including:

Shutters
Cellular shades
Roman shades
Roller and screen shades
Traditional and vertical blinds

Draperies and shades are available in a variety of patterns, thickness, and fabrics. Blinds are available in vinyl, and both shutters and blinds can be purchased in wood or faux wood styles. Faux wood options are becoming more popular in window treatment options. While wood offers a classic and cultured appearance, there are benefits to choosing faux wood that cannot be overlooked. Consider these five advantages of faux wood blinds over the alternative of real wood.

One: Easier to Install

Real wood blinds and shutters are much heavier than faux wood ones. This extra weight makes them more difficult to install, particularly in homes with concrete or drywall surfaces, which can crumble or widen where the hardware is attached. Faux wood blinds, on the other hand, are created as either 100 percent vinyl or a composite of wood and vinyl. They are lightweight, easy to lift and install, and do not pull on the hardware attachments. Yet they still look and feel just like their counterparts made entirely of wood. Faux wood blinds or shutters can be mounted on any wall surface without worry of pulling free or damaging the wall. They can be easily installed at any height and regardless of their size so that your window treatments touts the beautiful style that your home deserves.

Two: More Durable

While wooden window treatments are treated with quality finishes to help protect them and extend their lifespan, wood just does not last as long as other materials can. Faux wood blinds are created out of materials that resist damage, rot, and mold. Unlike wood, they are guaranteed not to warp or bow. Because blinds and shutters can be exposed to potentially destructive elements, it may be best to consider faux wood alternatives. Blinds are exposed to sunlight on a daily basis and can be installed where they are in contact with moisture, like in a kitchen or bathroom. These situations can cause physical damage to blinds, leading to the need to replace them sooner than you might for a vinyl equivalent. Faux blinds are reinforced to last long, even when exposed to both sun and water.

Three: Waterproof

Water - even in the form of steam from a kitchen pot on the stove or a long, hot shower - can cause irreparable damage to wood. Even when treated, wood can expand, warp, crack, mold, and even rot if it comes in contact with water. Faux wood, however, has none of these problems. Because it’s a mixture of materials or completely vinyl, it’s made to resist damage from elements like water. Since faux wood blinds and shutters are completely waterproof, you never have to worry when cleaning with water. They won’t be susceptible to damage if they are installed in a bathroom or kitchen either. Your blinds will be easy to clean and have a long life if you choose faux wood blinds.

Four: Resistant to Wear and Tear

Many people do not consider the potential for damage to their window treatments because of everyday wear and tear. Scratches in the surface of wooden blinds may only be barely visible or deep cuts, but wood is soft and easy to accidentally damage. Whether it’s a child or grandchild trying to see outside or a pet jumping at the window, scratches can occur at any time. This may be a noticeable problem just a year or so following the installation of new wooden blinds. While it is possible to buff out small scratches or fill the discoloration with a matching shade of stain, it is time consuming and unnecessary if you select a faux wood alternative for your window treatment. Faux wood blinds are created out of a harder material that is resistant to scratches caused by everyday wear and tear. Wooden blinds may show their age, but faux wood ones appear new for much longer.

Five: Fade-Resistant

Most materials fade over time, particularly when exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Wood is no different. Some woods are treated with sealants which can slow the fading process, keeping wood blinds their natural color for longer. However, with time, wood surfaces are prone to fade. If you choose faux wood blinds or shutters instead, you can experience the original, intended coloration of the material for longer than you would in wooden blinds. In fact, many faux wood products are treated with a UV inhibitor, which can further prevent fading and damage from the sun. When you choose a faux wood alternative for your home, your window treatments will remain beautiful for many years to come.

Conclusion

Wooden blinds and shutters make wonderful additions to homes when placed in the right location and utilized properly. They should not be used near windows that receive direct sunlight nor in bathrooms or kitchens. However, faux wood blinds are capable of maintaining their form, color, and style even when exposed to sun, water, or other elements. Decorating your windows with stunning choices in faux wood blinds and shutters will add beauty and style to every room in your home.