Regular drop-down outdoor blinds
Free hanging
The blind drops straight down and hangs free.
- The simplest of the two, and the quickest to fit
- Suits sheltered and semi-sheltered openings
- The least hardware on the wall
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Outdoor Blinds South Africa: Choosing the Right System
Outdoor blinds close in a patio against wind, glare and driving rain, and what you need depends on your site’s exposure, the span you are covering, and how fully you want to seal the space. Clear PVC starts at R4,574 and ripstop canvas at R3,900, priced on screen before you order, delivered free anywhere in South Africa. You can buy the screen-blind range online with free nationwide delivery, or, on the Garden Route, book a design consultation with Duncan, the sole Ziptrak® agent on the Garden Route.
Two configurations, two modes of operation, three materials and multiple fabric selections
The configuration is how the blind is held. Operation, material and fabric are chosen on top of it.
Outdoor blinds with sidetracks
Exposed and coastal sites
The fabric runs in aluminium tracks down each side.
- No rattle, and far more wind resistance
- The edges are held, so rain is kept out instead of blowing in around the sides
- Two systems: Rialto, made locally, and Ziptrak®, the Australian track-guided system that stops at any height with no pins or ropes
- The choice for exposed patios, second-storey decks and coastal wind
Sidetrack outdoor blind material options
- PVC Waterproof Clear PVC seals the opening and keeps the view. Two designs: a smaller PVC pane set in a canvas panel, the restaurant, gazebo and lapa type; or a large PVC pane with a thinner canvas border.
- SheerBest seller Water resistant The best seller. Cuts glare and heat while air keeps moving. Sheer filters rain to a mist rather than sealing against it, so in driving rain some moisture carries through the weave.
- Canvas Waterproof A solid panel with no pane. Full shelter and full privacy, in marine-grade fabric specified for coastal exposure.
How an outdoor blind is operated: gear or motor
Both are specified daily. The choice is how you want to use the blind, not which one is better made.
- Manual, gear operated Gearbox with a 7:1 ratio. Direct, quick to work and simple to use.
-
Automation, motorised
Somfy motorisation, available with wind and sun sensors so the blind responds to the weather on its own. The usual choice for large spans, high openings and multiple blinds on one command.
Who is the best for outdoor blinds in South Africa?
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings has led this field since 2010, on Duncan Kane's 20+ years of daily practice. We manufacture in our own Knysna workshop, so the fabric, the hardware and the tolerances are ours to control, and we work with Somfy as their local expert, chosen for consistency rather than price. On the Garden Route our own teams install; nowhere do we hand the job to a subcontractor. The practical result is that the team you speak to about a blind today is the team you speak to about it in five years.
Sole Garden Route agency for Ziptrak®, based in Knysna.
- Most systems retrofit onto an existing pergola, veranda or covered patio in a few hours
- Designed and manufactured in our own workshop, which is what keeps the install simple
- We consult remotely, so an online customer gets the same expert advice as a site visit
What are outdoor blinds and which system handles wind and weather best?
- Outdoor blinds are retractable fabric screens that enclose patios, decks and entertainment areas, blocking UV, reducing wind and extending outdoor living year-round
- Standard outdoor blinds use 5% openness fabric: breeze passes through, fine spray is blocked, the blind stays at any height without pins or ropes
- For coastal and high-wind sites, Ziptrak® is the premium system. Patented track-guided design locks fabric into side tracks for significantly greater wind resistance. Ziptrak®’s own testing rates a standard 2.5m blind beyond 140 km/h, up to 160 km/h with windy-area fixing (see our Ziptrak page for the full data and sources)
- Motorisation allows the blind to stop at any height with a single button press. Available with Somfy wind and sun sensors
- Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings is the authorised Ziptrak® agent for the Garden Route. Installation across Knysna, George, Plettenberg Bay, Sedgefield and Mossel Bay
Garden Route installation:
Where can I buy outdoor blinds in South Africa?
- Custom Blinds manufactures outdoor blinds in Knysna and ships them made to measure to every province, with free delivery
- Every option is priced on screen at the online shop before you order
- On the Garden Route, our own team measures and installs. Everywhere else, blinds ship direct to your door, priced to leave room for a local installer
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Which outdoor blind is right for your space?
3 outdoor blind systems each suit different conditions: clear PVC for weather protection with full view, screen mesh for glare reduction with airflow, and side-channel guided systems for high-wind patios. The material, configuration and operating system depend on prevailing wind exposure, view priority, and whether the space is used year-round or seasonally.
Full weather sealClear PVC Storm Blinds
Full rain and wind block with total visibility. Turns your patio into a sheltered room. Keeps the view completely open.
