Awnings in Knysna
Your patio faces the lagoon. The afternoon sun hits hard. The berg wind picks up without warning. The right awning solves all three problems at once, and it does it quietly, every single day.
Where can I get awnings installed in Knysna?
- Custom Blinds Shutters and Awnings is the Garden Route’s leading independent awning specialist, serving Knysna since 2010
- Awning types available include louvred aluminium, retractable folding arm, retractable patio shade, and canvas wedge awnings
- All aluminium louvred awnings are manufactured by internationally accredited firms with local production facilities
- Canvas and wedge awnings are manufactured in-house at Custom Blinds
- Motorisation available through Somfy, Tuya, and Motion automation with integrated wind and sun sensors
- Areas served include Thesen Island, Simola, Leisure Isle, Belvidere, Brenton, Fernwood, Rexford, and the greater Knysna area
- Free on-site consultations with measuring, design advice, and obligation-free quotations
Speak to Duncan directly: Call 079 523 5407 or WhatsApp
TLDR
Custom Blinds designs, supplies, and installs awnings across Knysna. Louvred aluminium for full weather control, retractable folding arm for flexible shade, canvas wedge for permanent cover. All engineered for coastal conditions. One team handles everything from consultation to installation.
How it feels
You bought the house for the view. But between November and March, you can barely sit outside after 2pm. The glare is blinding. The furniture fades. The patio becomes a no-go zone on days you want to use it most.
An awning changes the equation entirely. Suddenly the patio works in full sun, in light rain, in gusting wind. You stop checking the weather before making plans. You just walk outside.
“People think an awning is just about shade. But when I do site visits in Knysna, the conversation is always about wind. The lagoon funnels it. The berg brings it. The right awning handles both.”
Duncan, Custom Blinds — 15 years installing across the Garden Route
Why Custom Blinds
One Team, Start to Finish
No subcontractors. No middlemen. Duncan visits your site, takes measurements, discusses options, and the same team that builds your awning installs it. If anything needs adjusting six months later, you call the same number.
15+
Years on the Garden Route
Established 2010. We know the wind patterns, the salt exposure, and the building styles of every Knysna suburb.
8,000+
Installations
Blinds, shutters, and awnings across George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and the wider Garden Route.
1
Point of Contact
From first call to final installation. Duncan manages your project personally.
How It Works
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Awning Types Available in Knysna
Every Knysna property has different exposure, different architecture, and different priorities. Here are the four awning systems we install, and what each one does best.
Louvre (Louver) Awnings in Knysna
Adjustable aluminium blades rotate from fully open to fully closed. Control sun, rain, and airflow from a single system. Motorised options with integrated rain and wind sensors retract automatically when conditions change. Built for permanent structures and high-wind sites like Simola and Fernwood.
Retractable Folding-Arm Awnings in Knysna
Extend when you need shade, retract when you want open sky. Ideal for patios, stoep areas, and restaurant frontages where flexibility matters. Available with manual crank or Somfy motorisation. Fabric options from acrylic canvas to weather-rated mesh.
Retractable Patio Shade Awnings in Knysna
A fabric roof that retracts along guide rails. Covers large spans and works well on existing pergola or beam structures. Excellent for shading pool decks, braai areas, and entertainment spaces across Thesen Island and Leisure Isle properties.
Canvas and Wedge Awnings in Knysna
Manufactured in our own factory. Fixed canvas awnings provide permanent shade over windows, doorways, and shopfronts. Wedge-style awnings suit commercial premises and restaurants. Custom colours and branding available. Proven at establishments like Bosun’s Restaurant on the Knysna Waterfront.
Comparing Awning Types for Knysna Conditions
Knysna’s climate is unique on the Garden Route. You get the berg wind from the north, the south-easter off the sea, afternoon thunderstorms in summer, and salt air year-round. Not every awning handles all of that. This table shows what each system does well and where its limits are.
| Feature | Louvred Aluminium | Folding Arm | Patio Shade | Canvas / Wedge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rain protection | Full — blades close flat | Partial — fabric sheds light rain | Partial — depends on pitch | Full — fixed angle |
| Wind rating | High — engineered frame | Moderate — retract in strong wind | Moderate — retract in gusts | High — fixed structure |
| Adjustable light | Yes — blade angle control | No — open or closed | No — open or closed | No — fixed |
| Motorisation | Yes — Somfy with sensors | Yes — Somfy optional | Yes — motor driven | No — manual |
| Best for | Year-round outdoor living | Flexible patio shade | Large deck or pool areas | Shopfronts, fixed windows |
| Coastal durability | Excellent — powder-coated aluminium | Good — marine-grade arms | Good — stainless fittings | Good — UV-treated canvas |
| Manufactured by | International accredited factory | International accredited factory | International accredited factory | Custom Blinds in-house |
Why Knysna Properties Need Engineered Awnings
Knysna is not like Johannesburg or Cape Town. The conditions here are specific, and they test materials in ways that generic products are not built for.
Salt corrosion is constant. Properties on Thesen Island, Leisure Isle, and the waterfront get direct salt-laden air. Untreated steel components rust within months. Every awning we install in Knysna uses either powder-coated aluminium or marine-grade stainless steel fixings as standard.
Berg wind comes in suddenly from the north, particularly in autumn and spring. Gusts can exceed 80 km/h. Retractable awnings need wind sensors that trigger automatic retraction. Louvred systems are engineered with structural frames rated for sustained wind loads.
