The Differences Between Wood Blinds and Faux Wood Blinds

Horizontal blinds, whether real wood or faux (which is French for 'fake') wood, provide privacy, light control and a visual appeal to your decor. Both options provide the same benefits, but differ in price, composition and durability. Both types of blinds have advantages and disadvantages. The type of blind that works best for your window treatment needs depends on budget and the exposure to sunlight, heat and humidity.

Materials Used in Construction of Blinds
Wood blinds may be constructed from oak, maple or cherry, meaning the slats are made of solid wood and then stained or painted. These blinds are heavier in weight than blinds made from basswood, aspen or poplar, and are slightly more expensive.

Faux wood blinds are made from PVC or synthetic polymers, similar to the material used for PVC piping. These blinds are heavier than wood blinds, but are also less likely to warp or fade from exposure to sunlight.

Cost Difference between Wood and Faux Wood
Real wood blinds are more costly because wood is more expensive than plastic. Wood slats also require staining or painting, adding to the production costs.

The production of faux wood blinds more closely resembles slicing long planks of plastic into slats; the finish is integrated into the actual production of the plastic. The "grain" you see in the faux wood blind is the result of a stamping process. Faux wood blinds are made from a less expensive material and production less costly.

The difference in cost to the customer is evident. A custom ordered wood blind for a window measuring 35 inches wide by 60 inches long may cost as much as $200 or higher. The same-sized faux wood blind may range from $90 to $175, depending on manufacturer and additional options.

Disadvantages of Both Types
The primary difference between wood and faux wood blinds is that wood as an organic material is more susceptible to cracking, sagging and discoloration. Higher moisture content, such as found in bathrooms, kitchens and basements, affect the structural integrity of the wood slats, causing them to sag or warp. Discoloration may occur if the blinds are exposed to high heat; if installed in a south facing window and temperatures are over 90 degrees F for extended periods of time, the wood blinds may discolor and warp.

The weight of faux wood blinds makes them susceptible to mechanical failures. The wand or cord that tilts the slats may "jam" or the slats no longer raise or lower properly due to wear on the lift mechanism. The wider and longer the blind, the more likely the mechanisms are to fail in time, in comparison to wood blinds.

Advantages of Both Types
Wood blinds have a more high-end visual appeal. Stained slats highlight the grains and painted slats have a sleek appeal that works well with modern design schemes. If wood blinds are not exposed to high temperatures or high humidity, they may last for several years.

Faux wood blinds can withstand higher temperatures and higher levels of humidity than wood blinds. They have a more utilitarian appeal visually, but to the less-discerning eye, the difference is minimal.

Before purchasing custom wood or faux wood blinds, consider the environmental conditions to which the blinds are exposed. And if your funds are limited, faux wood blinds will help you keep within your budget.