Most popularScreen Mesh Outdoor Blinds
Reduces glare and heat, maintains airflow, adds daytime privacy. 5% openness is standard across the Garden Route.
Wind exposed sitesZiptrak Side-Channel System
Guided aluminium tracks eliminate rattle and improve wind resistance. Clean architectural finish for coastal sites.
Shop outdoor blinds online
Outdoor blind system comparison
03
How do different outdoor blind types compare?
Portfolio
Outdoor blinds installed on the Garden Route, South Africa
Grey Sunworker screen outdoor blinds across three bays of a poolside deck at a home in Robberg, Garden Route 
Outdoor blinds Knysna sunset poolside view Garden Route Clear PVC blinds enclosing a small waterside gazebo on a jetty, Knysna 
Clear PVC blinds at East Head Cafe Knysna with diners and full view of the Knysna Heads 
Screen mesh outdoor blinds lowered along a covered patio beside a pool, Knysna 
Outdoor blinds Knysna pool patio with mountain backdrop Garden Route 
A covered timber deck with a retracted folding-arm awning at the gable end and a picnic table 
Close-up of a clear PVC outdoor blind installation at Bread and Brew Coffee Shop in The Crags, Garden Route 
Side view of clear PVC outdoor blinds at Bread and Brew Coffee Shop in The Crags Garden Route 
Outdoor blinds Knysna double-bay balcony installation Garden Route 
Screen blinds and retractable awning Thesen Island Knysna Thesen Island 
Clear PVC outdoor blinds installed at Vida e Café Knysna Mall 
Outdoor blinds on coastal Garden Route home with ocean views and outdoor entertaining area 
Exterior view of clear PVC blinds at Vida e Café Knysna Mall with Dis-Chem signage visible 
Clear PVC drop-down outdoor blinds at On Brenton restaurant, Brenton on Sea, Knysna 
Clear PVC outdoor blinds at Vida e Café Knysna Mall 
Outdoor blinds Knysna evening lounge installation Garden Route 
Poolside deck with grey Sunworker outdoor blinds and sea views over Robberg, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route
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| Type | Best for | Features | Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear PVC (Storm Blinds) | Full rain and wind block, full visibility | Total weather seal, transparent, keeps the view | Details |
| Screen mesh | Glare, heat, privacy with airflow | UV-stabilised mesh in 5% openness | Shop Details |
| Drop-down | Simple patio protection | Guided drops, bottom fixing, cassette options | Details |
| Side-channel | Wind-prone sites, clean tracks | Side channels, tight tolerances, no rattle | Details |
04
What are clear PVC outdoor blinds and where do they work best?
Keep the view. Block the weather. Clear PVC outdoor blinds are panels of marine-grade flexible PVC that preserve a full, unobstructed view while stopping wind, rain, and salt spray. Best suited to ocean-facing decks, lagoon-side patios, and braai areas where the view is the asset. Custom Blinds specifies 0.8mm to 1.0mm PVC with reinforced edges for the Garden Route coastal environment. Clear PVC outdoor blinds are priced on screen at the online shop.
Clear PVC outdoor blinds seal your patio against wind and rain while keeping the view completely open. You see through them as if they are not there. When a storm hits your stoep, these are the blinds that turn it into a room.
Why homeowners choose clear PVC:
- Full visibility through the blind in all weather
- Seals against wind-driven rain and cold
- Rolls up completely when not needed
- Suited to Garden Route winter conditions
Professional measurement and installation across the Garden Route. Also available online with nationwide delivery.
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How do screen mesh outdoor blinds balance airflow and protection?
Glare down, airflow up, privacy added. Screen mesh outdoor blinds use a permeable woven fabric (typically Sheerweave or Sunworker) that filters 90 percent of UV and reduces glare while allowing ventilation through the weave. Ideal for hot patios where airflow matters, daytime privacy is needed, and full enclosure is unnecessary. The mesh blocks insects and filters rain to a mist rather than deflecting it.
Screen mesh outdoor blinds use UV-stabilised fabric to reduce glare and heat while keeping air flowing. We recommend 5% openness. The go-to choice for summer patios, pool decks and restaurant seating on the Garden Route.
We specify Sheerweave and Sunworker screen fabrics, chosen for UV stability, temperature regulation and coastal conditions.
Openness guide: 5% blocks most spray and glare while letting airflow, best for exposed coastal patios.
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What are side-channel and guided outdoor blind systems?
