Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about privacy curtains, shade sails, roller shades and how we work. Still not sure? Reach out any time.
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Company
Are you fully insured?
Yes. We are fully insured to work on Florida homes.
Do you have a showroom I can visit?
No. We are a mobile service with no walk-in storefront. We bring samples of every product and fabric swatches to your home at the free in-home consultation, and our website gallery has photos of our work.
How can I contact you?
Call or text us, fill out the contact form on our website, or use the website chat to ask a question or set up a free consultation.
What are your business hours?
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed Sunday.
Who is Florida Lanai Curtains?
Florida Lanai Curtains is a family-owned and veteran-owned business with over a decade of experience in custom shade and privacy solutions for Florida lanais, patios, and pool enclosures. We are fully insured in Florida.
We are a mobile service. We come to your home, and we don't have a walk-in storefront.
Consultation
How do I get an estimate for privacy curtains and shade panels?
Start by contacting us through the chat on this site or by phone. Tell us about your lanai, pool cage, or screen porch, and our office will call you back with a ballpark estimate. If it fits your budget, we'll set up a visit with you. You can't book the time online. A real person confirms the day and time so it fits your schedule.
You don't have to measure first. If you'd like a rough estimate sooner, it helps to know:
- Privacy curtains: the total width of the wall(s) or opening(s) in feet, rounded up to the next whole foot.
- Roll-down shades: the width of each section in inches, from the inside of one post to the inside of the next.
- Shade sails: the length and width of each roof section.
Any price before our visit is an estimate. At the free, no-obligation in-home consultation, we measure everything and then send you a detailed quote. For current prices, see the pricing page on our website.
Fabrics
Do darker fabric colors block more sun?
Generally, yes. Darker fabrics block more light and glare. Color also affects how much heat the fabric holds and how well you can see out.
How long do outdoor fabrics last?
All of our fabrics are made for outdoor use and typically last many years with normal use and care. Actual lifespan depends on sun exposure, wind, and maintenance. Each fabric is backed by a its own manufacturer warranty.
What fabrics do you use?
Sunbrella Marine Canvas, SolaMesh, and Suntex 97. Each offers a different balance of privacy, airflow, and sun protection. Sunbrella Marine Canvas is used for privacy curtains and roll-down shades, SolaMesh for shade sails, and Suntex 97 for roll-down shades.
What is SolaMesh?
A woven mesh fabric used for shade sails, made with UV stabilizers and backed by a 10-year manufacturer warranty. It shades from above while letting air through.
The amount of shade depends on the color. Lighter colors let more light through and darker colors give more shade, from about 75% shade for white up to about 96% for black.
During the day it gives good privacy, but at night with lights on inside, silhouettes may be visible.
What is Sunbrella Marine Canvas?
A heavy-duty outdoor fabric that gives maximum privacy and weather resistance. It is ideal for screening neighboring views, with limited protection from light weather.
The manufacturer describes it as breathable, but it lets less air through than mesh fabrics. It carries a 10-year fade-free warranty.
What is Suntex 97?
A high-performance solar screen fabric from Phifer that blocks about 97% of UV rays. It is woven very tightly, only about 3% open, so it cuts heat and glare significantly while still letting you see out. It is backed by a 10-year manufacturer warranty.
It gives daytime privacy by reducing visibility from outside. At night, with lights on inside, it becomes more see-through.
Which fabric blocks the most heat?
For cutting heat and glare while keeping airflow and a view out, Suntex 97 is the strongest choice. It blocks about 97% of UV rays.
SolaMesh shades from above while letting air through, with darker colors giving the most shade.
Sunbrella blocks the most light because it is solid, but it holds more heat because less air passes through. Heat retention is usually not an issue unless your space is fully enclosed.
Which fabric is best for privacy?
Sunbrella Marine Canvas, because it is not see-through. SolaMesh gives moderate privacy with airflow, and Suntex 97 focuses more on sun control than privacy.
Will the fabric fade in the Florida sun?
Our curtain and sail fabrics resist UV, but Florida sun is strong, so some fading over many years is normal. The fabric makers' warranties cover breakdown within their terms.
Installation
Do I need a permit for lanai curtains or shades?
In most cases, no. These are non-structural additions. Local rules can vary, and we'll let you know if anything is needed.
Do I need HOA approval?
Usually not for anything installed inside your pool cage, but every HOA has its own rules, so check with yours. If you need approval, we're happy to provide product specs and pictures for your HOA application.
How are curtains installed?
Curtains hang from an aluminum track system that matches your screen enclosure and blends in visually.
How long does installation take?
Every installation is done in one day, usually no more than five to six hours, depending on the size of the job.
Should curtains and shade sails be taken down before a storm?
