Shedding light on outdoor blinds: costs, installation and more

There are a lot of factors to consider before buying outdoor blinds for the outdoor living area of your home. First, you’ll want to fully understand what the different options are and what functions, features and benefits they’ll offer. You’ll then need to get an approximate idea of the costs involved for these products and the factors that will affect this, like the complexity of the installation. Finally, you’ll see there are a few other things that will complete the picture, ensuring you pick something that works best for you.

There are many advantages to getting outdoor blinds installed in your home and it’s always good to highlight these at the very start of the process. It’s a handy reminder of why you’re buying them in the first place but it will also keep you focused on what your priorities are, helping you make the right decisions going forward.

Shade and shelter

Probably the most important reason homeowners buy outdoor blinds is for the shade and shelter they’ll offer for their outdoor areas. The sun is particularly strong no matter where you live in New Zealand and outdoor blinds offer a welcome respite from it. Many are also made with UV protection materials, keeping you safe from UV rays, especially during summer.

Privacy and security

Privacy and security are also significant reasons for many, on top of the shelter offered. Privacy is what allows people to truly relax in their home environments and this can be quite difficult in outdoor spaces without any shade or shelter system. This is particularly true for those who live in more built-up urban areas with neighbours in close proximity. Outdoor blinds can also prevent would-be intruders or thieves from prying into your home when your outdoor living area is opened up.

Enhancing your outdoor living area

While the two former benefits are both practical ones, outdoor blinds also play an important stylistic role in your outdoor living environment. As an often fairly large shade system they become quite a visible part of the space. This presents a great opportunity for you to enhance your outdoor living area which you can do in several ways with a variety of styles, colours, materials and designs available.

With the benefits covered, it’s time to start thinking about your options and one of the first questions people ask is “How much are outdoor blinds?”. The answer isn’t a straightforward one as there is quite a difference in price range depending on a number of different factors.

Types of outdoor blinds and their price ranges

The type of outdoor blinds you choose will have a fairly significant bearing on the overall price you’ll end up paying. This is largely due to the amount and quality of materials used as well as the cost of the manufacturing process. Some examples of different types of outdoor blinds and their price ranges in New Zealand include:

Outdoor roller blinds

These types are available at a fairly modest entry level price of around $100 - $200 for a standard sized entry level option (typically around 2.4 m x 2.4 m) going upwards of $400. However, if you go with a high-quality specialist supplying blinds made from superior-grade materials you can expect to pay over $1,000.

Cafe blinds 

Also known as bistro blinds, these tend to be a little more expensive at the entry level starting from around $200 - $300 at the same standard size. Similarly, it will cost you over $1,000 for a high-quality option from a specialist who will typically have options of clear PVC and mesh with the PVC option generally being more affordable.

External Venetian blinds

Most external Venetian blinds made from aluminium cost between $350 - $550 per square metre in New Zealand as a starting point. Timber options will generally be more expensive depending on the species of wood used.

Ziptrak

Ziptrak is a popular brand of outdoor blinds that uses a unique track-guided system instead of ropes, zips or ties. A number of specialist providers offer these but most require quotes so they can customise a solution for you. Generally, however, you will expect to pay over $2,000 for the standard size described above, although this is an approximate figure which does vary between professionals.

Installation costs for outdoor blinds in New Zealand will vary on a number of factors including the type of blinds, the size of the blinds, and any complexities involved due to the location or product and the area you reside. As a broad approximation, you can expect to pay somewhere between $100 - $300 per blind for installation but again, this will vary widely between professionals with some also offering different types of installation packages. Multiple quotes are always recommended.

With a general idea of what to expect in terms of pricing and budget, you should lastly think about these final few things before making that all-important decision.

Local climate and conditions

Outdoor blinds are all generally wind and weather-resistant to some extent given they are made for the outdoors. However, some types of blinds are more resilient in adverse weather conditions than others. If you live in an area where the weather can get particularly harsh then you might want to prioritise outdoor patio blinds that are better suited to this. Cafe blinds and ZipTrak blinds are good options for wind and weather resistance.

Materials and quality

The materials you choose are also relevant to this conversation, impacting both the blind’s functionality and aesthetics. They all have their merits and strengths so this is largely about deciding what aspects of these you want to prioritise. For example, PVC blinds are cost-effective, durable and retain heat well. Timber blinds are also very reliable and have a particularly warm aesthetic. Aluminium blinds are sleek and have good anti-corrosion traits which make them great for coastal environments. Whatever you decide, always insist on the highest-quality options for the material to ensure you get something that will stand the test of time.

Related article: Caring for your outdoor blinds: wind protection and more

Aesthetics and styling

As mentioned earlier in this piece, outdoor blinds can have a big impact on the visual aesthetic of your outdoor living area and it’s important not to dismiss this when making a decision. Think carefully about your surroundings, both natural and architectural to determine how your choice of blinds will complement the overall look and design. A seamless and cohesive look is generally recommended though some take the opportunity to create a contrast.

Additional features

Modern options have become increasingly technologically advanced and included motorised models and much more. Smart technology has been a big integration in recent years with many top-of-the-line products now featuring their own apps. This allows you to remotely control your blinds and do things like set programmable timings, even when you’re away from home. Some outdoor blinds also have things like wind sensors which will automatically retract your blinds if the wind gets too strong, a great innovation to prevent damage during unexpected weather events.

Related article: How to set up an ideal deck for New Zealand

As you can see, there are many important factors to think about before choosing the outdoor blinds that will grace your outdoor living space. By working your way through the essentials, you’ll be able to make an informed decision, ending up with a solution that will best serve you and your home for many years to come.