Faux Wood Blinds for Multifamily Projects: A Spec Guide
Updated: 6 days ago
Faux wood blinds are the default window treatment in most new multifamily buildings. They hold up to turnover, handle moisture in kitchens and baths, and look the same in unit 101 as they do in unit 540. The spec is where most problems start, though. A vague line like "2-inch blinds at all windows" leaves room for the wrong product, the wrong mount, and a long punch list.
Here is what we recommend GCs, developers, and architects spell out before a project goes to bid.
Slat size and material
Two-inch slats are the standard for apartments. They give good light control and read as a clean, consistent line across a building's facade. Specify faux wood made from co-extruded PVC rather than a foam core or a thin vinyl. Co-extruded slats resist warping and stay straight in rooms that see heat and humidity.
Operation: cordless by default
Specify cordless lift for every unit. It removes exposed lift cords, simplifies resident use, and avoids a common punch item: tangled or uneven cords at turnover. A color-matched tilt wand keeps the operation simple and the look uniform. Cordless lift also lines up with the ANSI/WCMA A100.1 window covering safety standard. For accessible units, check wand location and operation against the ADA requirements for operable parts.
Mount type and depth
Inside mount is cleaner and is what most owners want, but it only works if the window has the depth. Our faux wood needs a minimum of 2-1/4 inches for a full inside mount. Confirm jamb depth on the drawings and in the field. If some openings are shallow, call out an outside mount for those windows in the spec rather than leaving it to the installer to decide on site.
Sizes and oversized openings
Standard faux wood is available up to 96 inches wide and 96 inches tall. Anything larger, such as a sliding door or a wide living room window, needs a decision up front: two blinds on one headrail, a different product, or a roller shade. Flag those openings early so they are priced correctly.
Fire and safety compliance
Many commercial and multifamily projects require window treatments that meet NFPA 701 for flame resistance. Put the requirement in the spec and ask for documentation with the submittal. It saves a scramble when an inspector asks for it.
Moisture and UV performance
Kitchens, baths, and south-facing units are hard on window treatments. Specify product rated for high-humidity and high-heat environments and tested for fade resistance. Ours are rated to 122°F and 90% humidity and tested to 500 hours of UV exposure.
Quantities, attic stock, and turnover
Order a small attic stock, usually a few percent of each common size, for the owner. Blinds are one of the first things replaced at turnover, and matching color and slat profile years later is harder than it sounds. This is also where stocked inventory helps: owners can buy matching product by the box or pallet for make-ready work instead of waiting on a new production run.
Sample spec language
Furnish and install 2-inch faux wood horizontal blinds, co-extruded PVC, white, with cordless lift and color-matched tilt wand, at all unit windows. Inside mount where jamb depth allows a minimum of 2-1/4 inches; outside mount elsewhere as noted. Window treatments to meet NFPA 701. Provide 3% attic stock of each common size.
Frequently asked questions
What size faux wood blind is standard for apartments? Two-inch slats, white or off-white, cordless lift.
Do faux wood blinds hold up in kitchens and bathrooms? Yes. Co-extruded PVC slats resist warping and moisture far better than real wood.
How deep does a window need to be for an inside mount? At least 2-1/4 inches for our faux wood blinds.
Can we buy matching blinds later for turnover? Yes. We stock faux wood in our warehouse and sell by the box, pallet, or container.
Writing a spec or pricing a project? Send us the plans and window schedule and we will price supply, install, or both. Request a Bid
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.
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