Buy Outdoor Blinds Online in South Africa. Free Delivery. Expert Knowledge.
Made to measure, shipped to your door, and backed by 8,000+ real installations. We do not just sell outdoor blinds. We design, manufacture and install them every day.
Can I buy outdoor blinds online in South Africa and install them myself?
- Yes. Custom Blinds® ships made-to-measure outdoor blinds free to every province in South Africa. Manufacturing takes 10 to 15 working days, then your blind arrives with all hardware and fitting instructions included.
- Screen fabric blinds are the most popular choice for patios and braai areas. They block UV and reduce wind while keeping airflow and your view. Most homeowners fit them with a drill, a spirit level and about 30 to 60 minutes per blind.
- PVC and canvas blinds offer full weather sealing but require professional measurement and fitting. These are available through the Garden Route installation service only.
- Every online order is backed by a 5-year warranty and the Custom Fit Guarantee: if your blind arrives too large, we trim it free. If it is too small, you receive 5% off the replacement.
Shop outdoor blinds online · Take the quiz · WhatsApp for measuring help
The coals are white. The wind picks up. Someone pulls the blinds down and suddenly the stoep is calm again, warm light pooling across the table while rain drums on the roof above. That is the moment outdoor blinds are made for.
Why are more South Africans buying outdoor blinds online?
Buying online is straightforward. You measure your patio opening (five minutes with a tape measure), choose your fabric and colour, and your blind is manufactured to your exact dimensions. It arrives at your door with everything you need to fit it yourself. No call-out fee. No waiting for a consultant’s diary. No surprises on the final invoice.
The question worth asking is whether an online blind will perform as well as one fitted by a professional. That depends on who makes it. A company that only sells online never sees how their product holds up in a Highveld thunderstorm or a Cape Town south-easter. Custom Blinds® is different. We design, manufacture and install outdoor blinds on the Garden Route every week, in some of the harshest coastal conditions in South Africa. We know what hardware corrodes after two winters, which fabrics lose their colour, and how a blind behaves when the wind changes direction at 4pm. The blinds you buy from our shop are the same specification we install on site.
Screen Fabric, PVC or Canvas: Which Outdoor Blind Do You Need?
There are three main categories of outdoor blind fabric, and each one does a fundamentally different job. Choosing the wrong type is the single most common mistake homeowners make when buying outdoor blinds.
Screen fabrics
The most popular choice for South African patios and entertainment areas. Screen fabrics (such as Sunworker or Sheerweave) are woven from UV-stabilised polyester coated in PVC. They block up to 95% of UV radiation, reduce wind significantly, and maintain your outward view. Because the weave is open, air still flows through, which means your patio stays ventilated rather than becoming a sealed box. Screen fabrics are what we sell online because they suit the widest range of patios, they ship assembled with all components included, and they install with standard hardware that any homeowner can manage.
Clear PVC blinds
Transparent panels that create a complete wind and rain barrier while preserving visibility. Popular for winter entertaining, braai areas that face prevailing weather, and restaurant frontages. PVC blinds seal your patio completely, which is their strength and their limitation. They trap heat in summer if not raised. They require precise on-site measurement because even a few millimetres of error causes sagging, pooling or poor sealing. We supply and install PVC blinds on the Garden Route only, where we handle the measurement and fitting ourselves.
Canvas and acrylic blinds
Solid fabric blinds that provide total shade and privacy. Canvas blocks the view entirely, which makes it better suited to utility areas, carports, and sections of patio where privacy matters more than outlook. Acrylic canvas is more durable and colour-fast than standard ripstop. Like PVC, canvas blinds need professional fitting for the best result and are available through our Garden Route installation service.
How do outdoor blind fabrics compare at a glance?
| Feature | Screen Fabric | Clear PVC | Canvas / Acrylic |
|---|---|---|---|
| UV protection | Up to 95% | Low (transparent) | 100% (opaque) |
| Wind protection | High (reduces, does not block entirely) | Complete seal | Complete seal |
| Rain protection | Deflects most rain; fine mist may pass through in heavy weather | Full rain barrier | Full rain barrier (with waterproof coating) |
| Airflow | Yes (open weave) | No (sealed) | No (sealed) |
| Outward view | Maintained | Maintained (transparent) | Blocked |
| Heat build-up in summer | Low | High if not raised | High if not raised |
| DIY installation | Yes | Professional recommended | Professional recommended |
| Buy online | Available nationally | Garden Route install only | Garden Route install only |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
How do you enclose your patio with outdoor blinds?