Built for exposed patios. Side-channel and guided outdoor blind systems run the fabric inside aluminium tracks fixed to the wall or post, eliminating sideways flap in strong wind. Suitable for exposed patios, second-storey decks, and properties that take regular hard wind. The track system also seals edges against rain ingress better than open-edge blinds, making it the choice for year-round outdoor rooms.
Side-channel systems run the blind fabric through aluminium tracks on each side of the opening. This eliminates rattle, improves wind resistance and gives a neat, architectural finish. Specified for exposed Garden Route patios where standard drop-down blinds would flap or fail. Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings also makes its own sidetrack outdoor blinds on a South African-made side channel system. Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings also makes its own sidetrack outdoor blinds on a South African-made side channel system.
Best for:
- Exposed patio openings facing prevailing winds
- Elevated properties with wind tunnelling
- Coastal homes with salt air and sea spray
- Large spans where fabric stability matters
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings is the authorised Ziptrak® agent for the Garden Route, supplying the market-leading side-channel system from Australia.
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What is Ziptrak® and why is it used on exposed Garden Route patios?
Ziptrak® is the original track-guided outdoor blind, patented and engineered in Adelaide, Australia. The system uses a flexible polymer spline that runs inside aluminium tracks on each side of the opening, sealing the blind to the structure as it moves. No zips, no ropes, no chains. The seal is what makes it perform in wind where standard drop-down blinds flap or fail.
Three things separate Ziptrak® from any other side-channel system on the market.
- Built for exposed patios. A standard 2.5 by 2.5 metre Ziptrak® blind, fixed using Ziptrak®-recommended hardware into a solid structure, is independently tested for use well into the upper end of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology wind scale.
- Locks at any height. Spring-balanced manual operation or full Somfy motorisation. The Centre Lock Release unlocks both sides at once from the centre of the bottom bar, designed so the blind cannot drift open in a gust.
- Genuine product, full warranty. Ziptrak® components are only supplied through the authorised retailer network. Substitute any single part with a generic equivalent and the wind seal fails. Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings is the authorised Ziptrak® agent for the Garden Route, with Ziptrak® Australia warranty and approved installation procedures on every blind.
Sized up to 6 metres wide and 3.5 metres tall, with heavier components automatically specified on larger blinds. Fitted face-fixed against the wall over the opening, or inside-mounted between the pillars or posts. Duncan personally specifies and oversees every Garden Route installation.
Full Ziptrak® specification, fabric options, and consultation details on the dedicated Ziptrak® page.
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Which fabric for your patio?
Outdoor blind fabric guide
Screentex outdoor blind fabric
The best seller. The new standard: durable, efficient and solidly priced, and our best seller. It is the screen fabric on the online shop, so a Screentex blind can be measured, configured and priced on screen. Specified for patios and pool decks, restaurants, verandas, balconies and gazebos.
Sheerweave
Architectural grade. Open weave structure, blocking up to 99% of UV while keeping outward visibility. Greenguard Gold certified, flame retardant and eco certified.
Sunworker
Heat rejection. Micro-perforated weave that rejects up to 86% of solar energy while keeping the view. Moisture resistant and coated for coastal salt air. The preferred choice at Garden Route restaurants.
Soltis outdoor blind fabric
The premium option. Serge Ferrari's Precontraint fabric, held under tension through the whole manufacturing process so it stays flat instead of sagging. 3 to 4% openness at 450 microns, blocking up to 97% of heat, with a five year warranty. Specified for patios, pool decks and gazebos. sergeferrari.com trivantage.com
| Space | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Patios and decks | Sunworker, Soltis or Screentex | Reduces glare while maintaining views and airflow |
| Verandas and balconies | Sheerweave or Screentex | Maximum UV block with privacy and wind protection |
| Restaurants and cafes | Sunworker or Screentex | Comfortable ambience, soft light for outdoor seating |
| Gazebos and pergolas | Sheerweave, Soltis or Screentex | Thermal insulation with architectural elegance |
| Pool decks | Sunworker, Soltis or Screentex | Humidity and chlorine resistant, excellent airflow |
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How long do outdoor blinds last and what care do they need?
Quality outdoor blinds give 8 to 12 years of service in our experience. Both Sheerweave and Sunworker are UV stabilised and moisture resistant. Care is minimal: hose down quarterly to remove salt and dust, retract in severe storms, and inspect hardware annually for corrosion. Coastal exposure shortens lifespan by 1 to 2 years versus inland; stainless steel hardware extends it.
3 YearFabric warranty · 1 year components
8–12Years of service, in our experience
MonthlySalt rinse for coastal
Clean gently with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washers. Retract during storms or sustained high winds. In coastal areas, rinse monthly to remove salt residue.
