Wood blinds, wood shutters, and other genuine hardwood window treatments are a beautiful addition to any space, but they may not be the right choice. Aesthetics is just one factor in choosing between wood or faux wood window treatments. What else should you consider before purchasing your new window treatments?
Wood vs. Faux Wood: What’s the Difference?
Modern faux wood window treatments are almost visibly identical to their wooden counterparts. The significant differences between the two lie in the construction of the materials.
As you might imagine, wood blinds and shutters are made from genuine wood ethically harvested from high-quality forests. The wood is treated, cut down to size, polished, and used to create a set of blinds or shutters. At their core, wood window treatments are made from natural materials.
On the other hand, faux wood window coverings are either constructed with a wood core and high-tech polymer coating or layers of vinyl and PVC. The top layer is typically a high-quality printed image, allowing the material to closely resemble the appearance of genuine wood.
Faux Wood Benefits
Aside from affordability, faux wood blinds and shutters are ideal for those living in hot, humid environments or those with active households. Because the slats are made from composite materials, they are significantly more durable than genuine hardwood.
Many faux wood blinds are specially treated to withstand high temperatures and humidity, making the ideal choice for coastal or riverfront homes or those living in hot environments, like the southern U.S.
This composite material can also endure as much roughhousing as you might need. If you have an active household complete with children and pets, you can trust your faux wood blinds or shutters to look brand new for longer.
Why Choose Wood Blinds?
If aesthetics are your primary concern, then opting for genuine wood window treatments is likely the right choice for you and your home. The only way to achieve the actual appearance of wood is by using wood. As realistic as faux wood blinds appear, there is something about the natural variance of hardwood that makes it irresistible.
With proper care, wood blinds and wood shutters can retain their luster for years to come. While they are a larger investment than their faux wood competitors, genuine wood window treatments can last between 10 and 15 years, compared to 3-5 years for faux wood.
Sustainability
Environmental impact is a large concern for many modern homeowners. Both wood and faux wood blinds and shutters can be sustainable window treatment options.
Making faux wood blinds does not require any lumber to be harvested, helping to reduce deforestation rates. Many composite materials can also be recycled! However, these blinds do not last as long as wood blinds. They need to be replaced much more frequently, leading to more material used to manufacture new sets.
Hunter Douglas relies on ethical harvesting practices to naturally obtain wood while disturbing the environment as little as possible.
Wood and Faux Wood Window Treatments at JC Licht
JC Licht is the go-to window treatment resource for Chicago and the Midwest. We are happy to help you choose between wood or faux wood window coverings and to assist you with all of your home improvement needs, including Benjamin Moore paints, Hunter Douglas window treatments, hardware, and more. Book your in-home consultation today!
No matter the project, you can count on JC Licht to Make it Happen! JC Licht is the preferred provider of Hunter Douglas window treatments for the Midwest and Chicagoland. Contact us today!
