Which outdoor solution transforms your space?
Every Garden Route home faces different conditions. Choose the scenario that matches yours, and we handle the rest.
What outdoor products are available for Garden Route homes?
- Outdoor blinds enclose stoeps and patios from the sides, blocking wind, rain, and providing privacy. Available in clear PVC, mesh, and canvas fabrics.
- Awnings provide overhead shade. Retractable folding arm, louvred, canvas, and wedge types are manufactured in Knysna for coastal conditions.
- Shade ports protect vehicles and assets with engineered steel and HDPE shade cloth. Custom spans for residential and commercial use.
- Security shutters and screens offer storm, intruder, and insect protection. Aluminium shutters with manual or Somfy motorised operation.
- Many homes combine awnings overhead with outdoor blinds on the sides for complete year-round protection.
For Garden Route homes: book a free consultation or order blinds online.
Awnings
“I want shade over my patio that looks like it was always part of the house”
Explore all awnings →
Outdoor Blinds
“I want to close off my stoep from wind and rain”
Explore outdoor blinds →
Shade Ports
“I need to protect my car, boat or caravan from sun and hail”
Explore shade solutions →
Screens
“I want airflow without the insects or security concerns”
Explore screens →
Security Shutters
“I need storm and intruder protection for my windows”
Explore security →
Not sure which solution fits? Many Garden Route homes need a combination: awnings overhead with outdoor blinds on the sides. Tell us about your space and we recommend the right mix.
| Product | Best For | Key Features | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Blinds | Stoeps, verandas, patios. Wind, rain, and privacy | Clear PVC, sheerweave, side-channel guided, motorised option | Outdoor Blinds → |
| Retractable Awnings | Patios, decks, entertaining. Overhead shade that retracts | Somfy motorised, wind sensors, Canvas and Wedge profiles, 6m+ spans | Retractable → |
| Louvre Awnings | All-weather overhead cover with adjustable light and airflow | Rotating aluminium blades, rain sensor, motorised angle control | All Awnings → |
| Shade Ports | Cars, boats, caravans. Hail and UV protection | HDPE shade cloth, engineered steel, custom spans | Shade Ports → |
| Security Shutters | Windows, doors. Storm and intruder protection | Aluminium shutters, manual or Somfy motorised, powder-coated | Security → |
| Screens | Insect protection, security mesh. Airflow without compromise | Fly screens, stainless steel security mesh, retractable options | Screens → |
Outdoor Blinds
Stoeps, verandas, patios +
Vertical drop-down blinds for stoeps, verandas, patios, braai areas, and balconies. Clear PVC for unobstructed views with full weather protection. Sheerweave mesh for filtered light and airflow. Canvas for privacy and UV block. Side-channel guided for wind resistance, or wire-guided for a cleaner look in sheltered positions. Manual crank, spring-assist, or Somfy motorised operation.
Available in: Knysna · George · Plettenberg Bay · Sedgefield · Mossel Bay
Retractable Folding Arm Awnings
Patios, decks, entertaining +
Overhead shade that extends when you need it and retracts when you do not. Somfy motorised with wind sensors as standard on exposed installations. Projections up to 3 metres, widths of 6 metres or more. Canvas and Wedge profiles manufactured in-house. Full cassette housing recommended for coastal salt and UV exposure. Ideal for patios, decks, pool areas, and restaurant terraces.
Louvre & Fixed Awnings
All-weather adjustable cover +
Aluminium louvred awnings with motorised rotating blades: open for sky and airflow, closed for rain and full shade, or any angle between. Rain sensors close the blades automatically. Patio shade awnings provide fixed overhead coverage with a lower profile. All awning types are manufactured in-house for exact colour matching and coastal specification.
Shade Ports
Cars, boats, caravans +
Engineered steel structures with HDPE shade cloth for cars, boats, caravans, and outdoor work areas. Hail protection, UV block, and custom spans to suit any property layout. Commercial shadeport installations available for businesses, schools, and parking areas across the Garden Route.
Security Shutters
Storm & intruder protection +
Aluminium security shutters for windows and doors. Solid physical security when you are away and storm protection during coastal weather. Manual or Somfy motorised. Powder-coated to specification. Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings is an authorised Somfy expert and partner.
Screens
Fly & security mesh +
Security screens in high-tensile stainless steel mesh: stronger than burglar bars, with full airflow and views. Fly and insect screens in retractable, hinged, or fixed-frame options for doors and windows. Both categories maintain ventilation while keeping unwanted visitors out.
