Share
Good morning everyone,
We are currently doing renovations to our backyard, I am looking for ideas on enclosing one side of our patio area. The area to be covered is 3.4m w x 2.2m h. We were looking at the outdoor blinds, but were hoping for something a little more secure and also were worried about the wind factor as we get a strong breeze come through during storms etc.
Just wondering if anyone has used the laser cut screens for making sliding/stacking doors? We are hoping for a budget option, as the backyard is going to cost us quite a lot due to the house having no backyard landscaping done when we moved in, as old mate had lost his job shortly after building... (190+ sqm of backyard is hard work when it comes to sand and wheat problems).
Open to all ideas, thanks guys 
Hi @amclaughlin09,
Bistro blinds are designed to cope with strong breezes which are a regular occurrence wherever they are installed. The panel gets screwed to a post or wall on either side of the blind to secure it in place. You can then unzip it and roll it up for access.
I believe you'll find most laser cut panels are 1800mm tall and won't cover your required height. This could be worked around if you installed a beam at 1800mm high and then used solid none movable panels above it. The track system could be installed on the beam and the ground to allow the lower panels to slide.
You might like to post a picture of the space which could give members a better idea of what you are working with.
Mitchell
No worries @amclaughlin09. Please let us know if you ever have any trouble signing in or getting the most from the site. We're here to help.
Jason
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @dipdasdarwin. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about enclosing a patio.
It's great to hear you're considering different options to enclose your patio for your cat.
Bistro blinds could be a flexible and cost-effective solution, especially for keeping the area accessible while providing some shelter. They are commonly used across Australia, but you're right to check if they'd meet local building codes, especially in a region like the top-end, where weather can be extreme. I'd suggest contacting your local council to confirm any requirements before proceeding.
As for the wire mesh panels and Crimsafe-style doors, they could offer added security and durability while still allowing airflow. A glass and panel structure would be more permanent, but it would likely come with higher costs and less ventilation, which might not be ideal given your climate.
It really comes down to how much protection and flexibility you need for the space.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