UV exposure along the Garden Route is severe. Canvas and fabric awnings use solution-dyed acrylic that resists UV degradation for 8 to 10 years. Aluminium does not degrade at all.
If you are comparing suppliers, ask about their wind rating, their fixing materials, and whether they have installed in exposed coastal positions before. We have done hundreds across Knysna, George, and Plettenberg Bay.
“I always tell Knysna clients: do not buy the cheapest awning. Buy the one that is still working in five years. We fix a lot of other people’s installations.”
Duncan, Custom Blinds — on-site across Knysna, George, and Plettenberg Bay
Motorisation and Smart Control
Manual awnings work. But motorised awnings work better, especially in Knysna where weather changes quickly. A Somfy-powered awning with integrated sensors will retract automatically when wind exceeds your set threshold, and extend again when conditions settle. No app checking. No running outside.
We install Somfy, Tuya, and Motion automation systems. Somfy is the global standard for awning control. Tuya integrates with broader smart home setups. Motion offers a cost-effective wireless option. All three work with louvred and retractable folding arm awnings.
Read more about blind and awning automation on the Garden Route.
Awnings for Restaurants and Guesthouses
Knysna’s hospitality sector relies on outdoor dining. From the waterfront to the N2 corridor, restaurants and guesthouses need shade solutions that protect guests without blocking views. Our canvas wedge awnings have been installed at Bosun’s Restaurant and similar Knysna Waterfront establishments.
For larger venues, louvred awnings allow flexible seating year-round. Close the blades during summer rain, open them on clear evenings. Custom branding and colour matching are available on all canvas products.
See our guide to outdoor blinds and awnings for restaurant dining.
The investment
What You Get Back
Usable Space
Your patio becomes a room you use every day, not just on overcast days.
Lower Heat Load
Shading glass doors reduces indoor temperatures by up to 8 degrees, cutting air conditioning costs.
Property Value
A well-designed outdoor living area is one of the highest-return upgrades in the Garden Route property market.
Longevity
Aluminium louvred awnings last 15 to 20 years. Canvas awnings 8 to 10 years. Proper materials pay for themselves.
Outdoor Blinds in Knysna
Knysna patios face a unique combination of south-easterly wind off the lagoon and salt-laden air. Outdoor blinds on the windward sides of your patio complete the protection that an overhead awning starts. PVC, sheerweave and sidetrack configurations are all popular in Knysna depending on exposure and view requirements.
Clear PVC keeps your lagoon or forest view while blocking wind completely. Sheerweave softens the glare off the water while reducing wind. Sidetrack and Ziptrak blinds lock into channels for a complete seal on exposed decks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Awnings in Knysna
How much do awnings cost in Knysna?
Pricing depends on the type, size, and motorisation. Canvas wedge awnings are the most affordable option. Retractable folding arm awnings sit in the mid-range. Louvred aluminium awnings are the premium choice with full weather protection. Contact Duncan on 079 523 5407 for a free on-site quotation.
Which awning is best for wind in Knysna?
Louvred aluminium awnings are the strongest option. They are fixed-frame structures engineered for sustained wind loads. For retractable awnings, we recommend Somfy motorisation with wind sensors that automatically retract the awning when wind exceeds a safe threshold.
Do you install awnings on Thesen Island?
Yes. We regularly install awnings, outdoor blinds, and shutters on Thesen Island, Leisure Isle, and waterfront properties throughout Knysna. All fixings are marine-grade to handle the salt air exposure.
Can awnings be motorised?
Yes. Louvred, folding arm, and patio shade awnings can all be motorised. We install Somfy, Tuya, and Motion systems. Somfy is the most popular choice, offering wall-switch, remote, and app control with integrated wind and sun sensors. Read our automated outdoor solutions guide.
What is the difference between a louvred awning and a retractable awning?
A louvred awning is a permanent aluminium structure with adjustable blades that rotate to control light, rain, and airflow. A retractable awning uses fabric that extends and retracts along arms or rails. Louvred awnings offer full weather protection. Retractable awnings offer flexibility and open-sky access. See our detailed comparison of outdoor blinds vs awnings.
Do you also install outdoor blinds in Knysna?
Yes. Many clients combine awnings with drop-down outdoor blinds for side protection. Awnings cover the top, outdoor blinds close the sides. Together they create a fully enclosed outdoor room that works in any weather. See our complete guide to outdoor blinds, awnings and shutters.
How long does installation take?
A canvas or wedge awning can typically be installed in a single day. Retractable folding arm awnings take one to two days depending on motorisation. Louvred awning projects usually run two to three days including structural mounting and electrical connections.
Ready to Start?
Duncan will visit your Knysna property, measure up, and recommend the right awning for your space, your views, and your conditions.
Also in Knysna — one team, every product
Outdoor Blinds Knysna — PVC and mesh patio blinds for lagoon living
Shadeports Knysna — Vehicle and boat shade structures
Shade Sails Knysna — Tensioned shade sails for pools and play areas
Knysna hub page — all Knysna services at a glance
Somfy Automation — motorise any product, accredited installer
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Custom Blinds Shutters and Awnings is an independent Garden Route business. Product availability, specifications, and lead times may vary. All awning installations include a site assessment. Images show completed installations and may not represent exact product configurations. Contact us for current options and pricing.
