Wooden blinds for the patio – when are they a good choice and who are they best suited for?

Wooden blinds for the terrace For many years, they have been among the most popular choices for enclosing the side walls of terraces, pergolas and balconies. Customers choose wood primarily because of its natural appearance, the option to finish it themselves, and the fact that it blends in easily with the garden and the building’s façade.

Not every terrace enclosure looks or works in the same way. In this guide, we focus on wooden patio blinds and explain when they are the best choice, what their advantages are, and what to look out for before buying.

In brief

• Wooden blinds for the patio allow you to control the amount of light, the draught and the level of privacy,
• They are most commonly used for terraces, balconies, pergolas and gazebos,
• You can buy the wood either painted or unpainted,
• You can build the structure yourself using ready-made kits or order ready-made frames,
• The cost of the build depends on the dimensions, the number of walls and the construction method chosen,
• Before making a purchase, it is worth comparing wood and aluminium in terms of appearance, durability and maintenance.

Why is wood still a popular material for decking?

Despite the wide availability of modern materials, wood remains very popular with homeowners and gardeners. The reason is simple – a natural look.

Wooden patio blinds look great on both modern buildings and more traditional-style homes. They do not visually dominate their surroundings, but rather blend in with them.

An additional advantage is the option to finish the surface yourself. The wood can be painted in the colour of your choice, treated with a wood preservative, wood stain or varnish, and matched to the façade, window frames or pergola structure.

Wooden blinds for the patio or full wall panelling?

Many people wonder whether it is better to build a solid wall or to use retractable patio blinds – retractable slats.

A fully enclosed structure provides greater separation from the surroundings, but at the same time restricts airflow and light.

Wooden blinds work differently. They allow you to adjust the level of light in the room. Depending on your needs, you can let in more light, improve ventilation or close the blinds to limit visibility from outside.

For many terrace owners, this is a compromise between a completely open space and fully enclosed structures.

Where are wooden blinds best suited?

The terrace by the house

This is the most common use. Blinds help to reduce the heat building up on the sides of the terrace and make the space more comfortable to use on sunny days.

Balcony

On balconies, wooden shutters help to enhance privacy without completely enclosing the space. This solution is often used in blocks of flats and apartment buildings.

Pergola

More and more pergola owners are opting to construct side walls using movable slats. This allows them to partially shield the space from the wind and prying eyes.

Gazebo

In gazebos, wooden shutters can be used to cover selected walls, making the space more comfortable to use in various weather conditions.

When is wood a better choice than aluminium?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Wood is particularly suitable if you want a natural look and want the furniture to blend in with your garden or the wooden structure of your patio.

Aluminium, on the other hand, requires less maintenance and is available in a wide range of colours.

Wooden patio blinds are often chosen by people who:

• have a wooden pergola,
• have a wooden terrace,
• they want to maintain the garden’s cohesive character,
• plan to finish the wood surface themselves,
• prefer natural materials.

What should you look out for before buying wooden patio blinds?

Before placing an order, it is worth considering a few things.

Sun exposure

Check which direction the terrace faces. This will help you determine which walls need to be sheltered.

Wind direction

If the terrace is in a spot particularly exposed to gusts of wind, positioning the blinds correctly can significantly improve comfort.

Maintenance

Wood used outdoors requires regular treatment. It is worth bearing this in mind when planning your project.

Expandability

Not every terrace needs to be enclosed on all sides straight away. In many cases, owners start with one wall and add further sections over the following seasons.

How much does it cost to fit wooden shutters to a terrace?

The cost of fitting wooden louvres to a terrace depends primarily on the width and height of the structure, the number of walls, and whether you are building it yourself or opting for ready-made frames designed for installation.

The examples below show the approximate prices of the products themselves as of 2026.

Example 1. Enclosing a balcony in a block of flats

Let’s assume we are building a single wall measuring 300 × 140 cm, divided into three sections, each 100 cm long.

If you build the frame yourself and use sets with wooden boardsand the cost of materials is approximately:

• PLN 1,817 gross – unpainted wood,
• PLN 2,573 gross – painted wood.

The quote includes a set of brackets and the wooden boards required to build the unit.

If you decide to ready-made wooden frames with sliding shutters, The cost of a unit measuring 300 × 140 cm is approximately PLN 3,700 gross.

Example 2. Enclosing a terrace next to the house

Let’s assume we are constructing one side wall with the dimensions 500 × 220 cm.

In practice, such a structure is usually divided into several independent modules, which makes it easier to use and reduces the load on the structure.

In the case of ready-made painted wooden frames with movable slats, the cost of a unit measuring approximately 500 × 220 cm is around PLN 10,400 gross.

The final price depends, among other things, on:

• the number of modules,
• building heights,
• the chosen wood finish,
• structural division,
• the additional components used.

In the case of large terraces, developers very often start with one side wall and add further modules in subsequent seasons.

Can you make wooden blinds for the patio yourself?

Yes. Many of our customers choose to fit the units themselves.

Before you start work, it’s a good idea to take precise measurements and determine the width and height of the planned structure. If you’re not sure how to do this, have a look at our guide „How to measure a terrace or balcony for the installation of external blinds„. You can also watch the video, how to measure a terrace for a side extension using movable boards.

If you have any questions, please call: +48 536 707 425. We’ll help you work out how many sets you need.

In the moving boards OpenUp System Adjustable brackets are used in conjunction with wooden slats. This makes it possible to adjust their position with a single movement of the hand.

For those building a home for the first time, ready-made components and the opportunity to seek advice before making a purchase are a great help.

Wooden louvres for patios are the perfect solution for those who want to provide some shade without completely enclosing their patio, balcony or pergola. The adjustable slats allow you to control the amount of light, airflow and privacy, and the wood blends in well with the garden, façade and wooden structures.

Before making a purchase, it is worth determining the dimensions of the structure, the method of installation, the number of walls, and whether you want to build it yourself or opt for ready-made frames that are ready for assembly.

If you’re not sure which solution is right for your terrace, please get in touch. We’ll help you choose the right number of sets, the height of the structure and the layout of the modules.

Tel: +48 536 707 425