How Well Do Wood Blinds Hold Up?

Good, Better, Best

• The blind manufacturing industry relies on product specifications to update and educate consumers with details about their products. For a clear understanding of wood blind differences, such as the materials used or the thickness gauge, use product comparison tools provided by blind manufacturers to determine how well a particular brand will hold up. Don't let price guide your final decision when it comes to choosing wood blinds. Expect your wood blinds to last for many years if the right product is chosen for the job, such as opting for the warp-resistant features found in wood composition blinds if you have a large window that receives extreme afternoon heat. Determine how many years you plan on keeping the blinds in your windows and base your purchasing decision on the product warranty, customer satisfaction ratings and desired features.

Details That Matter

• How well a wood blind holds up depends on several factors. The materials used for the slats affects how well a blind stacks up against factors like warping and fading. Another factor is the operating mechanism, including the cord lifts and cord locks, which can range from plastic fittings to heavy-duty metal internal components, or a combination of both. Equally important are details such as the thickness gauge, slat distances and bottom rail details. Finally, consider the warranty and steer away from brands that don't offer at least a one-year replacement warranty if the product fails to perform correctly. Wood blinds should be somewhat trouble-free, except under certain circumstances, such as direct water exposure. A good warranty gives you protection from early replacement. Beyond warranty limits, consider the reputation of the company that sells you the blinds.

Optional Features

• Consider the difference in wood blinds when seeking features like decorative tapes, wood valances or unusual finishes, such as tortoise shell. Premium wood blinds include options for slat profiles and slat width sizes, as well as remote control options, and custom stain and finish options that compare to the look of custom shutters and fine furniture finishes, such as black lacquer.

  If you are planning to layer wood blinds beneath other window coverings, such as traversing draperies panels, it is important that your wood blinds stand up to daily use while providing options for light and privacy control. Check the differences in a variety of wood species to help achieve the desired look, such as comparing wood grains on cherry, oak and maple wood blinds.

Bottom Line Blinds

• A common problem with inferior wood blinds is slat warping and mechanism failures, followed by cracking and chipping. These problems will age your wood blinds quickly and can create annoying gaps that allow light and weather extremes to leak into your room, as is the case with warped slats or inadequate cord tension.

  Within the category of wood blinds, there is a wide range of choices to consider, including wood veneers, solid wood, wood alternative, composition and recycled wood blinds. Some choices have clear advantages over others, but the lines can often blur when slat thickness or overall window size enter the picture. A sound consumer guideline is to place your order during factory-authorized sales events to purchase the best-rated blind you can afford at the lowest available price and make sure the warranty measures up to your expectations.ars.