What types of WOOD do you recommend for BLINDS that are exposed regularly to sunlight, urban soot, & humidity?
As I live in San Francisco, my windows are normally open year around. Since our foggy, humid weather, direct sunlight and street soot are all major issues, I would like to know what woods would be best to use taking into consideration the cleaning, maintenance and longevity of the window covering?
The manufacturer offers Oak, Ash, Cherry, and Java. --
Thanks for your help!
Answers:
Oak ash and cherry all react poorly to direct sunlight.If I were to pick a domestic I would pick ash,saap ash to keep it as light in color as possible.I have worked extensively with domestics building furniture for 35 years and I always tell my customers to avoid direct sunlight whenever possible.I would recommend asking the manufacturer to give you the phone no. of happy customers in San. Fran.who have experienced the same dilemma. Good Luck!
Other answers:
TEAK
TEAK
Oak or Java depending on your choice.
I would recommend Bamboo. I have them in my office and my bedrooms and am extremely satisfied. I live in extreme heat during the summer and they withstand direct sunlight.No fading and the person that suggested the bamboo to me lives in Seattle. More dampness and moisture than you will ever experience.
The price is about the same as other wood blinds.
Available in different colors and grains. Very attractive.
Hey,
You have three issues:
1.soot (impervious to cleaning products)
2...light (irregular fading/bleaching of wood)
3.humidity (warping-which is rare)
I will add another consideration >the weight and subsequent wear and tear on the nylon cords. Sooooooo regarding:
#1...find a manufacturer which has a catalized finish..this is so very superior to traditional polyurethane finishes with regard to the assorted cleaners people will carelessly use.
#2...the fading/natural bleaching of wood will depend on the side of the house the blinds are on...South having the most hours of light.
#3...humidity should never be an issue if the wood is sealed completely with the finish.
To avoid costly cord replacement, place your hand at the bottom and under when raising them. Give the cords a little help. Wood blinds are very heavy in comparison to metal or plastic. This is an advantage in that wind will not readily blow them out into the room, but the weight always wears the cords out.
Ash wood will be the best. it is also used for furniture. This is a faster growing tree. Oak trees for example and fruit trees are slow growing. With the tremendous influx of illegal immigrants, which may soon end in 150,000,000 additional people in the Western United States, there will be tremendous pressure on natural resources such as lumber. Exhausting the supply of rarer slow growing woods.
Bye,
Mr.Me