Outdoor blinds built for South African weather, delivered to your door
Wind-rated screen mesh outdoor blinds, made to measure in Knysna and shipped free across South Africa. We specify only the two fabrics that have survived fifteen years of Garden Route coastal testing. For homes that need clear PVC or solid canvas enclosures, Duncan visits on site across the Garden Route.
What are outdoor blinds, and which type suits my South African patio?
- Outdoor blinds are weather-rated screens that close off patios, decks, and verandas from sun, wind, and rain while maintaining the feel of outdoor living.
- Screen mesh blinds (Sunworker and Screentex) are the most versatile choice for South Africa, blocking up to 95 percent of UV while allowing airflow and a view through the blind.
- Clear PVC blinds fully enclose a space for rain and winter warmth, best for covered stoeps and entertainment areas that need to be weather-sealed.
- Guided side-channel blinds lock into tracks and resist wind, the right choice for exposed coastal and highveld positions where a standard drop-down would lift.
- Custom Blinds manufactures screen mesh outdoor blinds in Knysna and ships them free nationwide. Garden Route homes also get a full installation and site-visit service.
Get an instant live quote at shop.customblinds.co.za/outdoor-blinds, or WhatsApp our team a photo of your space.
An outdoor space you can actually use. Morning coffee, afternoon sun, evening wind off the sea. Outdoor blinds are what turn a patio from a seasonal luxury into a room of its own.
Why buy outdoor blinds from Custom Blinds
Most online blind shops in South Africa resell generic outdoor fabrics from the same handful of factories. They list fifteen materials because more options look impressive on a website. Custom Blinds takes the opposite approach. We specify only Sunworker and Screentex for outdoor mesh, because these are the two ranges that have survived fifteen years of Garden Route testing: salt air, coastal wind, humidity cycles, and intense UV. Installations from a decade ago are still performing.
Custom Blinds is not a middleman. We manufacture outdoor blinds in our Knysna facility and have installed over 8,000 systems along the Garden Route since 2010. When we supply nationally, the same specification and quality standards apply. The only difference is you install with our guide instead of our team arriving on site.
Blind Builder, a Custom Blinds design tool. See your blind before you order, adjust colour, opacity, and size in real time.
A curated range of fabric and colours. Every product chosen for durability, not shelf-filling variety.
Custom Fit Guarantee. Ordered too big, Custom Blinds trims to size free. Ordered too small, 5 percent off your replacement.
Manufacturer knowledge. Sizing and specification advice comes from fabrication experience, not a spec sheet.
Somfy accredited, Motion by Coulisse partner. Motorisation built into outdoor systems for remote and smart home control.
Screen mesh, clear PVC, or solid canvas, which fabric suits your space?
The biggest decision with outdoor blinds is not which brand of fabric, but which type. Screen mesh filters sun and wind while keeping airflow and views. Solid materials like PVC or ripstop canvas seal the opening completely. Custom Blinds ships screen mesh nationally. PVC and canvas are Garden Route installation only because they need precise on-site measurement and professional fitting to perform properly.
| Feature | Screen Mesh (Sunworker, Screentex) | Clear PVC | Solid Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Year-round patios, entertainment areas, braai spaces | Winter enclosures, rain-exposed stoeps | Full weather sealing, carports, commercial |
| UV protection | Up to 95 percent | Minimal, transparent | 100 percent, total block |
| View through | Yes, maintains garden and landscape views | Full visibility | None, blocks view completely |
| Airflow | Controlled, reduces wind while allowing ventilation | None when closed, seals the space | None, full enclosure |
| Rain protection | 5 percent openness allows some fine mist through. That same openness gives airflow and prevents heat build-up | 100 percent, fully waterproof | 100 percent, fully waterproof |
| Heat build-up | Low, mesh breathes | High, greenhouse effect in summer | Moderate, dark colours absorb heat |
| Durability (coastal) | 10-plus years in some homes | 3 to 5 years (yellowing, cracking) | 4 to 6 years (depends on UV treatment) |
| Availability | Nationwide delivery, free shipping | Garden Route installation only | Garden Route installation only |
Why Custom Blinds specifies Screentex and Sunworker, not Sheerweave
Sheerweave has become a generic term in South Africa. Many suppliers sell outdoor screen mesh under that name regardless of what the fabric actually is. Through years of installation experience and manufacturer data, Custom Blinds has found that Sheerweave fabric performs best with the support of side tracks or guides, particularly on wider spans and with continual daily use.
