Patio blinds and awnings: a buyer's guide for SA homes
Clear PVC blinds, canvas or PVC awnings, and sheer weave shade. How to turn an exposed patio into an all-weather room, what each fabric does, and why we manufacture but leave the install to you.
A patio is the most underused room in most South African homes. For a few months it is perfect, and then the wind, the afternoon sun, or the first cold front pushes everyone back indoors. The fix is not a renovation. It is the right combination of blinds and awnings, sized to your space.
We have supplied patios, restaurants, schools, and retail across the country since 1994. Here is how to think about the choice before you spend a cent.
Start with the problem, not the product
Walk onto the patio at the worst time of day and name the problem.
- Rain blowing in wants clear PVC blinds that drop down and seal the opening while keeping the view.
- Harsh afternoon sun wants a canvas or PVC awning overhead, or a sheer weave blind that cuts glare without blocking the light.
- Wind wants a fixed or drop-down screen on the exposed side.
- A bit of everything, which is most SA patios, wants a combination: an awning overhead with drop-down clear PVC for the wet and windy days.
The three fabrics, and what each one is for
Clear PVC keeps the rain out and the view in. It is the workhorse of patio weather protection, available clear, bronze, or smoke tint, in 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm thickness. This is what turns a patio into a usable winter room.
Canvas or PVC awnings give shade and a softer feel overhead. Canvas comes in any colour, and either fabric can carry a full-colour brand print for a restaurant or shopfront.
Sheer weave sits between the two. It cuts sun, glare, and prying eyes while still letting light and a breeze through. It is the right call for a west-facing patio that gets blinding late-afternoon sun.
Most of our patio jobs combine fabrics on a single opening, because most patios have more than one problem.
We manufacture, you install
We are a manufacturer, not an installer. We cut and build the PVC blinds, canvas awnings, and the components to your exact spec, and you handle the fitting. This keeps our lead times tight and our prices well below a supply-and-install operation. If you do not have someone, we can recommend an installer we trust. Many clients use their own handyman or shopfitter.
If you fit patios for a living, get in touch. We are happy to add reliable installers to our database of people we refer customers to.
Repairs and window replacements
A big part of what we do is keeping existing installations going. If your patio blinds are cloudy, torn, or split at the seams, do not order new before you phone us. We weld patches, replace clear-window panels, re-skin frames, and re-weld perished seams. We also replace just the PVC window on an existing blind. Most repairs cost a fraction of a replacement and add years of life.
Motorised or manual
For motorised systems we supply Somfy-compatible fabric and components, and your installer fits the motor and controls. For manual systems we supply the roller and crank fittings with the fabric. Tell us which way you want to go when you quote.
Getting a quote
Send the opening dimensions, a photo of the patio, and a note on the main problem you are solving. WhatsApp 083 631 5329 and we will come back within 24 hours with a spec, a price, and a lead time. The full range is on the blinds and awnings page.