Wood vs. Bamboo Window Treatments

While some products may look the same, wood and bamboo window treatments are wildly different. Before you choose, we at Budget Blinds of Tempe and Central Phoenix wanted to go over the differences between wood and bamboo so you can find the right window treatment for your home. 

Let’s get started!

Bamboo Window Treatments

You probably know bamboo as the stuff pandas eat, right? While that’s definitely one use for it, bamboo is also a great building material. You can create flooring, furniture, household items, and even window treatments from it. 

This is, in part, due to how quickly it grows and how durable it is. On the growth side, bamboo is much more sustainable than wood for mass production. In fact, some species of bamboo can grow to full size in just 3-4 months, compared to standard trees which can take 10-30+ years to grow. 

Durability 

Bamboo window shades are exceptionally sturdy. After all, bamboo is nicknamed “the green steel” for a reason! It takes a lot to puncture them, and they’re not prone to scratches, water damage, or warping. 

Furthermore, bamboo window treatments do an excellent job of handling continual sunlight exposure. They will fade over time, but it is slower than their wood counterparts. 

Privacy

Unfortunately, they’re not great with privacy or blocking out light. Most bamboo window treatments will need to be lined. If you line the shades, you won’t see it from the interior of your home, but you may notice it if you’re outside, looking in. You can match the color of the shade with the liner, however, to make it less noticeable. 

Adding a liner isn’t a bad thing either! It protects your investment and the inside of your home better than a standalone bamboo shade. 

Affordability

If you’re on a tight budget, bamboo shades are considerably more affordable than wood. This is, in part, due to how quickly it grows! They are mid-tier in pricing — not the most expensive, but not the cheapest option available. Our design consultants can walk you through the pricing and can help find some that fit your style and your budget. 

Why Choose Bamboo Window Treatments? 

Roll-up bamboo shades also do exceptionally well for windows of all sizes because they’re very airy and light! You don’t have to worry about them being too heavy for larger windows — like shutters can be — or too bulky for smaller windows, like wood blinds can be. The best part? You’ll achieve the same warm style as both shutters and wood, but for a fraction of the cost. 

Woven Wood Window Treatments

Woven wood shades aren’t quite wood and they’re not quite bamboo either. They're made from woven jute. They are a beautiful way to add texture and update your windows and home decor without paying the same price as you would for wood blinds. 

They also offer different levels of privacy and opacity depending on its weave. The thicker the weave, the more privacy you will have, which means you may be able to avoid adding a liner to them. However, this means it’s even more important to get a few samples of woven wood first, so you know exactly what to expect when it’s installed in your home. Our expert design consultants can get you set up. 

However if privacy is your top concern, we recommend getting a liner regardless of the weave. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry! 

Eco-Friendly

Because they are partially made of jute, woven wood is extremely eco-friendly. Almost all woven wood shades are recyclable too! 

Fully Customizable 

Like bamboo shades, woven wood shades can fit into any size window. They’re very versatile, so if you need them in a funky shape, they can fit it! They’re also significantly lighter than wood, so fitting onto larger windows isn’t a problem either. 

They beat bamboo out with their color options. You’re not locked into shades of brown with woven wood, as you may expect from the name. So whether you’re a fan of lighter tones or darker shades, you’ll find something you can love. 

The Finished Product May Not Look Like the Sample

Woven wood shades aren’t for everyone. They are man-made. While this does come with some pluses, such as added durability and the fact they’re easy to clean, it also means that your window treatments won’t look exactly the same as the sample you saw. You likely won’t get the same texture, the same tones in the weave, and the color might vary slightly. 

This is common for most wood products, unfortunately, but is more noticeable with woven wood materials. 

Wood Window Treatments

Wood blinds are a fantastic option for rooms that lack architectural interest. They create a statement piece with little effort on your part. On top of that, they’re elegant, warm, inviting, and come with a “built-in” look that most window treatments lack. The warmth of the wood, whether you choose blinds or shutters, adds a new level of dimension to any room. They’re really a piece of art. 

However, wood window treatments are a bit harder to maintain, heavy, and can be pricey. They don’t do well in rooms with a lot of moisture and are not ideal for larger windows due to their weight. If that doesn’t concern you, then everything else that comes with them is a plus! 

Durability

Wood window treatments are built to last. They’re durable, but because they are wood, they will warp and expand when exposed to humidity and moisture. Avoid putting them in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms to ensure they last a long time. 

Cleaning them is a breeze. Simply dust them or wipe them down with a wood polish every week or so. Avoid using water on them! 

Unmatched Beauty and Timeless Style

Wood will always be in style because of the beauty, variety, and depth it brings to a home. The uniqueness of the grain and the unlimited choices of stains (or paints) is very attractive to many homeowners. We don’t blame them either! Nothing can compare to the beauty of real wood in a home.

Locally Sourced Wood

Our wooden blinds are sourced from 100% North American hardwoods from certified and domestic forests, you know you’re doing your part in helping sustain our natural resources.

We hope this blog helps you decide which natural material is right for your home! If not, our design consultants can help (for free!). Just give us a call!