Curtains should be removed or tied back and secured before high winds. Shade sails can usually stay up in everyday wind, but we recommend taking them down ahead of a named storm or other extreme weather.
Will installation damage my screen enclosure?
No. Our systems mount cleanly to your existing enclosure without damaging the screens when installed properly. Our track system acts as additional bracing that reinforces your pool enclosure.
How soon can you install?
Usually 3 to 5 weeks after your measurements are done and your deposit is in, depending on our schedule and material availability.
Maintenance
How do I replace a broken hook or part?
Replacing a hook is a simple job most homeowners can do themselves: slide the panel along the track and swap the part. Call us if you need replacement hardware.
Payment
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We offer financing through a financing Affirm. We can go over the options with you at the consultation.
Is a deposit required?
Yes. A deposit is required to begin production, and the remaining balance is due at or near installation. The deposit is about 66% for privacy curtains, about 50% for shade sails, and about 60% for roll-down shades.
What payment methods do you accept?
Checks or Zelle are preferred, and we also accept all major credit cards. Credit card payments include a 3% convenience fee.
Pricing
How are privacy curtains priced?
By the linear foot of wall or opening covered, installed. The fabric style changes the rate: solid is the lowest, then texture, texture plus, and stripe. Zippers are added at approximately one for every 8 feet of curtain. Curtains over 9 feet tall cost a bit more, and LED lighting is an added option.
How are roll-down shades priced?
Each shade is priced by the width of the section it covers, installed. Height doesn't change the price, because every shade comes with at least 120 inches of fabric. Sections wider than 104 inches usually need more than one shade and are priced at the consultation.
How are shade sails priced?
By the square foot of roof section covered, installed. The size and number of roof sections you want covered are what move the price.
What is included in the price?
Every price includes professional installation. Privacy curtain pricing includes the curtains, valance, track system. All product pricing includes installation.
Prices are before sales tax. Paying by credit card adds a 3% convenience fee. The final price can include a small travel adjustment depending on how far your home is from us.
Any price you see before we visit is an estimate. Your exact price comes from the free in-home consultation, where we measure your space.
Privacy Curtains
Are outdoor curtains pet-friendly?
They are durable, but sharp claws or chewing can damage the fabric. Pet damage is not covered under warranty.
Can I add LED lighting to my curtains?
Yes, with privacy curtains only. Soft LED rope lighting is installed under the track, behind the valance, so it casts a gentle glow down the curtains at night. It is priced at the consultation. For an additional fee, we are happy to help you hang your cafe' lights.
Can outdoor curtains handle wind?
They are designed for normal wind. In strong winds or storms, open or secure the panels to prevent damage.
Can the curtains be removed later?
Yes. Panels can be removed or replaced without removing the entire track system.
Can you make curtains taller than 9 feet?
Yes. Curtains over 9 feet tall are available and cost a bit more. We confirm the exact price at the consultation.
Do lanai curtains keep bugs out?
They can reduce insects, but they are not a sealed system and won't block all bugs.
Do lanai curtains keep rain out?
They help keep out light rain and mist, and when closed they can keep wind-driven rain out of the covered area. They are not fully waterproof.
Do outdoor curtains reduce heat and sun?
Yes. Sunbrella Marine Canvas is a solid fabric, so it blocks direct sun and glare on the side it covers. All Sunbrella marine fabrics carry the Skin Cancer Foundation's seal of approval for sun protection.
Because the fabric is solid, less air passes through, so on very hot days it can hold more heat than a mesh fabric. Open the curtains when you want the breeze.
How do the curtains open and close?
They slide side to side by hand along a track mounted at the top, just like indoor curtains. To hold them open, use the sewn-on tiebacks that come standard, or choose optional 2-inch decorative Velcro straps instead.
How much privacy do outdoor curtains provide?
Our custom-designed curtain system provides maximum privacy for your unique space. Our Sunbrella Marine Canvas curtains are completely opaque and sized to prevent outside views over the top whenever possible. Bottom buckles keep curtains securely in place, while zippers or magnets connect adjacent panels to create a continuous wall of privacy.
Process
Do I need to measure before I call?
No. We measure everything at the free consultation so your products fit exactly and are covered under warranty.
If you'd like a rough estimate first, here is what helps:
Privacy curtains: the total width of the wall(s) or opening(s) in feet, rounded up to the next whole foot. Measure the whole wall end to end. Height only matters if you want curtains taller than 9 feet.
Roll-down shades: the width of each section in inches, from the inside of one upright post to the inside of the next. No height is needed, because every shade comes with at least 120 inches of fabric.
Shade sails: the length and width of each roof section. You don't need a ladder. The roof supports line up with the upright posts, so measure between the two posts that line up with the section on one wall, inside of post to inside of post, then do the same on the wall next to it. We confirm angled corner sections at the consultation.
