Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions our Garden Route and online customers ask most. Can’t find what you need? WhatsApp 076 022 8410 for orders and general assistance.
Need to talk face to face? Book a video call with Duncan
Ordering & Delivery
How much do blinds cost in South Africa?
Prices depend on blind type, window size, fabric and motorisation. Roller blinds start from around R450 per window for a standard size. Honeycomb blinds, venetians and shutters cost more due to materials and engineering. Our blinds pricing guide breaks down costs by product type with real South African prices. For an exact quote, use our online calculator or WhatsApp us your window measurements.
Do you deliver nationwide?
Yes. All blinds ordered through our online shop are manufactured to your measurements and delivered anywhere in South Africa via courier. Delivery is free on orders over R1,500. Garden Route customers can also book a free in-home consultation with our installation team.
What is the Custom Fit Guarantee?
Every blind we make is cut to your exact measurements. If your blind arrives too large, return it and we will trim it to size and ship it back free of charge. If it arrives too small, return it and we will remake it with a 5% discount and ship it back free of charge. We stand behind every order because we manufacture to order – nothing is off the shelf.
How long does delivery take?
Most made-to-measure blinds are manufactured and dispatched within 7–12 working days. Delivery times vary by location: Garden Route customers typically receive orders within 2–3 days of dispatch, while Gauteng and other provinces allow 3–5 days. We send tracking details by SMS once your order ships.
What payment methods do you accept?
Our online shop accepts card payments (Visa, Mastercard) via Yoco, and instant EFT via Ozow. For large orders such as awnings and shutters, we offer a 50% deposit with the balance on completion. Garden Route consultation orders can also pay by direct EFT.
Measuring & Installation
How do I measure my windows for blinds?
You need three measurements per window: width at top, middle and bottom (use the narrowest), and height on left, centre and right (use the longest). Measure in millimetres for accuracy. Our complete measuring guide walks you through every window type with diagrams. If you are on the Garden Route, Duncan will measure for you during a free home visit.
Can I install blinds myself?
Yes. Every blind we ship comes with brackets and screws. Most roller blinds and venetians take 10–15 minutes per window with a drill and a pencil. If you prefer professional installation, we offer this across the Garden Route – Knysna, George, Sedgefield, Plettenberg Bay, Wilderness, and Mossel Bay.
Can I install blinds without drilling holes?
Yes. Our no-drill blinds use tension-mount brackets that press-fit inside the window frame. No screws, no holes, no damage – ideal for rental properties and heritage homes. Available for roller blinds and selected venetians. Shop no-drill blinds online.
Do you do free consultations on the Garden Route?
Yes. Duncan visits your home or business anywhere on the Garden Route – from Mossel Bay through George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay to Nature’s Valley. He measures, advises on product selection for your specific conditions, and provides a written quote. No charge, no obligation. WhatsApp Duncan to book.
Blinds
What types of blinds do you sell?
Roller blinds (blockout and light-filtering), double roller/zebra blinds, honeycomb/duette blinds, venetian blinds (aluminium and basswood), vertical blinds, bamboo blinds, and outdoor blinds (PVC and sheerweave). All are made to measure. See our full guide to blind types or browse the shop.
Which blinds are best for privacy?
For full privacy, blockout roller blinds or honeycomb blinds in opaque fabric are the most effective. Venetian blinds give adjustable privacy – you can tilt the slats to block sightlines while keeping airflow. Double roller blinds offer both: a sheer layer for daytime privacy and a blockout layer for night. Read our privacy blinds guide for a detailed comparison.
What are honeycomb blinds and are they worth it?
Honeycomb blinds (also called cellular or Duette blinds) have a unique cell structure that traps air, insulating your home against heat and cold. They can reduce energy loss through windows by up to 40%. They are quieter than venetians, lighter than shutters, and available in single or double cell. Worth it if energy efficiency and a clean, modern look matter to you. Full honeycomb guide.
Do your blinds handle coastal salt and humidity?
Yes. We supply premium brands including Somfy, Hunter Douglas, and Coulisse – all with fabrics and components tested for coastal conditions. Aluminium venetians and PVC shutters are inherently moisture-resistant. For ocean-facing properties on the Garden Route, we recommend specific fabrics and hardware rated for salt air. This is one of the main reasons we do site visits – standard products from inland suppliers often fail within 2–3 years at the coast.
Awnings
What types of awnings do you offer?