Enclosing a patio is one of the most cost-effective renovations you can make to a South African home. You are effectively adding a room without building one. No plans, no council approval, no builder. Just blinds, brackets and a weekend afternoon.
The most practical approach for most patios is to fit screen fabric blinds on each open side. This gives you wind and UV protection while keeping the space feeling like an outdoor room rather than a sealed enclosure. You control how far down each blind sits, so on a calm evening you might raise them entirely. When the afternoon wind picks up or the rain sweeps in, you drop them and carry on with your braai.
For patios that need complete weather sealing (think Highveld thunderstorms or exposed coastal frontages) the combination of PVC on the weather-facing side and screen fabric on the sheltered sides gives the best balance. Overhead, a retractable awning or louvre awning completes the enclosure from above.
If you are working with a large patio, consider motorisation. Somfy motors let you drop multiple blinds with a remote, a wall switch, or your phone. For holiday homes that stand empty during the week, wind and sun sensors respond to the weather automatically.
“We have been manufacturing and installing outdoor blinds on the Garden Route since 2010. Every blind we sell online is the same specification we install on site. If a fabric or a bracket would not survive a Knysna south-easter, it does not go in the shop.”
Duncan KaneFounder, Custom Blinds® · 20 years experience
Can You Install Outdoor Blinds Yourself?
Screen fabric outdoor blinds are designed for self-installation. You do not need specialist tools or trade experience. If you can use a drill and a spirit level, you can fit outdoor blinds to your patio.
Measure your opening
Width and height at three points (top, middle, bottom for width; left, centre, right for height). Use the largest measurement. Our measuring guide walks you through it step by step.
Order your blind
Enter your dimensions in the shop, choose your colour and fabric, and check out. Not sure about colour? Use the Blind Builder to visualise how different fabrics look on a patio before you commit. Your blind is manufactured to your exact measurements.
Mark and drill the brackets
Your blind arrives with mounting brackets and screws. Hold the brackets in position, check they are level, mark the holes and drill.
Clip in the blind
The blind cassette snaps into the brackets. Secure the base clips or hold-down anchors at the bottom. Test the crank mechanism. The whole process takes 30 to 60 minutes per blind.
If anything is unclear during installation, WhatsApp us a photo and we will talk you through it. We do this regularly for customers across the country and it works. The most common question is which way up the brackets go, and one photo solves it instantly.
What should you look for when buying outdoor blinds online?
The difference between a good online blind supplier and a mediocre one comes down to three things. First, do they install their own product? A company that manufactures and installs outdoor blinds professionally understands performance in a way that a pure online retailer never can. We install on the Garden Route every week, and that field experience is built into every blind we ship. Second, look at the fabric range. A curated selection means the supplier has tested and rejected alternatives. We sell screen fabrics that have survived 15 years of coastal testing. We do not list 20 options hoping one of them works. Third, read the warranty. Some cover only the fabric. Ours covers everything: fabric, crank, brackets, cassette, for five years. And delivery is free to every address in South Africa, on every order, with no minimum spend.
Does Custom Blinds deliver outdoor blinds to every province?
Your blind is manufactured in Knysna and couriered to your door. Delivery typically takes 10 to 15 working days depending on your location and fabric availability. Major metro areas usually receive within 10 working days.
Johannesburg & Pretoria
Highveld homes face intense afternoon sun and sudden thunderstorms. Screen fabrics handle both: UV protection during the day, and enough wind deflection to keep entertaining comfortable when weather rolls in.
Cape Town
The south-easter defines outdoor living in the Cape. Screen fabric blinds reduce wind dramatically while keeping the mountain or ocean view. For exposed balconies, consider a tighter-weave option for better wind resistance.
Durban & KwaZulu-Natal
Humidity, tropical storms and salt air demand fabrics that shed water quickly and resist mildew. Screen fabrics with open weave allow airflow, which prevents the moisture trapping that degrades lesser materials.
Port Elizabeth & Eastern Cape
Coastal wind and wide temperature swings. A tighter-weave screen fabric performs well here, offering strong wind reduction while handling the temperature variation between hot days and cool coastal evenings.
