Types of Wood Blinds We Install in Ottawa
Real wood blinds use thin, kiln-dried hardwood slats, most often North American basswood. Basswood is light, straight-grained and takes stain evenly, which is why it is the standard for quality wood blinds.
2-Inch Wood Blinds
The classic slat width. It fits most window recesses, looks proportionate on standard windows and gives good light control with a wand tilt.
2.5-Inch Wood Blinds
Wider slats mean fewer slats, a bigger view when tilted open and a more substantial look. Our usual pick for tall heritage windows and large living rooms.
Cordless Wood Blinds
Wood is heavier than fabric, so the cordless lift matters more here. It keeps the front of the window clean and is the safe choice in family homes.
Stained Finish Wood Blinds
We bring stain samples to your home and match slats and valances to existing trim. Painted whites and greys are available too.
5 Questions to Ask Before Putting Real Wood Blinds in an Ottawa Home
- Is the room humid? Bathrooms and kitchens with a lot of steam are not for real wood. Use faux wood there.
- Do you want inside or outside mount? Inside mount shows off the trim. Outside mount blocks more light. Heritage homes usually go inside.
- Which slat width suits the window? Tall windows look better with 2.5-inch, small windows with 2-inch.
- Cloth tapes or not? Tapes add colour and cover the cord holes. Routless slats are the alternative if you want a plain look with better privacy.
- How wide is the window? Very wide wood blinds get heavy. We may split one opening into two blinds on one valance.
What Stops Ottawa Homeowners From Buying Wood Blinds?
Price shock. Wood is a premium product at $350-$1,200 per window installed. In our opinion, it earns that in rooms with good trim, where a cheap blind would let the whole room down.
Custom vs stock. Stock wood blinds come in set widths and stock colours. Heritage windows are rarely square, so stock blinds rub or leave gaps. Ours are made to measured size and matched stain.
Is motorization worth it? Usually no. Wood is heavy, and motorized wood blinds get expensive. If you want automation, consider shutters or motorized cellular.
Delivery timeline. About 4 weeks, up to 5 for custom stain matches.
How Much Do Wood Blinds Cost in Ottawa?
| Wood blind option | Typical installed price |
|---|---|
| 2-inch basswood, standard window | $350-$600 |
| 2.5-inch basswood, larger window | $500-$900 |
| Tall heritage window with custom stain | $700-$1,200 |
| Bay window (per bay) | See bay window blinds |
All prices are CAD and itemised on every quote. See the full Ottawa rate card.
Will Wood Blinds Warp? Humidity and Sun in Ottawa Homes
In a normal living room, den or bedroom, quality basswood blinds will not warp. Kiln-dried slats with a sealed finish handle Ottawa’s swing from dry January air to humid July just fine. Problems come from constant moisture: a blind right beside a shower, over a sink that steams all the time, or on a window that sweats with condensation every winter morning. In those spots the wood can swell or bow over time. Strong sun can also fade some stains on south-facing windows. That is why we often split a house: real wood in living spaces, faux wood in kitchens and bathrooms, with the same colour so it looks like one set.
Real Wood vs Faux Wood Blinds
Real wood is lighter, richer and takes stain beautifully. It is the choice for heritage trim and rooms where people notice the details. Faux wood is engineered composite PVC. It looks very close from a few feet away, costs less ($220-$700 vs $350-$1,200 per window), and does not mind steam or splashes. Faux wood is heavier, so very wide faux blinds are harder to lift. The honest answer for most Ottawa homes is both: real wood in the living room and den, faux wood blinds in the kitchen and bathrooms.
