How MagnaTrack Exterior Shades Are Installed: What Boise Homeowners Should Expect

Installing MagnaTrack exterior shades is not a weekend DIY project. These are precision-engineered systems that require accurate measurements, structural mounting, electrical connections, and careful calibration. At Boise Blinds, we handle every step of the process in-house. Here's exactly what to expect when you move forward with a MagnaTrack installation.

Step 1: Free In-Home Consultation

Every MagnaTrack project starts with a free on-site consultation. We come to your home, assess the space, and discuss your goals. This isn't a high-pressure sales visit — it's a technical evaluation. We need to see the actual structure to determine mounting options, electrical access, and any site-specific challenges.

During the consultation, we evaluate sun exposure and orientation to determine which openings benefit most from shading. We inspect the mounting surface — whether it's stucco, stone, wood, steel, or composite — to select the right fastening hardware. We check for electrical access near the mounting location, since motorized MagnaTrack shades require a power connection. We also measure the opening dimensions precisely, because MagnaTrack shades are custom fabricated to the exact width and drop of your space.

We'll walk you through fabric options, motor choices, and smart home integration possibilities. By the end of the visit, you'll have a clear understanding of what the project involves and a detailed quote with no hidden costs.

Step 2: Custom Fabrication

Once you approve the project, your MagnaTrack shades go into production. Every unit is custom built to your exact specifications — there are no off-the-shelf sizes. The aluminum tracks, headbox housing, fabric panels, and motor assemblies are fabricated and assembled to match your measurements precisely.

Fabrication typically takes 4–6 weeks depending on the complexity of the order and current production volume. During this time, we coordinate any electrical prep work that may be needed at your home. If your patio doesn't have a nearby outlet or junction box, we'll arrange for an electrician to run power to the mounting location before installation day.

Step 3: Installation Day

On installation day, our team arrives with all hardware, tools, and your custom-fabricated MagnaTrack units. A typical single-shade installation takes 3–4 hours. Multi-shade projects — such as enclosing a three-sided patio — usually take a full day.

The installation process follows a precise sequence. First, we mount the headbox bracket to the structure using heavy-duty fasteners appropriate for your mounting surface. The headbox is leveled and secured, then the side tracks are installed plumb and aligned with the headbox. The magnetic channel is integrated into the track assembly. Next, the motor is wired and connected to power. The shade fabric with its welded Keder edges is loaded into the headbox and threaded into the magnetic tracks. Finally, we program the motor limits — setting the exact stop positions for fully open and fully closed — and calibrate the system.

We test every shade multiple times through full deployment and retraction cycles before we consider the installation complete. We also verify that the magnetic retention is engaging properly along the full length of both tracks.

Step 4: Smart Home Setup and Training

If you've chosen smart home integration, we configure the connection during installation. This includes pairing the motor with your home Wi-Fi network, connecting to your preferred voice assistant (Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit), and setting up the MagnaTrack app on your phone. We'll create initial schedules and scenes if you'd like — for example, an automated "sunset" routine that lowers all shades at a specific time each evening.

Before we leave, we walk you through the full operation of your new shades. We demonstrate the remote control, app control, and voice commands. We show you how to adjust motor limits if needed and how to clean the fabric and tracks. You'll have our direct phone number for any questions that come up after we leave.

Step 5: Post-Install Support

Our relationship with you doesn't end on installation day. Boise Blinds provides ongoing support for every MagnaTrack system we install. If you have questions about operation, need help adjusting smart home settings, or want to add shades to additional openings, we're a phone call away.

MagnaTrack systems are engineered for minimal maintenance, but we're here if you ever need service. As an authorized dealer, we handle all warranty claims locally — you won't be navigating a national call center or waiting weeks for parts. Most service requests are resolved within a few business days.

Common Installation Questions

Homeowners frequently ask whether MagnaTrack can be installed on existing structures. The answer is almost always yes. We've mounted MagnaTrack systems on wood-framed pergolas, aluminum patio covers, steel commercial structures, stucco walls, stone columns, and composite decking structures. The key requirement is a solid mounting surface that can support the weight of the headbox and withstand wind loads.

Another common question is whether existing electrical work is needed. If you have an outdoor outlet within 15 feet of the mounting location, we can usually work with it. For new construction or remodels, we recommend having the electrician run a dedicated circuit to each shade location during the rough-in phase — it's much cleaner and more cost-effective than retrofitting later.

Frequently Asked Questions