Before looking at fabrics or operation systems, it helps to be clear about what is making your outdoor area uncomfortable. Is it the afternoon sun hammering the west-facing side? Is it the dust and wind coming through the gaps? Is it that you cannot use the space in the evening without insects everywhere? Or is it rain that shuts everything down the moment a cloud appears?
The answer to that question largely determines which product is right for you. If wind is the main issue, you want a fabric with some density and an operation system that gives you a firm, even roll-down. If sun is the problem but you still want the view, a mesh fabric is the answer. If insects are the concern, a zip-track system like Ziptrak or Zipscreen will seal the edges properly in a way that standard patio blinds cannot.
Patio blind fabrics broadly fall into two categories: mesh and blockout.
Mesh fabrics block UV rays and reduce glare while still allowing you to see out. Depending on the density you choose, they block anywhere from 90 to 99 percent of UV. This makes them the most popular choice for entertaining areas where you want to keep the open feel without cooking in direct sun. On cooler days you can still see the garden through them, which most people prefer to staring at a solid panel.
Blockout or canvas fabrics provide full privacy and block light completely. These are a better choice if the area faces a busy street, a neighbour’s window, or if you want to use the space for sleeping or as a genuine extension of the indoors. They also offer more wind protection than mesh, which can be worth considering in exposed locations.
Both fabric types are available in a range of colours. Neutral tones tend to work best because they reflect rather than absorb heat, but Fair Price Blinds can show you samples in your own space so you can see how different options look against your existing outdoor furniture and walls.
Fair Price patio blinds come with three operation options, and the right one depends on the size of the blind and how often you plan to use it.
Spring loaded systems are the simplest and work well for smaller spans. The mechanism holds tension and allows you to raise or lower the blind with minimal effort. They are a good fit for single-bay carports or smaller verandah sections.
Crank gearbox systems use a handle to smoothly raise and lower the blind. They are better suited to wider spans where a spring-loaded system would become stiff, and they give you more precise control over how far the blind is lowered. Most homeowners find a crank system more satisfying to use day-to-day on a larger entertaining area.
Cord and pulley is the most traditional option. It is straightforward, reliable and works well across most sizes. Some people prefer it simply because it has fewer mechanical parts and is very easy to understand and maintain.
This is where most DIY patio blind purchases go wrong. Standard sizing rarely lines up with real-world verandahs, and small gaps at the edges of a blind largely defeat the purpose of having one.
Fair Price Blinds measures every installation before manufacturing begins. That means the blind is built to your exact dimensions, not cut down from a standard size. The difference in finish is obvious once you see a custom-fitted blind next to a standard one. The edges sit cleanly against the posts, the fabric hangs evenly, and the roll is smooth.
If your space has unusual dimensions, posts at non-standard intervals or a sloping roofline, those things can all be accommodated in a custom build. It is worth raising them during the quote visit so the team can plan around them.
This question comes up regularly and the answer depends on your priorities. Standard patio blinds are more affordable and work well for most residential applications where a perfect weather seal is not essential. They are ideal if your main goals are sun protection, UV reduction and keeping the space usable for more of the year.
Ziptrak and Zipscreen blinds use a guided zip system that runs the fabric in a track channel on each side. This eliminates the side gaps that standard patio blinds leave and provides a much tighter seal against wind, dust and insects. They also have a cleaner aesthetic because there are no loose fabric edges. The trade-off is a higher price point.
For most Adelaide verandahs and alfresco areas, standard patio blinds deliver excellent value. For exposed properties, coastal locations or areas with significant insect pressure, the upgrade to a zip-track system is usually worth the cost.
Patio blinds are low maintenance but not zero maintenance. The main requirement is keeping the fabric clean. A brush-down to remove dust and debris, and an occasional rinse with cold water, is enough for most fabrics. Avoid detergents and do not use a pressure washer, as these can damage the coating on UV-stabilised materials.
If the fabric gets wet and you need to roll it up, leave it fully extended until it dries to prevent mould from developing in the rolled fabric. In practice this means not closing the blinds just before a rain event if you are heading out for the day.
If you are ready to get more use from your Adelaide outdoor area, Fair Price Blinds offers a free measure and quote with no pressure and no obligation. We will bring fabric samples, take your measurements and give you a clear, honest price on the day. Get a Quote Today
