How to hang outdoor blinds under eaves / between two walls?

[bradkiera]

Hi! 

We are looking to hang these  blinds outdoors in our patio/garage (except we have two 1.8m x 2.1m version). 

We would like to secure them between the brick wall of our house and a brick pillar, a distance of 3.5m.(10cm shorter than the blinds, so will have to mount on the back of the pillar instead of in between both). However we have noticed these blinds seem to mount flush against something, so we think we need to add a beam to hang them from, as the roof is just gyprock sheeting. 

How best do we secure the beam and then the two blinds? Do we use a colourbond joist? Patio beams? Saw something called Lysaght firmlok beams? And how do we secure it, brackets? Joist hangers? Not sure what would be the most secure. 

Thank you so much! 

[EricL]

Hello @bradkiera 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your outdoor blinds.

Would it be possible for you to post a photo of the area where you plan to install the outdoor blinds. Once we see the location, we'll be able to determine if beams can be attached to that area which will allow you to install the blinds. You need to take into consideration the strength of the area where you'll be attaching the beam to and if the distance between the space is not too wide. If it is too wide, it might be necessary to install a supporting post in the middle of the beam. 

In regards to the roof if the rafters are accessible under eaves, it might be possible to anchor timber in that location allowing you to install the blinds there. But we should be able to give you better advice once we see pictures of the area.

If you need a hand posting the photos, please let us know.

Eric

[bradkiera]

Hi Eric, 

Thank you! This is the space between the brick pillar and the wall, to screen the car/garage. It is 3.5m long. We were looking at potentially using a 50 x 50mm aluminium post with a bracket of some sorts as these usually come in lengths of 3.6m. 

Thank you! 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @bradkiera,

The aluminium post sounds like an option, but that's still quite a distance to span, and it will likely need at least one fixing point in the middle of the span into the ceiling joists. Given that, as Eric mentioned, you could likely use 66 x 42mm timber and screw it directly into the ceiling joists along the span. That would give you a vertical mounting surface to attach your blinds onto.

You'll be able to locate the ceiling joists in that area with a stud finder. here's a helpful guide: How to use a stud finder.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell