FAQ: Faux Wood Blinds for Commercial Construction

General contractors ask us the same questions on almost every multifamily and commercial job. Here are straight answers, based on nearly 20 years of supplying and installing faux wood blinds on projects across the country.

Are faux wood blinds a good fit for apartments and other multifamily units?

Yes. Faux wood is the most common blind in multifamily housing for practical reasons. It holds up to daily use, resists moisture in kitchens and baths, cleans easily during turns, and costs less than real wood. It also stays consistent from one production run to the next, which matters when you are dressing hundreds of identical windows.

Why choose faux wood over real wood or aluminum?

Real wood can warp in humid rooms and costs more to replace. Aluminum is inexpensive but dents and reads as a lower grade finish. Faux wood sits in the middle: a clean, substantial look that tolerates the abuse a rental unit takes. For high-turnover properties, it keeps replacement costs down for the owner after you hand the building over.

When in the schedule should blinds be installed?

Blinds go in at the end of interior finishes, after paint, flooring, and trim are complete and the units are clean. Installing earlier invites damage from other trades and overspray. On phased buildings, we plan installs floor by floor or building by building to follow your turnover schedule. Our post on sequencing window treatment installs on multifamily builds covers this in detail.

When should we field measure?

Field measure once window frames are set and drywall returns are finished, so the openings are final. Ordering from plan dimensions is risky. Small variations between units are normal, and a blind that is a quarter inch off either rubs the frame or leaves a light gap. Measuring after the openings are final protects the whole order.

Inside mount or outside mount?

Inside mount gives the cleanest look and is the multifamily standard, but the window needs enough depth for the headrail. Shallow returns, cranks, or alarm contacts can force an outside mount. We confirm depth and obstructions during field measure so there are no surprises on install day.

How long are lead times?

It depends on the supplier. Many faux wood orders run several weeks from order to delivery, and backorders can push that further. Nielsen BSS imports and warehouses faux wood blinds by the container, so standard sizes for most projects ship from our own stock. Read more about commercial blind lead times and how to avoid delays.

Do cordless blinds matter on commercial projects?

Yes. Cordless lift is now the expected standard for multifamily, and it aligns with the ANSI/WCMA A100.1 window covering safety standard. Cordless units also look cleaner and have fewer parts to break during turns. For accessible units, check wand placement and operation against the ADA requirements for operable parts.

What about wide windows and patio doors?

Faux wood is heavier than aluminum, so very wide openings are often split into two or more blinds, sometimes on a shared headrail. Sliding doors are usually better served by a vertical blind or a panel track. We flag these openings during takeoff so the submittal reflects what will actually be installed.

Can you supply only, or install only?

Both. Some contractors want supply and install as one scope. Others have their own crews and only need product delivered on time and in spec. We also install product that others supply. See our wholesale faux wood blinds page and our installation page for how each works.

Should the owner keep attic stock?

We recommend it. A small number of extra blinds in the most common sizes lets property management replace damaged units during turns without a special order. We can package attic stock with the original delivery.

Where can I find a full spec reference?

Our faux wood blinds spec guide for multifamily projects walks through slat size, color, mount, operation, and submittal details in one place. If you have a project coming up, send us the plans and we will help you scope it.

About the author

Troy Nielsen is co-owner of Nielsen Blinds, Shutters & Shades and leads field operations on its commercial and multifamily projects. Connect with Troy on LinkedIn.