Family-owned in Adelaide since 2002

Outdoor Blinds Adelaide

Big Difference supplies and installs custom Slidetrack outdoor blinds for Adelaide patios, verandahs, decks and alfresco areas. The fabric is held on all four sides in full-length guides, so the blind stays neat and strong with less flapping. Choose 94%, 95% or 99% mesh, and manual, battery, solar or 240V motor operation. Because we also build patios and verandahs, one local team can plan the blinds and the structure together.

  • Slidetrack system
  • 94%, 95% and 99% mesh
  • Manual, battery, solar or 240V
  • Free measure and quote
Outdoor blinds partly raised on a skillion patio over a timber deck with outdoor dining and lounge furniture Grey outdoor blinds on an insulated patio with a ceiling fan over a long outdoor dining table Gable patio with roof lights and outdoor blinds lowered around a concrete slab
Patio and deckBlinds partly raised over a timber deck, leaving the view open on a mild day.

Tap to compare. Real Big Difference projects.

How do Slidetrack outdoor blinds work?

Big Difference installs the Slidetrack outdoor blind system. Slidetrack restrains the fabric on all four sides: the spline is hidden inside full-length guide tracks and the heavy-duty bottom bar is held within the side channels. The practical benefit is a neat, strong blind with less flapping and no exposed zipper wear line.

Slidetrack featureWhat it means for you
Fabric restrained on all four sidesLess flapping in wind and a tidy, even finish
Spline hidden inside full-length guide tracksNo exposed zipper wear line along the edges
Heavy-duty bottom bar held in the side channelsThe bottom of the blind stays captured, not loose
Fabric-tension adjustmentThe fabric can be kept taut over time
Very little exposed plasticFewer parts to weather in Adelaide sun
Multiple mounting channelsMore ways to fix the blind neatly to your structure
Spans up to 6.6 m and drops up to 3.5 mLarge openings covered where the selected configuration and engineering allow

Slidetrack is also used for our clear PVC cafe blinds, so mesh and clear blinds on the same patio can share one track system.

94%, 95% or 99% mesh: which should you choose?

The percentage describes how open or blocked-out the mesh is. A 94% mesh gives the clearest outward view and the most airflow, 95% is the balanced everyday option, and 99% gives the strongest shade, privacy and glare control but reduces the view and airflow.

MeshView and airflowShade and privacyWe normally recommend it for
94%Clearest outward view, most airflowGoodAreas where the outlook matters
95%BalancedBalancedEveryday use on most patios
99%Reduced view and airflowStrongest shade, privacy and glare controlHarsh western sun or more privacy

Exact performance also depends on the fabric colour and range, so we show you samples at the measure and quote.

Manual, battery, solar or 240V: which motor is best?

For a straightforward retrofit, rechargeable 12V battery motors are often popular because they avoid running new mains wiring and can be fitted with less disruption. A 240V Somfy motor is a strong choice for frequent use, larger blinds or fitting during a renovation, but it needs a licensed electrician.

OperationBest forGood to know
Rechargeable 12V battery motorRetrofits to an existing patioNo new mains wiring, less disruption
240V Somfy motorFrequent use, larger blinds, renovationsNeeds a licensed electrician
SolarBlinds where running power is hardCharged by the sun
Manual spring-assistSimple everyday useNo power needed
CrankSimple, low-cost operationNo power needed

The exact motor and its warranty are stated on your quotation.

Outdoor blinds built for Adelaide conditions

We design each blind around the actual exposure of the property, and select exterior-grade mesh and PVC for Adelaide's high UV, dry heat, winter cold and coastal air. Better materials hold their colour and tension for longer and are less likely to become brittle, distort or yellow than low-cost products chosen mainly on price.

Foothills

Foothills and gully winds

In foothills locations that can mean stronger fixing points, secure full-length side guides and conservative blind sizes.

Coast

Coastal suburbs

Near the coast we favour 100% Australian aluminium and marine-grade stainless-steel fixings to improve corrosion resistance.

Please note

Retract blinds before strong winds

Outdoor blinds are shade and weather screens. There is no single safe wind speed for every blind, so retract them whenever strong or gusty winds are forecast and never leave them down unattended in severe weather.

How much cooler an alfresco area feels depends on its orientation, roof, airflow, mesh colour and how many sides are enclosed. A correctly positioned blind stops direct sun and hot wind, but we don't quote a single temperature drop, because an open outdoor area varies too much to promise one figure.