Screentex uses a polyester core with a heavy PVC coating, engineered for the mechanical demands of outdoor roller systems. Sunworker uses a Rachel Trameur warp-knit construction where binder yarns allow threads to move independently under load, distributing wind pressure across the whole surface rather than concentrating it at a single point. Both perform consistently across ten-plus years of South African conditions. That is why Custom Blinds specifies them.
For most South African patios, decks, and entertainment areas, screen mesh is the right choice. It blocks the sun and cuts wind without turning your outdoor space into a sealed room. You keep the airflow, the views, and the feeling of being outside, which is the whole point of outdoor living. PVC and canvas make sense when you need complete weather sealing, think winter stoeps in the Highveld or rain-exposed commercial patios. But they create heat build-up in summer and need professional fitting to avoid sagging and pooling.
Not sure which approach suits your space? Use the Blind Builder to visualise screen mesh colours and opacity before ordering, or WhatsApp Duncan for advice on PVC and canvas options.
Does Custom Blinds deliver outdoor blinds nationwide?
Custom Blinds ships made-to-measure outdoor blinds to every province in South Africa with free delivery as standard. Your blind is manufactured to your exact dimensions in Knysna, then couriered to your door with all mounting hardware included. Delivery typically takes 10 to 15 working days from order confirmation, depending on fabric availability and your location. Orders to Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape usually arrive within 10 days.
Gauteng
Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sandton, Centurion
Western Cape
Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Somerset West
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, Umhlanga, Ballito, Pietermaritzburg
Eastern Cape
Gqeberha, East London, Makhanda
Garden Route clients (Knysna, George, Plettenberg Bay, Sedgefield, Mossel Bay, Wilderness) can add professional installation. WhatsApp Duncan for a site visit.
Which outdoor blinds suit each South African climate?
South Africa’s diverse weather means outdoor blinds face different challenges depending on where you live. Fifteen years of specifying across climate zones informs every recommendation.
Coastal areas (Garden Route, Cape Town, Durban, KZN coast)
Salt air corrodes cheap hardware within 18 months. All Custom Blinds outdoor systems use marine-grade aluminium components and UV-stabilised fabrics. Humidity cycling (morning mist, afternoon sun) causes cheaper fabrics to stretch and sag. Sunworker and Screentex resist this because of their vinyl-coated polyester construction.
Highveld (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Centurion)
Summer thunderstorms and hail are the primary challenge. Outdoor blinds should be raised during severe storms. For day-to-day protection from sun and afternoon showers, Sunworker handles the intensity of Highveld UV better than thinner mesh alternatives. Winter frost does not affect either fabric.
Bushveld and Lowveld (Mpumalanga, Limpopo)
Extreme heat and tropical storms demand breathable fabrics that shed water quickly. Screentex allows airflow while blocking the worst of the UV, making it the preferred choice for lodges, guest houses, and rural homesteads in these areas.
Arid interior (Free State, Northern Cape, Karoo)
Wind and dust are the main challenges. Tighter-weave Sunworker performs better here because it reduces dust penetration while standing up to persistent wind pressure. The dense construction also handles the wide temperature swings, freezing nights, scorching afternoons, that are typical of interior South Africa.
What types of outdoor blinds does Custom Blinds supply?
Drop-down roller blinds
The most common outdoor blind in South Africa. Rolls down from a top-mounted cassette using a crank handle or motor. Ideal for patios, decks, verandas, and stoeps. Available in Sunworker and Screentex.
Sidetrack (Ziptrak-style) blinds
Concealed channel system where the fabric tracks inside aluminium guides for a flush, architectural finish. Maximum wind resistance. Ideal for exposed coastal sites and wide openings.
Clear PVC blinds
Transparent PVC panels that block rain and wind completely while maintaining full visibility. Ideal for winter patios, enclosed braai areas, and seasonal use. Garden Route installation only, not shipped nationally.
Can outdoor blinds be motorised?
Custom Blinds is an accredited Somfy expert and Motion by Coulisse partner. Motors are integrated into outdoor blind systems for remote control, smartphone scheduling, and smart home integration with Google Home and Alexa. Motorisation is especially practical for outdoor blinds because they are often mounted at height or in wide spans that are difficult to operate manually. A single remote can control all outdoor blinds on your property simultaneously, or you can set timers and sun sensors to adjust them automatically.
See the automation hub for full motorisation options, or WhatsApp Duncan to discuss your setup. Motorisation is a technical spec, Duncan handles these consults personally.