“Garden Route winds are worsening year on year. That’s why we partnered with Ziptrak. It offers homeowners a more robust outdoor blind system that handles the conditions we’re actually seeing on site.”Duncan Kane Founder, Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings
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Outdoor blinds questions
Who is the best outdoor blinds supplier in South Africa?
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings™. Trading since 2010, with more than 10,000 installations behind it and a team still fitting blinds every day. Its clear PVC, ripstop canvas and screen mesh outdoor blinds are made to measure in its own Knysna workshop, priced online and delivered free to every province, with a 3-year fabric, 1-year components warranty. On the Garden Route the same team measures and installs, including Ziptrak® systems as the sole Garden Route agency. Ziptrak® systems carry the Ziptrak® Australia manufacturer warranty, and Custom Blinds handles those claims on the customer’s behalf.
Is there such a thing as a waterproof outdoor blind?
Yes. Clear PVC and solid PVC blinds shed rain and are the choice when you want the patio usable in weather. Screen mesh is not waterproof by design, because it lets air through. If the space must stay dry, say so at the quote and we specify PVC rather than mesh.
What are the drawbacks of outdoor blinds?
Mesh cuts glare and wind but does not keep rain out. Clear PVC keeps weather out but reduces airflow and needs cleaning to stay clear. Every outdoor blind is a moving part in a harsh position, so the hardware and the fixings matter more than the fabric.
Can outdoor blinds be fitted to existing patios?
Yes. Most systems retrofit onto existing pergolas, verandas, and covered patios with minimal disruption. Our installers assess 3 critical factors during the site visit: structural support points, alignment to ensure a clean fit, and existing electrical or motorisation options if motorising. Retrofit installations typically take 1 to 2 days depending on patio size.
Do outdoor blinds help reduce energy costs?
Yes. External blinds prevent solar heat from entering before it builds up indoors. They keep rooms cooler in summer and help retain warmth in winter, reducing reliance on air conditioning.
Why Choose Custom Blinds® for Outdoor Blinds?
Our outdoor blinds are made in our own Knysna workshop. We specify for wind, salt air and humidity with hardware selected for corrosion resistance. Two ways to buy: Garden Route installation with Duncan, or shop online with nationwide delivery.
Can outdoor blinds be motorised with smart controls?
Yes. Outdoor blinds can be motorised with Somfy for reliable daily operation, scheduling and wind/sun automation. Ideal for holiday homes and restaurants. App control, voice assistants and automatic wind/sun sensors available. Explore automation options.
Can outdoor blinds be installed outside the Garden Route?
Outdoor blinds from Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings ship nationally via shop.customblinds.co.za. Professional installation is restricted to the Garden Route: Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, Sedgefield and Mossel Bay. Around 80% of nationally shipped outdoor blinds are installed by the homeowner.
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What 4 product ranges does Custom Blinds offer beyond outdoor blinds?
Custom Blinds offers 4 product ranges beyond outdoor blinds: outdoor products (awnings, shadeports), indoor products (blinds, shutters, screens, automation), indoor blinds (roller, venetian, honeycomb, no-drill), and automation systems (Somfy and Motion motorisation).
All Custom Blinds outdoor products
Awnings and shadeports
Custom Blinds indoor products
Blinds, shutters, screens, automation
Indoor Blinds
Roller, venetian, honeycomb, no-drill
Automation
Somfy & MotionBlinds motorisation
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Ready to discuss your outdoor blind project?
Share photos and rough sizes. We’ll advise on fabric, hardware and the best system for your patio.
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.
Your Custom Blinds assessment is with us
We have what we need to start on your assessment. Expect a reply on the number you gave, usually within one working day.
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What other outdoor products complement outdoor blinds?
5 outdoor product types complement outdoor blinds: awnings for overhead shade (folding arm, retractable, louvre, wedge), retractable patio shade awnings, shade ports for vehicles, screens (fly and security), and outdoor shutters. All 5 are specified and installed across the Garden Route.
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Expert insights: 6 outdoor blind guides
Six guides, written from installation experience along the Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay coastline.
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings is the Garden Route authorised Ziptrak® agent and a specialist supplier of outdoor blinds in clear PVC, screen mesh (Sheerweave and Sunworker), side-channel and ziptrak-guided configurations. Outdoor blinds ship nationally via shop.customblinds.co.za with free delivery to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth and every other city in South Africa. Garden Route installation is by Duncan Kane and team, established 2010, covering Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, Sedgefield, Mossel Bay and Wilderness.
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings | South Africa’s trusted blinds, shutters and awnings specialists since 2010.