Yes. String Lights Outdoor manufactures motorized outdoor shades in-house in Texas and installs them across the Houston area. Because we build to size locally instead of importing finished shades, our lead times are typically much shorter than products shipped from overseas or out of state, and replacements and repairs are easier too.
Why some shades take months
Many outdoor shades sold in Houston are made far away. The long wait usually comes from:
- Overseas or out-of-state production queues, especially in spring and summer.
- Shipping and freight, plus customs for imported products.
- Re-orders when a measurement is off or a part is damaged in transit, which can restart the wait.
- Dealers who only sell and rely on another company to build and sometimes install.
What local manufacturing changes
- Shorter lead times. We cut fabric, build cassettes and assemble motors here.
- Fewer mistakes. The people who measure your patio work with the people who build your shades.
- Faster fixes. If a fabric is damaged or a part needs replacing, it can be made locally.
- Custom sizes. Odd openings, tall spans and special colors are easier to produce.
- One team. The same company measures, builds, installs and services your shades.
Shade types we make and install
Zip-track screens
Fabric locked into side channels for wind resistance, insect control and a clean look. Ideal for covered patios, pergolas and restaurant enclosures.
Cable-guided shades
A lighter-looking option guided by stainless cables.
Under-pergola and skylight shades
Horizontal shades for overhead sun control.
Interior motorized blinds and curtains
We also build interior motorized blinds and curtain systems.
How to check if a vendor is really local
- Ask where the shades are physically made.
- Ask for the typical lead time in writing.
- Ask who installs and who services the shades later.
- Visit their showroom. Ours is at the Decorative Center of Houston, Suite 5002.
Who we work with
We supply and install shades for homeowners, restaurants, hotels and builders. We also sell to dealers and contractors through our wholesale partner, Awning for Patio Global.
Choosing the right shade for each side of your patio
Not every side of a patio needs the same shade. Thinking about orientation helps you get better comfort for the same budget:
- West-facing sides get the strongest late-afternoon sun. A tighter fabric that blocks more heat works well here.
- South-facing sides get sun most of the day. Overhead shade, such as a louvered roof, often does more than side screens alone.
- Sides facing neighbors may need a privacy fabric.
- Sides facing a view, such as a pool or garden, often look best with a more open fabric.
Because we manufacture locally, we can mix fabrics and sizes on one project without long lead times. During your consultation we bring samples and look at your patio at different times of day, so each shade is chosen for where it will actually hang.
Local motorized shade FAQ
How fast can I get shades?
Lead time depends on size, quantity and season. We will give you a schedule with your quote, and local production usually keeps it short.
Which motors do you use?
We use quality motors with remote, wall-switch and smart-home options. See our Somfy remote controls.
Do you install on existing pergolas or patios?
Yes. We measure your existing structure and confirm it can support the shades.
Do you service shades you did not install?
Call us with photos and the brand, and we will let you know what we can do.
Get locally made motorized shades
String Lights Outdoor has been building outdoor living spaces since 2016 and has been based in Houston since 2020. Our team handles the full project: site visit, design, engineering coordination, manufacturing, installation and after-sale service. We also manufacture our motorized blinds in-house in Texas.
The best first step is a design consultation ($500), which includes a free 3D design and a measurement drawing for your space, so you can see the finished project and make decisions with real numbers.
- Call 281.720.7272 or 832.866.2626
- Schedule a meeting online
- Request a quote
- Visit our showroom: Decorative Center of Houston, Suite 5002
Watch one of our recent projects: