Get a quoteQuote

Outdoor Living Solutions

Outdoor blinds, awnings and shutters compared

Awnings, outdoor blinds, shutters, shadeports and screens for Garden Route homes. The right solution by space, climate and budget. Complimentary estimates.

Garden Route installation
01

Which outdoor solution transforms your space?

Every Garden Route home faces different conditions. Choose the scenario that matches yours, and we handle the rest.

★★★★★ Rated 5 stars · Read our reviews

Quick Answer

What outdoor products are available for Garden Route homes?

  1. Outdoor blinds enclose stoeps and patios from the sides, blocking wind, rain, and providing privacy. Available in clear PVC, mesh, and canvas fabrics.
  2. Awnings provide overhead shade. Retractable folding arm, louvred, canvas, and wedge types are manufactured in Knysna for coastal conditions.
  3. Shade ports protect vehicles and assets with engineered steel and HDPE shade cloth. Custom spans for residential and commercial use.
  4. Security shutters and screens offer storm, intruder, and insect protection. Aluminium shutters with manual or Somfy motorised operation.
  5. Many homes combine awnings overhead with outdoor blinds on the sides for complete year-round protection.
Louvred awning installation by Custom Blinds on Garden Route patio

Overhead shade

02

What awnings does Custom Blinds offer?

“I want shade over my patio that looks like it was always part of the house”

Patio Shade · Retractable · Louvred · Canvas · Wedge

Explore all awnings →

Side enclosure

03

What outdoor blinds suit the Garden Route?

“I want to close off my stoep from wind and rain”

Clear PVC · Sheerweave · Canvas · Side-track guided

Explore outdoor blinds →

Vehicle & asset cover

04

When does a shadeport make sense?

“I need to protect my car, boat or caravan from sun and hail”

Shade Ports · Commercial

Explore shade solutions →

Insect & security

05

Screens

“I want airflow without the insects or security concerns”

Fly Screens · Security Mesh · Retractable

Explore screens →

Protection

06

Security Shutters

“I need storm and intruder protection for my windows”

Aluminium Shutters · Manual · Somfy Motorised

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.

At a Glance

How do outdoor products compare?

ProductBest ForKey FeaturesExplore
Outdoor BlindsStoeps, verandas, patios. Wind, rain, and privacyClear PVC, sheerweave, side-channel guided, motorised optionOutdoor Blinds →
Retractable AwningsPatios, decks, entertaining. Overhead shade that retractsSomfy motorised, wind sensors, Canvas and Wedge profiles, 6m+ spansRetractable →
Louvre AwningsAll-weather overhead cover with adjustable light and airflowRotating aluminium blades, rain sensor, motorised angle controlAll Awnings →
Shade PortsCars, boats, caravans. Hail and UV protectionHDPE shade cloth, engineered steel, custom spansShade Ports →
Security ShuttersWindows, doors. Storm and intruder protectionAluminium shutters, manual or Somfy motorised, powder-coatedSecurity →
ScreensInsect protection, security mesh. Airflow without compromiseFly screens, stainless steel security mesh, retractable optionsScreens →

The Full Range

Every outdoor product, explained

01

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

02

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.

Explore Retractable Awnings →

03

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.

Explore All Awnings →

04

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.

01

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.

Explore Security Shutters →

02

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 and commercial outdoor blinds and awnings

Hospitality, businesses +

Outdoor blinds and awnings specified for hospitality and commercial environments. Track-guided 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.

Explore Automation →

“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

Available in Your Area

We install across the Garden Route

Tap your town for local product details and installation information.

Knysna Awnings · Outdoor Blinds · Shadeports
Plettenberg Bay Awnings · Outdoor Blinds · Shadeports · Automation
Sedgefield Outdoor Blinds · Awnings · Shadeports · Shutters
George Awnings · Outdoor Blinds · Shadeports · Shutters
Mossel Bay Outdoor Blinds · Awnings

Outdoor Blinds by Town

Wind exposure and salt conditions vary significantly along the Garden Route. Coastal properties in Knysna and Plett need corrosion-resistant tracks and a fabric specified for the position, unlike sheltered inland positions.

Awnings by Town

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.

Shade Ports by Town

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.

Awning Types

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.

Outdoor Blind Types

Drop-down blinds suit straight openings, sidetrack systems lock into channels for wind resistance, and retractable blinds roll away completely when not needed.

From the Blog

Guides, comparisons, and buying advice for outdoor blinds, awnings, and shade structures.

Outdoor Blinds

Awnings

Shade & Comparisons

Outdoor Living & Automation

10,000+

Installations

2010

Established

20

Years Experience

100%

Independent

07

Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Products in South Africa

01

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 design consultation where Duncan quotes based on your specific requirements.

02

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.

03

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 app and remote control. Duncan assesses wind exposure during the site visit and specifies accordingly.

04

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.

05

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.

08

Outdoor blinds and awnings questions

Do you charge for quotations?

No. Estimates and consultations are complimentary. Send through your dimensions and a few photos on WhatsApp and we will prepare your estimate, or share your building plans for larger projects. If you are happy to proceed, we come out and do the final measurements. Larger projects include a design consultation with Duncan Kane, at your home in Knysna and Plett, by photos and video further afield.

09

Ready to transform your outdoor space?

20 years of expertise, built on exceptional products, trusted partnerships and projects we’re proud to put our name to.

Custom Blinds® is a Garden Route window covering specialist established in 2010, and is one of the most trusted Custom Blinds South Africa suppliers, 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 online order.

10

See Outdoor Blinds in Action

Garden Route homes transformed: Knysna lagoon views preserved

Garden Route’s only official Ziptrak® agent: measured, manufactured and installed locally from Knysna.
Request a consultation with Duncan →

Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings | South Africa’s trusted blinds, shutters and awnings specialists since 2010.

Get a Custom Blinds expert assessment and pricing

Send rough sizes, a photo or two of the opening and anything you already know. We come back on fabric, system and pricing, usually within one working day.

Open the assessment and contact form Five short steps. Sizes, photos and where the job is.
01Who we are replying to

We reply on WhatsApp unless you say otherwise.

02Where the work is

This decides who handles it. Garden Route work is measured and installed on site; everywhere else ships made to measure.

03What you are after
04Photos, AI visuals and plans
Add photos, an AI room visual or a PDF plan A wide shot of the whole space and a close-up of where the blind would fix are the two that tell us the most. AI-made room visuals and PDF plans are welcome. Up to 8 files, 10 MB each.
05Anything else

Your details and files are private and used only to prepare your quote.

Prefer to send it yourself? sales@customblinds.co.za

WhatsApp us