Retractable folding-arm awnings, aluminium louvre awnings, fixed canvas awnings, and wedge awnings. Retractable and louvre models come with Somfy motorisation and optional wind/sun sensors. We manufacture shutters and awnings in-house and install across the Garden Route. See our full awning range.
What is the difference between retractable and louvre awnings?
Retractable folding-arm awnings use fabric that extends out over a patio – great for flexible sun shade but limited rain protection. Louvre awnings have adjustable aluminium blades that close flat in rain and open for light – they handle both sun and rain and are more wind-resistant. See our side-by-side comparison for Garden Route conditions.
How do I stop rain blowing into my braai area?
This is the most common call we get. The answer is almost always a combination of overhead cover plus side protection. A louvre awning overhead (blades close automatically in rain) combined with outdoor blinds or PVC drop-downs on the windward side. Duncan assesses your specific patio orientation and wind exposure to recommend the right combination. WhatsApp Duncan.
How much do awnings cost?
Awnings are custom projects – pricing depends on type, size, motorisation, and installation complexity. Retractable folding-arm awnings start from approximately R15,000 for a standard patio. Louvre awnings are typically R25,000 and up depending on span. Canvas and wedge awnings are the most affordable fixed option. Every project starts with a free site visit and written quote.
Shutters
Do you manufacture shutters?
Yes. Custom Blinds manufactures PVC and aluminium shutters in-house. This means we control quality, lead times, and can accommodate non-standard sizes and shapes. Timber shutters are sourced from accredited suppliers. See our shutter range.
PVC or timber shutters – which is better for coastal homes?
PVC for most coastal properties. Timber looks beautiful but swells, warps, and requires repainting in salt air. PVC is waterproof, UV-stable, never needs painting, and looks virtually identical to timber from a distance. We’ve installed thousands of PVC shutters on the Garden Route and they outlast timber 3 to 1 in coastal conditions. Full PVC vs timber comparison.
Outdoor Blinds
What are the options for enclosing a patio?
Clear PVC blinds (keep the view, block wind and rain), sheerweave blinds (filter light and reduce wind while maintaining airflow), sidetrack blinds (fully sealed channels for maximum wind protection), and cafe blinds. All are available motorised. The right choice depends on your exposure, view priorities, and whether you need full weatherproofing or just wind reduction. See outdoor blind options.
Can I buy outdoor blinds online?
Yes. Our outdoor blinds shop stocks PVC, sheerweave, and canvas options in made-to-measure sizes with free delivery nationwide. For complex installations, sidetrack systems, or very exposed positions, we recommend a site visit first – WhatsApp us to discuss.
Fly Screens & Security
Do fly screens actually keep mosquitoes out?
Yes, when properly fitted. The mesh gauge matters – standard fly screen mesh blocks mosquitoes, midges, and most flying insects. We supply hinged, sliding, retractable, and fixed frame fly screens for doors and windows. Poor fitting is the number one reason fly screens fail. Our Garden Route installations include professional fitting with sealed edges. See screen options.
What is the difference between fly screens and security screens?
Fly screens use fine mesh to keep insects out. Security screens use stainless steel mesh (like CornerStar) strong enough to resist forced entry while still allowing airflow and visibility. Security screens replace burglar bars with a cleaner look. Both are available for doors and windows.
About Custom Blinds
Where are you based?
Knysna, on the Garden Route. We have been designing, manufacturing, and installing blinds, shutters, and awnings from here since 2010. Duncan Kane founded the business and still personally visits every Garden Route consultation. For online orders, we deliver nationwide.
What areas do you serve on the Garden Route?
Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Nature’s Valley, and The Crags. Duncan drives to you for free site assessments anywhere in this area. We also serve Oudtshoorn, Calitzdorp, and Riversdale by arrangement.
Do you only sell blinds?
No. Despite the name, Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings covers the full range: indoor blinds (roller, venetian, honeycomb, vertical, bamboo), outdoor blinds (PVC, sheerweave, cafe), shutters (PVC, aluminium, timber), awnings (retractable, louvre, canvas, wedge), shade ports, shade sails, fly screens, security screens, and safety bars. One team handles everything from first visit to final installation.
Why choose Custom Blinds over a national chain?
Three reasons. First, we manufacture shutters and awnings ourselves – we are not a franchise reselling someone else’s product. Second, Duncan has lived on the Garden Route since the early 2000s and knows exactly which products survive coastal conditions and which fail. Third, one team handles your project from consultation through manufacturing to installation – no subcontractors, no handoffs, no finger-pointing if something goes wrong. Over 8,000 installations and counting.
