Do wood blinds warp in the sun? The simple answer is – it depends on the composition of the blinds used. In this regard, there are three main categories of wood blinds; real wood blinds, composite wood blinds and faux wood blinds. Some of these blinds withstand sunlight and are more resistant to moisture than others, giving them different characteristics.

Do Wood Blinds Warp in the Sun

There are many different types of blinds available, but wood is the most popular. Here is a breakdown of what to expect of wood blinds.

1. Real/Natural Wood Blinds

These are blinds made purely from wood that has not been chemically altered. Some examples of wood used to create these blinds include natural hardwoods such as Oak, Basswood and Cherry.

Generally, natural wood blinds are the most resistant to direct sunlight and heat and therefore do not warp in these extreme conditions.

However, this is not always the case. What makes some natural wood blinds more effective than others is the type of hardwood used and the drying process they undergo. Since hardwoods naturally contain moisture, they need to be optimally dried for the best results.

In order to get the best natural wood blinds always inquire about the quality of wood used by the manufacturer and the manufacturer’s reputation.

Based on customer feedback, blinds made from basswood or North American hardwood are the most durable and the most resistant to warping when exposed to sunlight.

That said; these blinds are not suitable for rooms where sunlight is likely to cause high humidity. This is because the wood needs to remain dry to prevent changes that can result in its deformity. It is therefore not suitable for laundry rooms, washrooms and kitchens.

2. Composite Wood Blinds

These are blinds made from polystyrene, plastic resins, wood pulp, and synthetic PVCs. Although wood is used to form these blinds, it is not the main component. Instead, plastic is at the heart of composite wood blinds.

While blinds in this category are sturdy, when exposed to excessive sunshine they are more susceptible to warping due to their high plastic component.

To minimize this likelihood, it is best to avoid dark colored slats since they absorb the most heat. Instead, choose off-white or plain white slats as these tend to be very good heat reflectors.

Also, since plastic is highly resistant to moisture, excessive heat that results in high humidity will not affect them.

3. Faux Wood Blinds

These are blinds made from Vinyl material/PVC and resemble natural wooden slats. Like composite wood blinds their primary constituent is plastic. This makes them highly susceptible to warping especially in extreme temperatures. Specifically, they tend to become pliable when temperatures exceed 55 degrees Celsius.

Like composite wood blinds, they are unaffected by high humidity caused by excessive sunlight.

Conclusion

If you're looking for wood blinds that are resistant to warping start by considering the rooms, you intend on using the blinds. Gauge the level of direct sunlight exposure, the peak temperatures and the humidity. Once you have analyzed these factors it is easier to choose one of the three blinds that will best complement your rooms. So, do wood blinds warp in the sun? Yes, wood blinds can warp in the sun. However, if you do your due diligence you should be able to find wood blinds that remain sturdy throughout.