How to Measure Outdoor Blinds South Africa, Complete Guide
Outdoor blinds are measured differently to indoor blinds. There are two mount types, outside mount (face fix) and inside mount, each with its own rules. The standard indoor 10mm inside-mount deduction does not apply. Custom Blinds reviews every outdoor order before manufacturing.
Critical Differences from Indoor Blinds
- No 10mm indoor deduction, outdoor blinds do not use the standard indoor recess allowance.
- Two mount types with different measuring rules.
- Factory deductions vary by fabric: sheer, PVC and canvas inside mount use an 80mm width deduction; bamboo has no deduction. Always enter your raw opening measurement, we apply all deductions.
- Every outdoor blind order is reviewed before manufacturing starts.
Before you measure for outdoor blinds
You need a 5m steel tape measure (not a fabric tape), a pen and notepad or phone. All measurements in millimetres (mm). Always enter dimensions as WIDTH × HEIGHT (width first). Measure width in at least three places and use the smallest reading.
Outdoor Blinds Mount Type 1: Outside Mount, Face Fix (most popular)
The blind is wall mounted in front of the opening and covers it. Nothing sits between the posts.
- Width: opening width + 100mm each side (200mm total). Example: 2400mm opening → enter 2600mm.
- Drop: measure from 150mm above the opening top (bracket position) to the desired bottom. No factory deduction, the overlap allowance is in your entered dimensions.
Outdoor Blinds Mount Type 2: Inside Mount, Between the Posts
The blind drops inside the opening, between the pillars, posts or side walls. The brackets need 150mm width of solid surface to fix into.
- Width: the clear gap between the posts, measured in three places, smallest reading. Factory deductions applied automatically: sheer screen/clear PVC/canvas = 80mm width deduction; outdoor bamboo = no deduction.
- Drop: from the underside of the fixing point to the desired bottom. No height deduction for any fabric.
Why 80mm? Sheer, PVC and canvas use a gear-and-crank headrail that needs clearance inside the opening. Bamboo uses a rope-and-pulley system that requires no side clearance.
Outdoor blind deductions by fabric
| Fabric | Outside mount (face fix) | Inside mount |
|---|---|---|
| Sheer screen | No deduction | −80mm width |
| Clear PVC | No deduction | −80mm width |
| Canvas | No deduction | −80mm width |
| Outdoor bamboo | No deduction | No deduction |
Maximum and minimum outdoor blind sizes
Sheer screen, clear PVC, canvas: max 4500mm wide × 4000mm drop. Min 1000mm × 1100mm. For openings wider than 4500mm, order two side-by-side blinds.
Outdoor bamboo: max 3000mm wide × 3000mm drop. Min 1000mm × 1000mm.
Measuring outdoor blinds for multiple bays
Measure each bay individually, never combine bay widths into a single measurement. Order one blind per bay. If any single bay exceeds 4500mm, order two blinds to span it.
Outdoor blinds you can order
- Sheer screen outdoor blinds, UV and wind filtering, insect protection.
- Clear PVC outdoor blinds, rain and wind protection with clear view, canvas border in 6 colours.
- Canvas outdoor blinds, full shade and weather protection, solid colour in 6 options.
- Outdoor bamboo blinds, natural bamboo, soft filtered light, rope-and-pulley operation.
Our outdoor blinds are manufactured by Custom Blinds under the Custom Lifestyle range. Production takes 5 to 7 working days, excluding transit times and outside peak seasons. Free delivery via The Courier Guy is available anywhere in South Africa.
Questions about measuring outdoor blinds
Are outdoor blinds measured the same way as indoor blinds?
No. Outdoor blinds have two mount types with different rules. The indoor 10mm deduction does not apply. Always give Custom Blinds your raw opening measurement, we apply all factory deductions.
Do I need to deduct anything myself when measuring outdoor blinds?
No. Enter your raw opening measurement. For outside mount (face fix), no deduction is applied. For inside mount in sheer, PVC or canvas, the factory deducts 80mm from the width automatically. Bamboo has no deduction.
What is the maximum size for a single outdoor blind?
Sheer/PVC/canvas: 4500mm wide × 4000mm drop. Bamboo: 3000mm × 3000mm. For wider openings, use two side-by-side blinds.
Which outdoor blind width do I enter, smallest or largest?
Always the smallest. Measure in at least three places and use the smallest reading so the blind fits even if the opening is not perfectly parallel.
What if I am unsure about my outdoor blind measurements?
Every outdoor order at Custom Blinds is reviewed before manufacturing. You can also chat to Melvin for measuring guidance, or WhatsApp us and we will measure the opening with you on a video call. Custom Fit Guarantee applies, if the blind is too big it is trimmed free.
