Why Cheap, Discounted, And Budget Shutters, Blinds, And Shades Are Not Wise Choices For Your Home

Retailers use catch phrases like ‘cheap’ and ‘discount’ to lure consumers. But what does that mean? We’ll explore what you are getting for your money and why for a little more, you get a superior product.

Length of Expected Service - Most every manufacturer offers some version of a Limited Lifetime Warranty. However, getting warranty service when the product fails can be a challenge unless you stick to a reputable manufacturer such as Hunter Douglas and other brand name corporations. Quality window coverings have a typical operating life span of 15-20 years with emphasis on “operating”. The exception is Plantation Shutters that should last 30-50 years or longer depending on exposure and usage. Quality shutters with true hardwood construction and furniture grade paint finishes will deliver the best performance.

Products massed produced in Asia for the Big Box stores have limited life cycles, some as short as 2 years. The UV light from the sun discolors fabrics and causes plastic parts to become brittle, leaving you with a non-operating product that can seldom be repaired. Similarly, off-brand products promoted as cheap, discounted, and budget are labeled this for a reason. After a couple years, you will notice a gradual degradation with no recourse. What’s more, they make your home look cheap! Those Limited-Lifetime warranties will not cover slight changes in shape, color, or broken cords.

Materials And Assembly – A good quality product that contains plastic will have UV inhibitors and stiffeners added to resist deterioration from the sun, cold, and heat. For example, a quality Faux blind will have a minimum 500 hr. UV rating that will stand the test of time. Hunter Douglas WoodMate Faux blinds are the only blind on the market guaranteed for life not to discolor, warp, or fade. For an average of 20% more, you can have the real thing with no worries for life.

Discounted wood blinds are susceptible to warping and bowing. A little known secret is that top manufacturers received the best cured and straightest wood grades with the remainder going to cheap off-brand manufacturers. How do you know if you are dealing with a cheap or discounted blind company? They often have their own private labeled brands offered only by their company or franchise such as the case with internet companies.

Cords are the most problematic component of any window covering. Manufacturers with cheap products route cords using little or no abrasion resistant techniques, shortening the life span considerably. Look for smooth lifting systems that do not bind or sound raspy when operating.

Cutting Corners - In order to get pricing down, cheap blind companies will become very creative. For plantation shutters, the thickness of the panel is scaled back, leaving you with a flimsy product that will warp over time. Another common technique is scaling back sanding and painting. If the finish feels rough, run for the hills! There is not such thing as a quality shutter for under $23 a square foot (as of this writing), so be sure to ask what all is included and examine a sample. The panel thickness should be approximately 1”.

The components in 2” Wood and Faux blinds can be sourced from countries with little or no quality control for a great price. Make sure you examine the headrail and component make-up. Plastic components are not necessarily bad. Look for sharp edges and smoothness of operation. Check to see how cords are routed and if they are making tight bends around plastic components that may create a groove, reducing reliability.

Putting It All Together – For a little more money, you can get purchase premium window covering products with warranties that actually work for you. Don’t throw money away on limited life span products that end up costing you more 3 years down the road in replacement expense. Nothing cheapens the look of a home more than cheap window coverings!

Are your window treatments outdated or not adding to the glamour of your home? Call our Hunter Douglas Gallery® Certified Design Team today! (919) 380-0898 or Sales@Tripleablind.com.