Buying Guide - Steps to take

Choosing the right external blind or awning doesn't need to be complicated. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before you order.

Step 1 — Choose Your Product Type

The right product depends on your space and what you want to achieve:

Ziptrak® Blinds — Best for full enclosure. Track-guided PVC or mesh panels seal out wind and rain. Ideal for patios, alfresco areas and pergolas. Stop at any height — no cords or locks needed.
Straight Drop Blinds — Versatile and cost-effective. Available in mesh, acrylic or canvas. Three operating systems: rope-and-pulley (Convertible), gear crank (Gearbox) or motorised. Great for verandas, balconies and pergolas.
Pivot Arm Awnings — Ideal for windows and small openings. The arms fold flat when retracted, sitting tight to the wall. Excellent for blocking heat and glare on north and west-facing windows.
Folding Arm Awnings — The classic overhead awning. Arms extend outward to create shade over patios and entertaining areas without the need for posts or supports.

For a more detailed see "Picking the Right Blind or Awning".

Step 2 — Choose Your Fabric

PVC (Ziptrak® only) — Clear, tinted or printed. Full weather protection. Keeps the view while blocking wind and rain.
Mesh — Reduces heat and glare while maintaining airflow and outward visibility. Best for shade with ventilation.
Acrylic — Woven fabric with excellent UV resistance and colour fastness. Solid privacy and shade. Popular for awnings.
Canvas — Traditional look and feel. Durable and UV stable. Heavier than acrylic.

Step 3 — Manual or Motorised?

Both options produce the same product — only the operating system differs.

Manual — Lower cost. Operated by hand (spring balance, rope, or gear crank depending on the product). Reliable and low maintenance.
Motorised — Remote or smart-home controlled. Add a wind sensor for automatic retraction. Ideal for hard-to-reach installations or large spans.

Step 4 — Measure Your Space

You'll need two measurements: width and drop (height), both in millimetres.

Measure the opening you want to cover — width first, then height.
For straight drop blinds, measure from the underside of your beam or fascia to the floor or desired stopping point.
For awnings, measure the width of the opening and the projection (how far out you want the awning to extend).
Enter your exact measurements in mm on the product page — we manufacture to the exact size you specify.

Each product page shows the available size range. If your opening falls outside that range, contact us — we may be able to accommodate it.

Step 5 — Choose Your Colour

Fabric and hardware colours are selected during configuration. Fabric colour swatches are shown on each product page. Hardware (brackets, tracks, pelmet) is available in standard powder-coat colours — typically white, black, grey, and heritage shades.

Step 6 — Place Your Order

Once you've configured your product, add it to your cart and checkout. Payment is processed securely via Shopify Payments (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay). Your order goes straight to our production schedule. You'll receive a confirmation email with your specifications — please check these carefully.

Lead Times

Most products are made to order with a lead time of 3–5 weeks. We'll confirm your expected dispatch date by email within 2 business days of ordering.

Still Not Sure?

We're happy to help you choose the right product for your space. Get in touch — send us your measurements and a photo of your space and we'll point you in the right direction.