Blinds built into your patio or verandah

Because Big Difference builds patios, pergolas and verandahs as well as installing blinds, we can plan the beam openings, fixing surfaces, pelmets and power supply together. That lets the tracks and headbox sit neatly within the structure.

Grey outdoor blinds on an insulated patio with a ceiling fan over a long outdoor dining table

Insulated patio with blinds

Planned with the patio

Planning the blinds with the structure means the headbox, power and fixings are in the right place from the start. See our patios.

Charcoal outdoor blinds enclosing a raised deck under a gable roof

Gable roof over a raised deck

Verandahs and decks

Blinds can enclose a verandah or a raised deck. See our verandahs and decking.

Dark mesh outdoor blinds on a white-framed corner patio of a two-storey home

White-framed corner patio

Matched to the frame

The guides and headbox are fixed to suit the posts and beams, so the blinds look part of the patio.

How much do outdoor blinds cost in Adelaide?

The cost of outdoor blinds in Adelaide depends on how many blinds you need, their size, the fabric and how they are operated. Big Difference gives a free, no-obligation quote after measuring up on site. These are the main things that change the price:

Number and size

How many openings, and how wide and tall each one is.

Fabric

94%, 95% or 99% mesh, or clear PVC.

Operation

Manual, crank, battery, solar or 240V motor.

Fixing and structure

Any preparation the posts or beams need, and the mounting position.

Colour

Frame colour, including custom powder coating.

Wiring

A licensed electrician where a 240V motor is chosen.

Get a clear price for your outdoor blinds. Book a free measure and quote.

Book a free measure and quote

How long do outdoor blinds take to install?

As a guide, straightforward custom outdoor blinds usually take about 3 to 6 weeks from final measure and deposit to installation. Colour, motor choice, manufacturing workload and site readiness all affect this.

Complex structural preparation or custom powder coating can take longer, so your accepted quotation states the current lead time.

Do outdoor blinds need council approval in Adelaide?

Most blinds fitted within an existing private verandah do not create a new building footprint. Approval can be needed where blinds effectively enclose a structure, affect a heritage place, project into public space, change fire or exit requirements, or form part of a commercial footpath dining area.

Planning controls are site-specific, so we recommend checking with your council or PlanSA before work starts. For cafes and restaurants, see cafe blinds for outdoor dining.

Outdoor blinds FAQs

What are Slidetrack outdoor blinds?

Slidetrack is the outdoor blind system Big Difference installs. The fabric is restrained on all four sides, with the spline hidden in full-length guide tracks and a heavy-duty bottom bar held in the side channels, so the blind stays neat and strong with less flapping and no exposed zipper wear line.

What is the difference between 94%, 95% and 99% mesh?

A 94% mesh gives the clearest outward view and the most airflow, 95% is the balanced everyday option, and 99% gives the strongest shade, privacy and glare control but reduces the view and airflow. Big Difference normally recommends 94 to 95% where the outlook matters and 99% for harsh western sun or more privacy.

Should I choose a battery or 240V motor for my outdoor blinds?

For a straightforward retrofit, a rechargeable 12V battery motor is often popular because it avoids new mains wiring. A 240V Somfy motor suits frequent use, larger blinds or a renovation, but needs a licensed electrician. Solar, manual spring-assist and crank options are also available.

How big can a Slidetrack outdoor blind be?

Slidetrack blinds can span up to 6.6 m wide with drops up to 3.5 m, where the selected configuration and engineering allow.

At what wind speed should I retract my outdoor blinds?

There is no universal safe wind speed for every blind. Size, fabric, installation and wind direction all affect the limit, so retract your blinds whenever strong or gusty winds are forecast and never leave them down unattended in severe weather.

How long do outdoor blinds take to install in Adelaide?

As a guide, straightforward custom outdoor blinds usually take about 3 to 6 weeks from final measure and deposit to installation. Complex structural preparation or custom powder coating can take longer, and your quotation states the current lead time.

Do outdoor blinds need council approval in Adelaide?

Most blinds fitted within an existing private verandah do not need it, but approval can be needed where blinds enclose a structure, affect a heritage place, project into public space or form part of a commercial footpath area. Check with your council or PlanSA before work starts.

Can outdoor blinds be built into a new patio?

Yes. Because Big Difference builds patios, pergolas and verandahs as well as installing blinds, the beam openings, fixing surfaces, pelmets and power supply are planned together so the tracks and headbox sit neatly within the structure.

