I am trying to get wooden venetian blinds for my recessed windows, can I trim the width as they are too wide?

Question

My windows are all recessed and all the widths are different to the standard sizes available. I know you can get custom made blinds but these are too expensive. Can you trim the width of wooden blinds, or do I have to get a specialist?

My windows are not wide enough to take the standard sizes available in wooden blinds in the shops, so I think I would need to cut them down. Is this possible?
I live in the UK so if there are any shops that might offer the service, they would need to have branches in the UK

Answer 1

In my experience with Home depot and Lowes, I have noticed they have the equipment to trim blinds to size.

Not knowing where you purchased yours, I'd advise having it done,,, But certainly it's possible as a DIY.

Prep the job first, Covering the base of each unit to keep it from any contact with a very sharp saw,,,preferably one with fine teeth like a hack saw. Having already marked the top slat, compressing that down onto the others, begin cutting.

One other issue is as important after the fact however, in that each cut should be sanded and finished as the rest of the slat is. That may be important to you,,,OR Not???

I see no reason why you can't accomplish the task, as long as aesthetics aren't a critical concern,,,or you're willing to finish each end cut.

Rev. Steven

Answer 2

You already have several answers so here is my two cents worth. Don't drill into the metal if you don't have too. Mount them on the wall. If you do have to drill, get a brand new bit. It sounds like the one you have may be dull. Buy a good one, even though you won't use it much. You do not need cobalt treated or other top of the line, but they really arn't that much more expensive for one 1/8 bit. I would go to Sears, or a Home Depot kind of place not a harware store. Most hardware stores don't carry the good bits. Drill at high speed. The speed is dependent on the size of the bit. The bigger the bit, the slower you drill. Your bit is very small, use high speed. A drop of oil on the tip of the bit to help cool it isn't a bad idea, but it is probably overkill for this size hole. There are also special bits sold at auto body supply stores. They are 1/8 inch with points on both ends. They are made to cut holes quickly. The hole is not perfect, but you don't need it to be. You will need a sheet metal screw, not a wood screw. Wood screws are not good in metal.

Answer 3

tricky job , but you can do it if your not fussed about a bit of appearance . you'll need to pull the blind together and make sure it'square and take a trim off each end (i.e if it's 20mm too wide ,take 10 mm off either end ) you'll need access to a good panel saw unless you know a chippy that might do it for you on the cheap , or simply do it yourself but as i say make sure it's square and rub it back with sandpaper . good luck .

Answer 4

I believe Home Depot and Lowes will trim them for you (if you purchased them there). They may still do it even if you didn't purchase them there but they may charge you.