Restaurant & Commercial
Hospitality, businesses +
Outdoor blinds and awnings specified for hospitality and commercial environments. Wind-rated systems, motorised operation for daily use, and branding options on awning fabrics. We work with architects, builders, and restaurant owners across the Garden Route to design systems that extend usable seating area year-round.
Somfy Automation
Smart motorisation +
Motorise outdoor blinds, retractable awnings, louvre awnings, and security shutters with Somfy smart home systems. Wind and sun sensors for autonomous weather response. TaHoma app control, Google Home and Alexa voice integration. Retrofit motors available for existing installations. Custom Blinds is an authorised Somfy partner.
“Every outdoor product we install on the Garden Route is specified for the environment it will face. Salt air, UV exposure, wind gusts, temperature swings, and sudden rain. This is why we manufacture our awnings in Knysna and why we specify marine-grade hardware as standard, not as an upgrade.”
Duncan Kane Founder, Custom Blinds · 20 years experience
Tap your town for local product details and installation information.
Wind exposure and salt conditions vary significantly along the Garden Route. Coastal properties in Knysna and Plett need corrosion-resistant tracks and higher wind-rated fabrics than sheltered inland positions.
Knysna · Plett · Sedgefield · George · Mossel Bay
Awning specifications depend on local wind patterns and sun orientation. George properties face stronger prevailing winds, while north-facing terraces in Wilderness and Sedgefield prioritise UV protection.
George · Plett · Sedgefield · Wilderness · Mossel Bay
Shade port engineering depends on span, wind load, and whether the structure covers vehicles or entertainment areas. Each town page includes local installation details and typical configurations.
Knysna · Plett · George · Sedgefield
Different awning mechanisms suit different spaces. Folding arm awnings extend over open patios, retractable shade awnings cover walkways, and louvre systems give adjustable light and ventilation control.
Retractable · Folding Arm · Wedge · Canvas · Louvre
Drop-down blinds suit straight openings, sidetrack systems lock into channels for wind resistance, and retractable blinds roll away completely when not needed.
Drop-Down · Sidetrack · Patio · Retractable
Guides, comparisons, and buying advice for outdoor blinds, awnings, and shade structures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Products in South Africa
How much do outdoor blinds cost in South Africa? +
Outdoor blind pricing depends on dimensions, fabric type, and operation method. Clear PVC weather blinds cost more than mesh shade blinds. Motorised systems add to the price but extend the product lifespan through consistent operation. The best approach is a site visit where Duncan measures and quotes based on your specific requirements.
What is the difference between outdoor blinds and awnings? +
Outdoor blinds drop vertically to enclose the sides of a space. They block wind, rain, and provide privacy. Awnings provide overhead shade from above. Retractable folding arm awnings extend and retract, while louvre awnings have rotating blades for adjustable cover. Many homes combine both: awnings overhead and blinds on the sides for complete protection.
Can outdoor blinds withstand coastal wind? +
Yes, when correctly specified. Side-channel guided systems handle moderate wind. For exposed positions we use heavier-gauge channels and recommend Somfy motorised operation with wind sensors that automatically raise the blind in strong gusts. Duncan assesses wind exposure during the site visit and specifies accordingly.
Do you install outdoor products throughout the Garden Route? +
Yes. We install from Mossel Bay through George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay. Duncan handles all site visits and our installation team covers the full Garden Route. For holiday homes, we can coordinate installation around your visit schedule.
Can I combine outdoor blinds with awnings? +
Yes, this is one of the most popular setups. A retractable awning provides overhead shade while outdoor blinds on the sides give wind and rain protection. We plan bracket positions so that both products integrate cleanly and can share the same Somfy automation system.
What warranty do outdoor products carry? +
Blinds carry a 5-year warranty. Somfy motors carry a 5-year manufacturer warranty through Somfy South Africa. Awnings manufactured in Knysna and shutters are backed by our own workmanship guarantee. Shade port structures are engineered to local standards with structural certification.
Ready to transform your outdoor space?
Duncan visits every site to assess conditions and recommend the right combination of products.
Custom Blinds® is a Garden Route window covering specialist established in 2010, serving Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, Sedgefield, Wilderness, and Mossel Bay. We design, manufacture, and install outdoor blinds, retractable awnings, louvre awnings, shade ports, security shutters, and screens. Custom Lifestyle Awnings™ are manufactured in Knysna. We are an authorised Somfy expert and partner. Indoor blinds available nationally via shop.customblinds.co.za. Our Custom Fit Guarantee covers every order.
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings — South Africa’s trusted window covering specialists since 2010.
