Shade Lock: the DIY channel guided outdoor blind
Shade Lock brings the clean, gap-free look of a professionally installed zip track blind to your patio, with wind-resistant zip channels, a twist-lock handle and an install you can do yourself.
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Channel guided outdoor blinds are the go-to for Australian patios and alfresco areas: the fabric runs inside side channels, so there are no gaps for sun, glare or insects to slip through. They have mostly been custom made and professionally installed, which puts them out of reach for a lot of homes.
Shade Lock changes that. It's a genuine channel guided outdoor blind with the same zip channel technology as premium professional systems, engineered so you can install it yourself, and it's available at Bunnings.
What is Shade Lock?
Shade Lock is a channel guided outdoor blind from Windoware, designed to bring premium outdoor living to the DIY market. It bridges the gap between an expensive professional install and a retail blind you can pick up and fit yourself.
The secure channel guided system keeps the fabric taut and in place, and lets you lock the bottom rail at any height along the channels. There are no ropes, cords or pulleys: simply unlock, pull the blind to the height you want and lock it.
How Shade Lock works
Shade Lock is operated by a handle on the bottom rail, so there's nothing to wind and no cord to tie off.
- Twist to unlock the bottom rail.
- Adjust the height by pulling the blind down or guiding it back up.
- Twist to lock it in place, anywhere along the channels.
A balanced retractable mechanism does the heavy lifting, so the blind moves smoothly and stays exactly where you leave it.
Why choose a channel guided outdoor blind?
A standard outdoor roller blind hangs free at the sides, so it can flap in the breeze and let light and bugs in around the edges. A channel guided blind holds both side edges in aluminium channels fixed to your posts or wall.
- Gap-free coverage: secure side channels close the gaps, giving reliable protection from sun, glare and insects.
- Wind-resistant: the fabric is held along both edges, so it stays taut in a breeze.
- Year-round comfort: premium sunscreen fabric gives 98% UV protection while staying breathable, so your outdoor area stays usable all year.
- A clean look: no ropes or cords hanging down, just a slim headbox and two side channels.
Shade Lock features
Zip channel technology
A hidden zip along each side edge of the fabric runs inside the channels, keeping the fabric taut and secure. It's the same technology used in premium professionally installed systems.
Handle-operated bottom rail
An intuitive hand movement positions and locks the blind. If the handle is out of reach when the blind is up, pair it with a fixed arm pull rod from Bunnings (item 0524379, black, adjustable from 100 to 185cm).
An architectural finish
A sleek, full headbox and Colorbond®-matched colour give Shade Lock the high-end look of a custom outdoor blind.
DIY-friendly engineering
Shade Lock is built with a tolerance in the design to make installation easier, which is the biggest hurdle with channel guided blinds. Face mount and top mount brackets are both in the box.
Sizes and specifications
- Sizes: 2.4m wide × 2.4m drop, and 3.0m wide × 2.4m drop
- Cut to size: available for custom requirements
- Fabric: premium sunscreen with 98% UV protection
- Colour: Night Sky, Colorbond®-matched
- Operation: handle-operated bottom rail with a twist lock and a balanced retractable mechanism
- Mounting: face mount and top mount brackets included
- Warranty: 5 years
See current prices and both sizes on the Shade Lock product page.
Face mount or top mount?
Both sets of brackets come in the box, so you can choose the mount that suits your space.
- Face mount fixes the headbox to the face of your beam or wall.
- Top mount fixes the headbox up under a beam or pergola. A top mount adds 1cm to the overall height of the installed blind.
Whichever you choose, the side channels fix through their side points (face mount) or back points to suit.
How to install Shade Lock
Shade Lock is a two person install. Read the instructions in the box before you start; you can also download them below.
What you'll need
- A drill
- A Phillips head screwdriver or a long-shafted Phillips drill bit
- A tape measure and a pencil
- A spirit level
Installation at a glance
- Choose your mount. Hold the blind in position and mark the fixing points through the brackets, using a level to keep it straight.
- Pre-drill and fix the headbox. The screws in the pack aren't self-tapping, so pre-drill every hole. Use the masonry plugs for brick or concrete.
- Position the side channels. They sit flush with the ends of the headbox and in line with the blind, end caps at the bottom. Use a level or plumb bob to keep them straight.
- Check the width. Measure between the channels at the top, middle and bottom: it has to stay within ±0.5cm for the zip to run smoothly.
- Feed in the fabric. Pull the blind down about 20cm, check both zip edges are in the guides, lock it and fit the limit block.
- Fix the channels. Screw the channels on, moving the blind from bottom to top as you go. Recheck that everything is level, then plug any unused holes.
Download the installation instructions (PDF)
Shade Lock vs custom-made outdoor blinds
Custom zip track blinds are measured, made and installed by a professional, and they're priced to match. Shade Lock gives you the same zip channel technology and architectural look in standard sizes that you can take home from Bunnings and install yourself, with cut to size available when your opening needs it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install Shade Lock myself?
Yes. Shade Lock is designed for DIY installation and is a two person job. You'll need a drill, a Phillips head screwdriver or drill bit, a tape measure, a pencil and a level. Step-by-step instructions come in the box and can be downloaded from the product page.
What sizes does Shade Lock come in?
Shade Lock comes in 2.4m × 2.4m and 3.0m × 2.4m (width × drop). Cut to size is available for custom requirements.
Is Shade Lock wind resistant?
Yes. The zip edges run inside wind-resistant side channels, so the fabric stays taut and in place. As with any outdoor blind, roll it up in high winds to avoid damage.
Does Shade Lock have ropes or cords?
No. There are no ropes, cords or pulleys. You move the blind with the handle on the bottom rail: twist to unlock, adjust the height, twist to lock.
How much UV does Shade Lock block?
The premium sunscreen fabric gives 98% UV protection while staying breathable.
Can I mount Shade Lock under a pergola beam?
Yes. Top mount brackets are included for fixing under a beam, as well as face mount brackets. A top mount adds 1cm to the overall height.
What warranty does Shade Lock have?
Shade Lock comes with a 5 year warranty from Smart Home Products.
Where can I buy Shade Lock?
Shade Lock is sold at Bunnings Warehouse, in store and online.
Ready to shade your outdoor area?
See prices and sizes on the Shade Lock product page, browse more outdoor blinds, or find your nearest Bunnings.
