Woods or Faux Woods? And what does that really mean?

Faux Woods and Woods are a popular choice among homeowners.  Both have a similar look but they differ in several ways. It is important to know which one best suits your window solutions and why.  We will educate you on the differences so that you can make informed decisions when choosing between faux woods and woods.   

 

The difference between faux woods and woods begins with the material being used in the construction process.  Manufacturers make faux wood blinds using foam wood, PVC vinyl and composite materials.  These products are painted or stained to look 

On the other hand, wood blinds feature real wood such as oak, bamboo, cherry, and other types of wood. 

There are pro’s and con’s for each product and so it is important to understand the differences.   

Faux Wood Pros: 

Faux Woods are a more affordable choice than real wood blinds.  They are better suited to humidity and higher moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms and are more resistant to warping or cracking because they are made from materials that are more flexible.  They are easy to maintain as you simply with the slats using a lint free damp cloth.  For heavier cleaning a mild diluted detergent can be used.   

Faux Wood Cons: 

Due to the materials used to manufacture faux woods, they tend to be heavier than the real woods.  Because they are heavier the ladders are closer together for additional support in lifting and can have a slightly busier look.  Faux woods are better suited for normal size windows as they have limitations on sizing due to the weight.  If you are the person who mostly leaves them down and just tilts the slats for directional light this is a good solution for your windows.  

Real Wood Pros: 

Although faux woods provide a good price point and do a good job of mimicking real woods, there is no comparison to the natural beauty of the real woods with their attractive grains and natural characteristics making them unique along with the natural variation in colors. These traits are inherent in the beauty of wood. And because they are lighter they stack less into the window when raised and they are easier to lift making them a better solution for larger windows.  Real woods also offer more insulation factor giving them better energy efficiency than the faux woods.   

Real Wood Cons:   

The quality of wood defines a blinds quality so it is important to do your homework on manufacturers and their woods and their construction of the woodsReal woods will mark easier so I wouldn’t suggest them with renters, children, or pets or in areas that they could be bumped regularly.  They do not have the same flex or bend as a faux wood. Also, woods are prone to warping in higher humidity.   It is a good idea to allow woods to climatize before installing them.   

Faux Woods or Real Woods or a combination?  Now that you know the both the benefits and downside of each product you can decide where and which option is best for your window solutions.  Faux woods and woods each have their strengths and purpose.  If you would like to see our vast selection of faux woods and woods we would love to help you with your selections.  Call Made in the Shade Blinds South Central Alberta @ 403-821-1037.   

 

 

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