Have you ever wondered what type of wood is used in the manufacture of wood blinds?  Well, it depends on the price point and fabricator.  Many of the cheaper brands use Paulownia or Popular both of which grow faster, are less expensive and can be harder to work with.  They take stain well but the finished product lacks the classic character of better hardwoods.

We prefer manufacturers who fabricate their wood blinds using Basswood.  According to wood-database Basswood is, "in the Tilia genus species and is usually referred to as either Lime or Linden in Europe, while  in North America it’s most commonly called Basswood.  Basswood is an ideal wood for  many woodcarvers. Its soft, fine, even texture make it easy to work with, while its pale, inconspicuous color doesn’t detract from the carved patterns of the finished product (which also makes it easier to paint and color). Though Basswood has high initial shrinkage, the wood is stable in service after it has been dried. And though the wood is both lightweight and soft, it has an outstanding MOE-to-weight ratio."

It is these combination of factors that causes Basswood to rise to the top of the value proposition for your wood blind choice.

Would you like to incorporate the vale and beauty of Basswood blinds into your decor?  If so, then we would love to help you.  Also, for a rough idea of what your project might cost, check out our online wood and faux wood blind calculator. 

A custom blind is one which is manufactured to specific window measurements generally measured to the nearest 1/8".  A custom wood or faux wood is specifically fabricated to your specific design options.  For instance, you will selected a color which works in your space, you will select the type and quality of the material, you will choose control sides and type, you will choose a valance type, etc.  Do you want this type of control over the look and feel of your interior design?

Additionally, most windows are all different sizes, so for a truly custom look the width and length must be made to that specific window.  This is where the cut-down wood and faux wood blinds do not compare.  The sizes are generalized to work close enough and the lengths are standardized.  This means your wood blind will either be just a tad short or else have a stack of slats at the bottom of your sill. Slats can be removed by hand but doing so is surprisingly difficult and back breaking work.  Also, cut-down wood and faux wood blinds are angling to be cheap option and as such the materials and parts used are the cheapest that can be found.

Sure, custom wood and faux wood blinds cost a few dollars more, but the look, durability, and customization far outweighs the slightly higher price tag - in out humble opinion.

Would you like to go to the next level with your wood or faux wood blinds?  If so, then we would love to help you.  Also, for a rough idea of what your project might cost, check out our online wood and faux wood blind calculator.

Try a Google search of  “cat vs. blind” and you’ll see lots of videos of cats doing things to blinds that neither blind nor animal were designed for.  These videos make for a high video hit rate – but when your cat is destroying your blinds, it’s not very entertaining! Cats love to mess with blinds because they have so much to offer your feline friend. Think about it: access to a window on the world.  Don't even get us started on drapery and cats. A cat with claws will turn your expensive drapery fabric into a hair covered rag hanging from a decorative rod. All great fun for the cat, but dang that hurts the wallet.

If you have a feline wandering about with blind mischief on its mind your might want to consider faux wood binds.  Now, keep in mind, no window covering is perfect if the animal decides to scratch and gnaw relentlessly, but faux wood is fairly durable, somewhat flexible, easy to clean, and worst case scenario - not terribly expensive to replace here or there.

So, if you have a frisky feline that wants to turn thousands of dollars of fabric window covering into a climbing play toy, consider the simple, clean, affordable functionality of faux wood blinds. Just sayin!

Would you like to increase you chances of your blinds surviving the next cat attack?  If so, then we would love to help you.  Also, for a rough idea of what your project might cost, check out our online wood and faux wood blind calculator.

Above, please kindly enjoy some pictures of a recent faux wood blind installation.  In this vacation home, we removed some old mini blinds with lightweight fabric valances and replace them with modern white smooth 2" faux wood blinds.  The removal of the old fabric valances added profoundly to the look as the new faux wood blind valances created a crown molding look on the top portion of the window with 1/2" returns to the wall. However, the high end fabric valances in the master bedroom were retained, as they had a lovely leather accent.

This lucky vacation homeowner can expect less dust collection because of the fabric removal and better heat and cold control.  This is due to the fact that the faux wood blinds provide far better insulation against the elements while the mini blinds acted as a radiator of heat and cold in each window.

Would you like some really high quality wood or faux wood blinds for your vacation home?  If so, then we would love to help you.  Also, for a rough idea of what your project might cost, check out our online wood and faux wood blind calculator.