Bloemfontein & Free State
Extreme temperature range, from freezing winter mornings to blazing summer afternoons. Dust and persistent wind are the main enemies. A denser screen fabric resists dust penetration and stands up to constant wind pressure.
Garden Route
Our home base. If you are in Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, Sedgefield or Mossel Bay, you have the option of professional installation by Duncan and the team. Garden Route outdoor blinds.
How Much Do Outdoor Blinds Cost Online?
Online pricing depends on the size of your blind (width and height) and the fabric you select. Because you are buying direct from the manufacturer with no installer markup, online pricing is significantly lower than a quoted installation from a local company. Our shop shows the price upfront as soon as you enter your measurements, before you add anything to your cart. No hidden costs, no request-a-quote delays.
Free delivery is included on every order. The Custom Fit Guarantee covers sizing errors, so there is no financial risk if you measure slightly wrong. For exact pricing on your patio dimensions, enter your measurements in the shop and see the price immediately. You can also use the Blind Builder to preview colours and fabrics before you order. Not sure which product is right for your space? Take our quick quiz and we will point you in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are outdoor blinds waterproof?
Screen fabric blinds are water-resistant and deflect most rain, but because the weave is open, fine mist may pass through during heavy sideways rain. This is normal and not a defect. It is the trade-off for keeping airflow and preventing heat build-up. For complete rain sealing, PVC blinds are the better option, available through our Garden Route installation service.
How long do outdoor blinds last?
Quality screen fabric blinds last 8 to 15 years depending on UV exposure, wind load and maintenance. The fabrics we sell have been coastal-tested for over 15 years on the Garden Route. UV resistance, colour retention and structural integrity are proven, not estimated.
Can I motorise outdoor blinds?
Yes. Somfy motors fit our outdoor blind systems and allow operation by remote, wall switch or smartphone app. Motorisation is ideal for large spans, hard-to-reach blinds, holiday homes and anyone who wants the convenience of raising and lowering multiple blinds without cranking each one manually. Read our motorisation guide.
What if my blind does not fit?
The Custom Fit Guarantee covers every online order. If your blind arrives too large, we trim it at no charge. If it arrives too small because of a measuring error, you receive 5% off the replacement blind. This removes the risk from measuring and ordering yourself.
How do I clean outdoor blinds?
Hose them down with clean water. For stubborn marks, use a soft brush with mild soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Do not use abrasive cleaners or pressure washers. Screen fabrics are designed to be low-maintenance in South African conditions. Full cleaning guide.
Do outdoor blinds reduce heat?
Screen fabric blinds can reduce the temperature on a patio by up to 10 degrees by blocking UV radiation before it reaches the surface. They also reduce heat transfer through glass doors and windows, which lowers indoor temperatures and reduces the load on air conditioning. How blinds reduce electricity costs.
Can I use outdoor blinds on a balcony or apartment?
Yes. Screen fabric blinds are lightweight and mount to any solid surface. They are popular on apartment balconies and sectional title units. Check your body corporate rules before installing, as some estates require colour or style approval.
What tools do I need to install outdoor blinds?
A tape measure, a pencil, a spirit level, a drill with a masonry or wood bit (depending on your mounting surface), and a Phillips-head screwdriver or drill bit. That is everything. No specialist tools required.
Ready to Enclose Your Patio?
Free delivery. 5-year warranty. Made to your exact measurements.
Ready to explore the outdoor blind range?
We have written extensively about outdoor blinds for South African homes. Whether you are researching your options or ready to buy, these resources will help.
Outdoor Blinds · Outdoor Blinds South Africa · The Essential Guide to Outdoor Blinds · Outdoor Blinds for Braai Areas · Coastal Outdoor Blinds Guide · Affordable Outdoor Blinds · Outdoor Blinds for Dining · How to Measure for Outdoor Blinds · How to Clean Blinds · How Much Do Blinds Cost? · Motorised Blinds Guide · Shop Outdoor Blinds Online
Custom Blinds® is a Garden Route window covering specialist established in 2010, serving Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, and surrounding areas. We manufacture Custom Lifestyle Shutters™, Custom Lifestyle Awnings™, and outdoor shading systems locally, and supply roller blinds, honeycomb blinds, venetian blinds, and no-drill blinds nationally via shop.customblinds.co.za. Our Custom Fit Guarantee covers every order.