How do you order outdoor blinds online?
Measure
Use the online measuring guide. Width and drop, to the nearest millimetre.
Order
Choose Sunworker or Screentex, enter sizes, checkout. Live pricing at every step.
Install
Delivered with hardware and instructions. Most customers fit them in under an hour.
Do Garden Route clients get full installation service?
For Garden Route homes, Custom Blinds offers the complete service: site visit, measurement, manufacture, and professional installation. Duncan and the team install outdoor blinds daily across Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, Sedgefield, Mossel Bay, and Wilderness. Custom Blinds is the longest-standing Hunter Douglas and Blindquip agency in the Knysna and Plett area.
Frequently asked questions about outdoor blinds in South Africa
Do you deliver outdoor blinds to Johannesburg?
Yes. Custom Blinds delivers made-to-measure outdoor blinds free to Johannesburg and all of Gauteng. Manufacturing takes 7 to 10 days, delivery typically adds 3 to 5 days depending on courier schedules.
Why do you sell Sunworker and Screentex instead of PVC or canvas?
For national online sales, screen mesh is the right product. These fabrics suit the widest range of patios, ship flat without damage, and install with standard hardware. Sunworker and Screentex have passed fifteen years of coastal durability testing for UV resistance, colour retention, and structural integrity in salt air and humidity. Clear PVC and solid canvas systems are available through Custom Blinds’ Garden Route installation service where fitting is handled on site.
Can I install outdoor blinds myself?
Yes. Custom Blinds outdoor blinds ship with all mounting hardware and a crank mechanism. Most customers with basic tools complete the installation in 30 to 60 minutes per blind. If you need help, WhatsApp the team a photo and they will guide you through it.
What is the Blind Builder?
The Blind Builder is a Custom Blinds design tool that lets you visualise your outdoor blind before ordering. Fabric, colour, and opacity can be changed in real time to see exactly how your blind will look. Try it at shop.customblinds.co.za/blind-builder.
Can outdoor blinds be motorised?
Yes. Custom Blinds is an accredited Somfy expert and Motion by Coulisse partner. Motorisation adds remote control, smartphone scheduling, and smart home integration. It is especially useful for wide or high-mounted outdoor blinds that are difficult to operate manually.
What is the Custom Fit Guarantee?
If your blind arrives too big for the opening, Custom Blinds trims it to the correct size at no charge. If it is too small, you receive 5 percent off a replacement. The guarantee exists because measuring for outdoor blinds around irregular openings and pillars can be tricky.
How long do your outdoor blinds last?
Sunworker and Screentex fabrics are found still performing after 10 years in Garden Route coastal homes, which are among the harshest environments in South Africa. With proper care (raising in severe storms, occasional cleaning) significantly longer life is realistic. All Custom Blinds outdoor blinds carry a 5-year warranty.
Why does Custom Blinds use Screentex instead of Sheerweave?
Screentex uses a polyester core with a heavy PVC coating, engineered for the mechanical demands of outdoor roller systems. Custom Blinds has found through years of installation experience and manufacturer data that Sheerweave fabric performs best with the support of side tracks or guides, particularly on wider spans and with continual daily use. Screentex performs consistently across ten-plus years of South African conditions.
When should I choose Sunworker over Screentex?
Sunworker is the right specification for coastal exposure, high-wind sites, large spans, and commercial installations. Its Rachel Trameur warp-knit construction allows polyester threads to move independently under load, distributing wind pressure across the whole surface rather than concentrating it at a single point. For sheltered residential patios and moderate conditions, Screentex delivers the same UV and privacy performance at a lower price point.
Ready for outdoor blinds built for South African weather?
Made to measure, shipped free across South Africa. See your live price instantly, or send dimensions to our team.
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings® is a Garden Route window covering specialist established in 2010, based in Knysna and serving clients across South Africa. Custom Blinds manufactures canvas awnings and outdoor blinds in Knysna, shutters in Cape Town, and ships roller blinds, honeycomb blinds, venetian blinds, no-drill blinds, and screen mesh outdoor blinds nationally via shop.customblinds.co.za. Outdoor systems use only Sunworker and Screentex mesh fabrics, selected after fifteen years of Garden Route coastal testing. Somfy expert and Motion by Coulisse partner. Custom Fit Guarantee covers every order. Over 8,000 installations completed. Garden Route site visits arranged via Duncan Kane, founder, on 079 523 5407. National shop support via WhatsApp on 076 022 8410.