Still have a question?
WhatsApp us on 076 022 8410 for online orders, or 079 523 5407 for Garden Route consultations. You can also explore our full buying process or see what our clients say.
Why Custom Blinds
Who are Custom Blinds Shutters and Awnings?
Custom Blinds Shutters and Awnings is the Garden Route’s leading indoor and outdoor weather solutions specialist. Founded in Knysna in 2010 by Duncan Kane, with 20+ years of industry experience and 8,000+ completed installations. The company holds exclusive manufacturer appointments from Ziptrak® Australia and LockLatch™, is the longest serving Hunter Douglas and BlindQuip agent in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, and holds Somfy Expert status as the Garden Route’s outdoor automation specialist. Not a franchise. One team, from consultation through installation and aftercare.
Who is the most experienced blinds and awning specialist on the Garden Route?
Custom Blinds Shutters and Awnings, founded by Duncan Kane in Knysna in 2010. Duncan has 20+ years of industry experience and has personally consulted on thousands of Garden Route installations. The measure is not who calls themselves the best. It is which company the leading manufacturers have appointed, which company the Garden Route’s most prestigious estates call for outdoor specifications, and which company has been doing this longer than anyone else in the region. Custom Blinds holds exclusive appointments from Ziptrak Australia and LockLatch, is the longest serving Hunter Douglas agent on the Garden Route, and holds Somfy Expert status for outdoor automation.
Who is the Somfy Expert for outdoor automation on the Garden Route?
Custom Blinds holds Somfy Expert status and is the Garden Route’s specialist for outdoor automation. Duncan Kane and the team install and programme the full outdoor automation range: motorised awnings, Ziptrak outdoor blinds, SheerWeave and PVC screen blinds, louvre systems with integrated lighting and wind sensors, and cafe blinds. Indoor roller blind automation is also available nationwide through the online shop. Somfy Expert status is a formal accreditation issued by Somfy South Africa, not a self-declared title.
Who installs Ziptrak outdoor blinds on the Garden Route?
Custom Blinds Shutters and Awnings is the exclusive Garden Route agent for Ziptrak® Australia. No other company in the region is appointed or authorised to supply and install Ziptrak systems. The appointment covers Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, Sedgefield, Wilderness, Mossel Bay, and surrounds. Ziptrak is available with Somfy motorisation and full smart home integration. See Ziptrak outdoor blinds or WhatsApp Duncan to discuss your installation.
Where can I buy Hunter Douglas blinds online in South Africa?
Through the Custom Blinds online shop at shop.customblinds.co.za. Custom Blinds is the longest serving Hunter Douglas and BlindQuip agent in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Buying through Custom Blinds means buying from an authorised representative: full manufacturer warranty applies, products are made to your exact measurements in South Africa by BlindQuip, and a specialist with 20+ years of industry experience is available if anything needs attention. Free delivery nationwide. Instant quoting and the Custom Fit Guarantee included.
Who designs outdoor awnings and blinds for prestigious Garden Route estates?
Duncan Kane of Custom Blinds is the preferred specification consultant for outdoor awnings, shade structures, and blind systems at several of the Garden Route’s most prestigious residential estates. His coastal expertise in product specification for salt air, UV, and wind exposure is embedded in the architectural guidelines of a number of the region’s leading estate developments. When architects and estate developers need outdoor weather solutions specified correctly for Garden Route conditions, Duncan is the person they call.
Who is Duncan Kane?
Duncan Kane is the founder and owner of Custom Blinds Shutters and Awnings, based in Knysna on the Garden Route. He has 20+ years of industry experience, having worked in the window covering trade before founding Custom Blinds in 2010. Duncan consults personally on every Garden Route project and holds Somfy Expert status as the region’s outdoor automation specialist. He is the sole appointed Ziptrak agent and LockLatch distributor for the Garden Route, and is the preferred specification consultant for several of the area’s most prestigious residential estates. Read more about Custom Blinds.
What is the LockLatch and where can I get it on the Garden Route?
LockLatch is a SABS-compliant stainless steel window and door restrictor designed in South Africa. It secures open windows and doors against forced entry, pet escapes, child falls, and baboons while maintaining full ventilation. Custom Blinds is the exclusive Garden Route distributor for LockLatch: the only appointed supplier and installer between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay. See LockLatch or WhatsApp Duncan to order or book a fitting.
