Dec 18

The market for mini blinds has expanded well past those traditional aluminum blinds that break, bend, and warp.  A lot of homeowners are now electing to install a 2 inch blind made from  either wood or vinyl to add a nicer touch to a room.

Proving to be cheaper than wooden shutters and  able to allow more light in, these blinds will combine function and design which helps produce a look that everyone will like.  Years ago, the purchase of these two inch blinds would break the bank, although now there are many options available for those on any type of budget.

Keep in mind that there are both pros and cons to choosing either wood or vinyl.  The biggest difference in the material of the two is the price and the color.  Normally, wooden two  inch blinds are a lot more expensive than vinyl blinds, although they are available in more colors.

If you have strained wooden trim and molding around your windows, you should consider adding that specific color to your window treatments. A dark wooden blind or a honey hue wooden window blind can make a big difference when it comes to the look and style of your home.  For a  price, you can create an inspiring look that makes the difference between and alright room and an amazing room.

Always remember that wooden blinds can tend  to a bit lighter than vinyl, so they could be an ideal choice for double or triple windows to prevent bowing in the middle of the blind. Just like vinyl, wooden blinds can be custom cut to fit the exact requirements of your  window.

Vinyl blinds are also a bit less expensive and can easily be mistaken for the wooden variety. If you are choosing a bright white or a soft ivory for your shades, vinyl will be the perfect choice if you are on a budget.  Vinyl blinds are also easier to clean, as water can warp wood or even cause the finish to crack or bubble.

If you are planning to purchase wood or vinyl blinds, you should consider paying a visit to your local supply warehouse.  The selection at most stores can be dramatic, as they offer good prices and a variety of choices.

If your budget isn’t a problem at all, you should look towards a special window treatment shop in your area, where professionals will  come to your home and take care of both the measuring and installation for you.

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Dec 18

Almost all wooden shutters are constructed from a solid hardwood.  This helps to give the shutters the necessary stability for daily usage.  Windows can be a naturally harsh environment, with direct sunlight, fluctuating humidity, and the rapid  change in temperature.

All types of wooden shutters can withstand all of these types of conditions.  Wooden shutters are constructed to withstand harsh climates from the intense heat and sun of the tropics to the  intense cold of the North.  Keep in mind, not all shutters are created equally, as the selection of wood, types of joints, and overall design will determine the quality of the ending product.

In the overall structure of a wooden shutter, the type of wood is very important.  All wood is  chosen based on durability, weight, straightness, length, and overall finishing qualities.  Basswood is one of the best examples, as it builds an exceptional shutter.  Basswood also ranks high in just above every characteristic you could possibly imagine.

The joints of the wood will need to be solid and strong in order to create a long lasting wood shutter.   Finger joints are also important, as they connect two shorter lengths of wood.  The finger joints show through the finish of a  painted shutter and may look poor from the  start for a stained wood shutter.

Having strong joints between stiles and rails will prevent the two components from separating or tearing apart.  The joints should be glued and dowled for the strongest bond and the  best overall performance.

By purchasing wooden shutters, you’ll get  quality shutters at a great price.  Before you buy, do your research on the company and make sure that they know what they are doing.  If you buy from a reputable seller, you’ll get  everything you need for excellent wooden shutters, and instructions on how to install them yourself if you wish.

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Dec 18

The best wood for building interior wooden shutters is basswood.  The tree can be found from Quebec south to Delaware and the Atlantic coast west to Eastern Kentucky with an average height of 65  feet.  Basswood is a renewable resource and careful forest management ensures that the harvesting is done responsibly by balancing the wood growth with wood removal.

Basswood interior shutters are very straight and they also have a fine uniform texture with a very indistinct grain.  The wood machines well and is  easy to work, screws well, glues well, and it can be stained to a smooth finish.

Basswood shutters do not warp, they are lightweight yet very strong, offer uniform grain for a superb stain finish, and they offer superior gluing and finishing properties.

Oak shutters
Oak is a very heavy wood which makes for very heavy window shutters.  Oak interior shutters will add a lot of weight to window jambs, with screws requiring pre-drilling.  They aren’t suitable for painting and the louvers tend to warp over time.

Maple shutters
Maple is heavy like oak and produces interior shutters that are very heavy.  Maple also requires that the window jambs be pre-drilled.  The wood louvers with maple are hard to tension uniformly.

Poplar shutters
Poplar shutters mill and paint very well.  The mineral streaks and green color help make popular wood unsuitable for staining.  For shutters, poplar wood is moderately heavy.  The wood is widely available and less costly, although it also  produces a lesser quality of wood shutter.

Cedar shutters
Cedar wood mills and finishes nicely, although the color varies greatly for staining.  Cedar  is pretty soft and can dent or scratch veryeasily.

For exterior shutters, cedar works very well.  The amazing durability and resistance to decay of  incense cedar makes it perfect for exterior use wherever moisture is presented.  Requiring  long service with very little maintenance,  it’s also hated by bugs!

Alder shutters
Alder is an excellent choice for interior shutters, as the tree is very small.  Tall window shutters using alder wood will require finger joints.

Pine shutters
Pine is a soft wood, with many different species and grades available.

Always remember that there are also poorly  constructed wood shutters that will rank very  low on the scale of quality.  You should always look for a smooth, well sanded surface, thick durable paing, glued and doweled joints, and a  straight light hardwood.  Before you commit to any shutter company, always request a sample so that you know what to expect.

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