Basswood Or PVC? How to Choose Your Blind Materials

If you are looking for new panel shutters, you will, we hope, be impressed with the quality and appearance of the different products on our website. But you may be wondering what materials to go for.

A choice between basswood and polyvinyl (PVC) panels is certainly a good one to have between two very durable and high-quality materials. But what are their relative qualities?

Basswood is a hardwood with a light colour, smooth texture and fine grain. Timberblogger describes it as a “lightweight yet durable wood that is often favoured by woodworkers and craftsmen for its unique qualities.” 

More specifically, it is easy to carve and shape and is well suited to being used in furniture, cabinets and panels – in short, just what you would need in blinds. While not the most durable wood, it is light in weight, which is a highly desirable quality for a moveable and flexible window covering. It is easy to paint as well.

Polyvinyl, or PVC, is a form of plastic with a very wide range of applications. Durable and long-lasting, it is waterproof, a good insulator and has long been used as an alternative to wood as a material in windows and doors, as well as shutters.

The British Plastics Federation stated: “Unplasticised PVC is one of the stiffest polymers at normal ambient temperature and shows little deterioration after many years in service.”

Overall, what this means is that the PVC panels will have the edge in durability while still offering high quality, lasting for many years and providing good insulating qualities.

Basswood will provide a more natural look with its fine grain and may fit well with a general décor with a lot of wood. Like any wood, it is a good insulator.

This goes to show that there is plenty of choice and quality on offer, ensuring you can find the best shutters to suit your home and its decor.