How to Measure Outdoor Blinds South Africa — Complete Guide

Outdoor blinds are measured differently to indoor blinds. There are three mount types — ceiling-fix, face-fix and reveal-fit — each with its own rules. The standard indoor 10mm recess 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.
• Three mount types with completely different measuring rules.
• Factory deductions vary by fabric: sheer/PVC/canvas reveal-fit 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 by Custom Blinds before manufacturing starts.

Before You Measure

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.

Mount Type 1: Ceiling-Fix (most common)

The blind fixes to the ceiling, underside of a beam or pergola structure above the opening.

• Width: exact opening width — measure wall to wall at beam level. No factory deduction.
• Drop: from the underside of the fixing surface to the desired bottom. Allow 10–20mm floor clearance for ground-level coverage. No deduction.

Mount Type 2: Face-Fix (outside mount)

The blind mounts to the wall face above and outside the opening.

• 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.

Mount Type 3: Reveal-Fit (inside the lintel)

The blind fits inside the structural lintel or reveal. Minimum lintel depth required: 150mm.

• Width: exact opening width inside the reveal. Factory deductions applied automatically: sheer screen/clear PVC/Ripstop canvas = 80mm width deduction; outdoor bamboo = no deduction.
• Drop: from underside of lintel to 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 reveal. Bamboo uses a rope-and-pulley system that requires no side clearance.

Deduction Reference by Fabric

Fabric	Ceiling-fix	Face-fix	Reveal-fit
Sheer screen	No deduction	No deduction	−80mm width
Clear PVC	No deduction	No deduction	−80mm width
Ripstop canvas	No deduction	No deduction	−80mm width
Outdoor bamboo	No deduction	No deduction	No deduction

Maximum and Minimum Sizes

Sheer screen, clear PVC, Ripstop 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 × 1100mm.

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.

Products Available

• 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.
• Ripstop 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.

All outdoor blinds are custom made to measure by Hunter Douglas SA (Blindquip). 5–7 working days production, then free delivery via The Courier Guy anywhere in South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are outdoor blinds measured the same way as indoor blinds?

No. Outdoor blinds have three different 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?

No. Enter your raw opening measurement. For ceiling-fix and face-fix, no deduction is applied. For reveal-fit sheer/PVC/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 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 wall or beam is not perfectly parallel.

What if I am unsure about my measurements?

Every outdoor order at Custom Blinds is reviewed before manufacturing. You can also chat to Melvin for measuring guidance, or request a free consultation. Custom Fit Guarantee applies — if the blind is too big it is trimmed free.