Blog Archives

Wood Blinds and Increased See-Through

1/26/2015

We recently serviced a customer who wanted to maximize their see-through and light for their kitchen window - but still needed privacy at night. After some discussion, the customer decided to upgrade to 2 1/2" faux wood blind product.

The main advantage of the 2 1/2" faux wood blind is that it has fewer slats than the standard 2" faux wood blind.

This means that the gaps that are created when tilting the blind wide open are larger by almost an inch per opening - meaning more see through.

Also, notice that a faux wood blind was advisable, given the potential of the blind getting wet from kitchen sink splashage. Now, to a seasoned window covering pro, this is about as obvious as advise gets, but to the average homeowner, who purchases blinds just a handful of times over the course of a lifetime - this option and function may not be quite so obvious.

With any luck, this simple advise will help you decide if you want to spend a little more for 2 1/2" slats and increase your see-through, or if the more economical 2" slat is right for you.

We would love to help you with your wood or faux wood blind project. Also, be sure to check out our online wood and faux wood blind calculator for a rough idea of what your project might cost.

0 Comments

Survey says......Wood Blinds!

1/20/2015

0 Comments

We recently came across a survey asking customer to compare aluminum mini blinds, wood blinds and different types of cell shades on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being excellent. These products were grouped because of their similar price points.

While all of the products scored fairly well, the winner in both quality and appearance was the wood blind. It actually scored a 4.94 out of 5 in both categories. Our experience with thousands of customers would intuitively back these results. The vast majority of people in the roughly $80 - $200 per window category are extremely happy with the look, light control and durability of their wood and faux wood blinds.

We would love to help you with your wood or faux wood blind project. Also, for a quick price quote, check our our online wood and faux wood blind cost calculator.

0 Comments

The Barrels Inside Your Wood or Faux Wood Blinds

1/12/2015

0 Comments

Inside the headrail of every wood or faux wood blind is a series of drums or barrels that are fit around a rod. As you raise and lower your blind, the rod spins and the barrels collect the cords - preventing tangling and causing the blind to work properly.

Depending on the quality, and subsequent expected lifespan, of your wood or faux wood blind, the barrels will either be metal or plastic.

Our value line uses the best quality metal drums, and rods which helps the blinds to last for years. Our bargain brand uses plastic components, and as such, is only guaranteed for a year or two. These bargain blinds are less expensive, but come with an added repair or replacement cost. For short term or very gentle use, the bargain brand is adequate. For longer term, daily use, the value line makes more sense.

To bring this point home here is what our field experience has taught us. For instance, we have worked with customers who choose the bargain brand blinds, only to find that their blind gets stuck or are crooked going up or down. Also, we have serviced customers whose blinds were uneven, when locked in an up position. These problems were the direct result of the plastic barrels inside the headrail bending under the weight of the blind. Also, tilt mechanisms will often freeze - followed by the customer applying excessive force - thinking it will free up the blind - only to bend or break the tilt mechanism. We have experienced numerous blinds beyond warranty, where the cord failed to roll properly in the barrel, because the barrel bent or failed, simply because the barrel was made of plastic. We have not seen this problem nearly as much in blinds with metal barrels.

So, bottom line - unless you are flipping a house and don't really need a warranty beyond a year - or unless you are an apartment complex, who does not mind keeping their maintenance people busy with minor blind repairs, then consider the quality of the barrels and components inside your wood or faux wood blind when making your buying decision.

We would love to work with you on your wood or faux wood blind project. Also, please utilize our online wood and faux wood blind cost calculator for a quick project budget estimate.

0 Comments

Cord Tilt or Wand Tilt for your Wood or Faux Wood Blind?

1/5/2015

2 Comments

Here is something to consider. When purchasing a wood blind or a faux wood blind, should you request a cord tilt or a wand tilt control system? The cord tilt is easier and quicker to use and can snug up the blind without too much effort. Also, the cord tilt almost always lasts longer. The forces exerted on the wand mechanism and wand itself, because of the twisting action, tends to cause more problems and repair costs.

The one big upside to wands is that they can be coupled with a cordless lift system, and as such provide a safer cord free option. Truthfully thought, almost no one purchases a cord free wood blind or faux wood blind - so you have lift cords anyway. Because of this reality, the cord tilt is still our favorite.

But, wands are useful if you are wanting your lift and tilt controls on the same side of the blind. Having both tilt cords and lift cords on the same side of the blind can be a tangled mess - so, maybe, go with a wand in that application - but know this - it is a bit less convenient to use on a daily basis - and is more likely to fail sooner.

Here is what we advise our customers - go with the standard configuration - Tilt Cord Left - Lift Cord Right. Do this on all the windows for which you choose wood blinds or faux wood blinds, and expect years of hassle free beauty and function.

We would love to help you with your wood or faux wood blind project. Also, check out our easy to use wood and faux wood blind cost calculator to help plan your project budget.

2 Comments

Wood Blinds and Increased See-Through

Survey says......Wood Blinds!

The Barrels Inside Your Wood or Faux Wood Blinds

Cord Tilt or Wand Tilt for your Wood or Faux Wood Blind?

Author

Archives

Categories