How does the process work from first call to installation?
1. Contact us by phone or email, and we call you back, give you a ballpark estimate, and schedule your visit if the ballpark estimate is within your budget.
2. Free in-home consultation. We come to your home, usually for 30 to 45 minutes, measure everything, and show you fabrics and colors. There is no obligation.
3. Quote. You receive a detailed quote. Take your time to decide.
4. Order. Once you approve and pay the deposit, we submit your order to Privacy On Demand for manufacturing right here in Florida.
5. Timeline. Manufacturing can take 3 to 5 weeks after your order and the installation is done in a single day.
What happens at the free in-home consultation?
We come to your home, usually for 30 to 45 minutes. We measure everything, show you samples of our products and fabric swatches, and talk through which options fit your space and meet your privacy and shade needs. Afterward you receive a detailed quote. The consultation is free, with no obligation.
Products
Are your curtains and shades hurricane-rated?
No. Our products are not hurricane-rated or hurricane-proof. They provide privacy, shade, and weather protection in normal conditions, but they should not be relied on for hurricane protection.
Are your products custom-made?
Yes. Everything is custom-made to fit your specific enclosure or patio, and professionally installed. All components are sourced in the U.S.A. and manufacturing happens right here in Melbourne, Florida.
Do you offer motorized shades?
No. All of our products are manually operated. We do not offer motorized options of any kind.
How do curtains and shade sails compare to umbrellas or a permanent structure?
Custom curtains and shade sails usually cost less than an engineered shade structure and last longer than umbrellas that need frequent replacing. They are made to fit your enclosure, so they look cleaner and work better too.
What hardware do you use, and will it rust?
Our curtain track is made from the same aluminum extrusions as screen enclosures, in bronze or white to match your cage. The wing nut stoppers and curtain hooks are stainless steel, and every other component is marine-grade, made to hold up in Florida's sun, humidity, and salt air.
What types of products do you install?
We install outdoor privacy curtains, shade sails, mesh privacy panels, and outdoor roll-down shades for aluminum screen enclosures, patios, lanais, and pool cages. They add privacy, block sun, and keep your outdoor space comfortable.
Which product is right for my lanai?
It depends on the problem you want to solve.
Neighbors can see in: privacy curtains in Sunbrella Marine Canvas give complete privacy.
Too hot from overhead sun, or the pool is too warm: shade sails block sun from above while letting air through.
Low afternoon sun on one side: roll-down shades or curtains on that side. Roll-down shades in Suntex 97 cut heat and glare while keeping some view out. Curtains give full privacy too.
Rain blowing in: privacy curtains help keep wind-driven rain out when closed.
You want it out of the way when not in use: roll-down shades roll up out of sight, and curtains slide open to the side.
Not sure: the free in-home consultation is the easiest way to decide. We look at your space and show you options.
Scheduling
How do I schedule a measurement visit?
Tell us about your lanai through the chat on this site or by phone, and our office will call you back to set up a visit.
We do not book the appointment online. A real person confirms the day and time with you so the visit fits your schedule. There is no charge for the measurement or the quote.
Service Area
Where do you serve?
We serve many areas across Florida, including Brevard County, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Oviedo, Port St. Lucie, and Titusville. Our service areas page lists every city we cover.
Shade Sails
Do shade sails provide privacy?
Shade sails mainly provide shade, not full privacy. They still block sun and discourage casual views into your space.
Value
Do lanai curtains and shades add value to my home?
They make your outdoor space more usable, comfortable, and attractive, which many homeowners see as added value.
Warranty & Care
Do you offer a cleaning service?
No. A local pressure-washing company is usually your best option. Share your product's cleaning instructions with them.
Sunbrella Marine Canvas is bleach cleanable so common chemicals used by commercial pressure washing companies are safe. Do not use harsh chemicals on SolaMesh or Suntex 97.
How do I clean outdoor curtains and shades?
Rinse them regularly with plain water to keep dirt from building up. Each fabric has its own care instructions, which we give you after installation. Beyond that, occasional rinsing and a quick look at the hardware is usually all the maintenance needed.
What warranty do you offer?
There are two parts: our workmanship warranty on the installation, and the fabric manufacturer's warranty on the material.
Privacy curtains: 2-year workmanship warranty. The Sunbrella Marine Canvas fabric carries a 10-year fade-free warranty.
Shade sails: 5-year workmanship warranty. The SolaMesh fabric carries a 10-year degradation-free warranty.
Roll-down shades: 3-year workmanship warranty. Suntex 97 fabric carries a 10-year limited warranty, and Sunbrella Marine Canvas carries its 10-year fade-free warranty.
Pet damage is not covered.
Last updated October 11, 2026
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to answer any questions not covered here. Contact us for a free consultation and we'll discuss your specific situation.