Which material for movable external blinds should I choose? Wood, aluminium or wood-like slats.

The choice of material for external blinds affects not only the appearance of the terrace or pergola development, but also the durability, maintenance and comfort of daily use. Modern systems use timber planks, aluminium slats and woodgrain slats, among others. Each solution has different properties, requirements and applications.

If you're wondering which outdoor blinds will work best on your terrace, balcony or pergola, this guide will help you compare the most popular types of infill and choose a solution to suit the style of the building and the conditions of use.

What are movable external blinds?

Mobile external blinds are used to enclose the side walls of terraces, balconies, pergolas and gazebos. They make it possible to regulate the amount of light, ventilation and level of privacy around the house and garden.

At the heart of the system are movable brackets equipped with rotating sockets into which the boards or laths are fitted. With the OpenUp System, you can use different types of infill - from natural wood to modern aluminium and wood-like laths.

It is the choice of material that later influences:

• appearance of development,
• weatherproof,
• ease of maintenance,
• construction weight,
• and the use of external blinds.

Movable external blinds are used to enclose the side walls of terraces, balconies, pergolas and gazebos. They make it possible to regulate the amount of light, ventilation and level of privacy around the house and garden.

Material for movable external blinds - 5 types of filling

Both natural wood and modern aluminium and woodgrain slats are used in movable external blind systems. Each solution has different properties, weight, weather resistance and visual effect.

In OpenUp System, you can choose, among other things:

• wooden planks,
• powder-coated aluminium fins,
• woodgrain aluminium fins,
• infill in RAL colours,
• modern systems with a natural wood look.

Below you will find the most popular types of material for movable external blinds and their main advantages, differences and applications.

You will find five types of infill in our shop:

Unpainted wood

Unpainted pine boards are a product that requires finishing. You will need to treat them with an impregnating agent before fitting them in OUS holders. If you want to preserve their natural character, choose a clear impregnationor the colour of other types of wood, such as oak. 
For the 'natural' wooden planks, the black OUS handles are the most suitable.

Painted wood

If you want to surround yourself with colour, choose coloured varnishes. You'll find plenty of wood preservatives and opaques on the market. In our shop we use Remmers 3-in-1 Varnishes. To get decently coloured boards, you need to apply two coats of paint in addition to the waterproofing - depending on the effect you want to achieve. 
Depending on your choice of painting colour, choose one of the five handles. The most frequently selected OUS handles are in the colours anthracite, black and white.

Aluminium, unpainted

Raw aluminium has its own charm. And all the advantages of aluminium: weather and pest resistance. We recommend the black OUS brackets for the raw aluminium louvres.

Painted aluminium

It's the best solution for anyone with a flair for terrace or balcony design. And those who don't have the time or inclination to regularly clean and waterproof wooden blinds. The choice of colours is basically unlimited. In our range you will find a set of the most popular RAL colours. Fancy a more original colour? Contact usi. 

When buying painted aluminium blinds, you have Choice of matt and fine-textured painted blinds. Wondering which type to choose?
Aluminium with a smooth (matt) finish has a smooth surface. However, it does show fingerprints. It is easier to clean.
The structured aluminium finish is rough. Fingerprints are less likely to show on it.

Which handle colour should I choose for painted aluminium fittings? OUS handles in the colours anthracite, black and white are the most common choices.
Want to know what to consider when choosing the colour of a louvre development? Read our article: "How many and what length of terrace blinds do you need„. 

Wood-like aluminium

It combines the advantages of wood and aluminium: "wooden" look and texture as well as durability and ease of care. In our shop you will find many types of woodgrain finishes for aluminium slats. For woodgrain lamellas, our customers most often choose handles in the colours anthracite, brown and black.

Would you like to see different materials for movable external blinds?

Visit our showroom and see for yourself how the different materials differ. The shop is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In the square in front of the office, you will find displays and gazebos on which we have mounted various types of boards and laths.

Vertical or horizontal blinds - which installation method should I choose?

We wrote about the differences that arise from the choice of installation method for moving blinds in the article  "Vertical or horizontal external blinds - which solution to choose". The choice is limited to aluminium. Due to the nature of the material, we do not recommend the use of wood in vertical installation. As a 'living' material, wood works. Over long lengths, which is what is most often used in vertical installation, it can deform, which affects the operation of the moving blind mechanism. Aluminium blinds are more durable and weather-resistant. Therefore, we recommend them to be built in vertical terrace pergolas, terraces and balconies. The vertical laths give the development a modern style, optically elevate the body of the building and cast a beautiful shadow on the built interior.

Opened.co.uk manufacturer of moving handles for external blinds

We are a Polish company specialising in the production of brackets for movable external blinds made of wood and aluminium, as well as kits for side walls of terraces, balconies and sheds.
We offer a wide range of products, including brackets for movable blinds, angled board kits and different types of wood patio blinds. Visit the shop www.otwierane.pl and configure your order. Buy from a direct manufacturer!