Talk to a local team that measures and installs your outdoor blinds, since 2002.

Request a Quote

From Our Clients

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Liz Roberts profile picture
Liz Roberts
05:29 31 Oct 24
Thank you so much for all the professionalism work we have had done to our home in Ardrossan consistently of Roller shutters, Plantation shutters, pergola and deck as you can see by the pictures has made a Hugh difference to our home thanks again to Scott and his wonderful team
Bob Munzberg profile picture
Bob Munzberg
00:59 29 Oct 24
Big Difference provided and end-to-end professional service and the end result reflects this.
Brad Jeromin profile picture
Brad Jeromin
05:28 19 Oct 24
Excellent product & customer service. 2 & a half week turn around from qoute to install on my outdoor sidetrack blinds. Blinds are top quality & do exactly as promised. I Would definitely recommend Big difference to anyone.
Melanie Stocker profile picture
Melanie Stocker
08:01 08 Oct 24
Excellent experience with Big Difference team! Very professional, efficient and great price for my roller shutters. Will definitely be in contact to have more done very soon!!
Lorraine Warland profile picture
Lorraine Warland
02:18 26 Sep 24
The Big Difference did a wonderful job of our new blinds. From the measure and quote, to the Insta, everything was seamless and as promised. The quality of the workmanship and the materials used are second to none. This is the second time this company has done work for us. We would not look anywhere else.
Michael Ferrier profile picture
Michael Ferrier
06:35 23 Sep 24
Having used Big Difference Home Improvements some 7 years ago I had no hesitation in reaching out to them again to assist in the replacement of our outdoor blinds. Once again their service & speed to delivery & installation exceeded my expectations. It's great to know they are locally owned & really do care about their customers. I have no hesitation in recommending them as a reliable, honest & trustworthy business. Well done to the whole team & thanks for once again looking after us.
David Sheldrick profile picture
David Sheldrick
06:13 31 Aug 24
I was originally looking at installing a roller door but due to a height constraint a cafe blind was my next idea but Jarrod convinced me that a shutter would be much better and secure. The end result was outstanding, great workmanship and a neat and tidy job was the outcome. I highly recommend Big Difference Home Improvements for any type of home improvement solutions.
Frank profile picture
Frank
11:45 28 Aug 24
From quote to finish Big Difference were very professional in every way , detailed in their quoting, communication and overall process
The end result was exactly how I imagined it would be
An big shout out to Scott and Will completing the job in three days, one of which was raining.
An excellent job, highly recommended
Jaqueline Gillen profile picture
Jaqueline Gillen
02:12 20 Oct 22
We are very happy with our new cafe and shade blinds. Big difference Home Improvements did a great job and were very nice to deal with. They communicated well and did the job in a timely manner. They removed the existing old blinds and fitted the new ones all in one day and they look great!
Joanne Mazey profile picture
Joanne Mazey
06:02 06 May 22
We love our new pergola and outdoor blinds. The whole process from our meeting with Scott to the final product went without any major hiccups.
Special thanks to Jarrod, Ryan, Lewis and Matt who all did a wonderful job.
What a great SA family business would highly recommend them.
Amelia Barry profile picture
Amelia Barry
22:17 31 Mar 22
Had BDHI around to install some blinds. The guys were lovely and very professional and patientwith my kids running around (sorry guys).
They had the two blinds installed in under two hours. I think the guys names were Louie and Matt?
BDHI was recommended by a work colleague and I will definitely be going back happy knowing how professional they are.
They deserve a pat on the back for how good it turned out🙂
Mark Hoepner profile picture
Mark Hoepner
03:04 25 Mar 22
Love our new outdoor blinds.
The whole process from start to finish was smooth and efficient.
All the people at Big Difference Home Improvements were helpful and friendly.
Esteban Diaz profile picture
Esteban Diaz
06:45 09 Feb 22
Services was very good and so was the quote, now we have to wait for the installation, I will keep you informed when that happens. 😀
Chris Underwood profile picture
Chris Underwood
05:39 11 Sep 21
We chose Big Difference for our new home because it is a South Australian family owned business & is a "one stop shop" for home improvements. We purchased a pergola & blinds, plantation shutters for 4 rooms and 3 indoor roller blinds. We found Scott Parker to be competent, patient & reliable. His knowledge & expertise was invaluable in assisting our decision making. We are pleased with the products we have received to date.