While vinyl is descriptive of the material, it is more than this. There are a wide variety of awning styles, most of which are made of vinyl.  However, you can find exterior shutters that are made of bamboo, canvas, or other wood products. Let’s not forget about the fact that with a fabric awning like vinyl, you can also have them roll up and stow away when not in use.  The benefit of this type of feature is that in weather that might otherwise threaten a free-standing patio cover, your roll up awnings can be safe and secure in their own protected storage case.  As you might have guessed, these awnings are retractable.  This retractable patio awning feature is activated either manually with a crank handle or motorized.

Motorized awnings are activated by either a switch or via a light sensor.  The switch can be turned on by hand or with a remote, depending upon your particular unit.  Also, you can use a timer to have your patio awnings open and retract when ever you like.  The light activated model will be triggered to open or retract depending upon the movement of the sun in the sky.

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Why vinyl makes such a great choice for garden awnings is that it is both flexible and durable.  It can be washed with a simple mild detergent and hosed off.  This makes them quite durable to resist the effects of the weather and also from dirt and grime.  Many newer awnings are also able to better resist the effects of the UV light on the fabric as well.  The newer vinyl awnings can give you longer lasting life to help you enjoy more time on your patio which is what they are all about.

Awntech 16′ Beauty Mark Maui Retractable Awning with 12′ Projection Your patio or other outdoor area develops an attractively shady character with the addition of this 16′ retractable awning. The 12′ projection from the wall provides ample shade for outdoor gatherings or simple relaxation away from the harmful rays of the sun. The awning installs easily…

16FT Evergreen 1000XT Retractable Awning This Refurbished 16 ft. SunSetter 1000XT Awning is backed by SunSetter’s 5 Year Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty. The SunSetter Evergreen fabric extends out 10 ft. 2 in. from your house and is made of an exclusive multilayer Vinyl material that is 100% waterproof and blocks 99.9% of UV rays making…

12FT Taupe 1000XT Retractable Awning This Refurbished 12 ft. SunSetter 1000XT Awning is backed by SunSetter’s 5 Year Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty. The SunSetter Taupe fabric extends out 10 ft. 2 in. from your house and is made of an exclusive multilayer Vinyl material that is 100% waterproof and blocks 99.9% of UV rays making it…

Coolaroo Select Series Top Roll up Sun Shade 6 Feet by 6 Feet, Mocha Select series sun shades are made with the unique knitted Coolaroo fabric. They provide a stylish look with superior durability. The smooth action roller clutch mechanism is designed to provide a smooth even roll even when exposed to extreme weather conditions. Stainless steel tie downs included…

Sunsetter Retractable Awning – Motorized Pro 15ft. (Coffee Stripe) (15′ wide x 10′ extension) The Sunsetter Motorized Pro retractable patio awning instantly creates shade, protection and comfort anytime you want! With a touch of a button, the deck awing can make your deck as much as 20 degrees cooler, while guarding you, your family, and guests from harmful UV rays. This porch awning can…

12′ Easy – Up Roll – Out Awning Easy – Up Roll – Out Awning. Retractable shade to cool off your favorite summertime “hot”spot! Here’s the classic summer dilemma: you love hanging out in the fresh air, but sometimes that harsh midday sun can melt your enjoyment of the moment. Well, under this Roll-Out Awning, temps can be as much…

What you need in order for your space to feel comfortable is the use of shade. This is exactly what these awnings offer. Again, because we are mostly referring to the location that the awning will be used and not a specific type of awning, per se, a discussion about basic awning features and functions will work here.  For one point of interest, awnings come in a variety of styles and fabrics.  What one person calls an awning, another refers to it as a canopy.  It really is inconsequential what you call them, as long as you know what you want.  And, what you want is something that will provide you shade when you want it and where you need it.  In the case of a true garden space, at least in terms of how we see things around here at Patio Covers Place, an awning could really help you to get some great sun exposure when needed and avoid over ‘cooking’ your plants and vegetables or flowers in the intense summer sun.

To some, the term garden awning and garden canopy are synonymous.  We would agree with this.  However, garden canopies are mostly seen as those ‘easy up’ or ‘pop-up’ style structures.  These work great for temporary sun protection in a more inconspicuous area.  As was mentioned, these are often made of a cheaper fabric or less durable vinyl or polyester that will quickly degrade in the sun if left out for prolonged periods.

If you looking to create a nice shaded are for your patio or garden, one of these cheap canopies is not the recommended way to go.  It isn’t that there is anything wrong with these types of structures, they just will not give you the look of say a garden arbor or pergola would.  Again, these are specific structures that you may not be interested in, so a simple canopy might fit your needs quite well.  Do your research and determine if what you want is more formal patio awnings, like the retractable or motorized styles or if some of these garden awnings are more your style.

There are ways to shade your patio and then there are ways to shade your patio.  If you are used to the simple and temporary ways of doing it by using a patio umbrella or other type of patio canopy, then you are in for some education.  These previous styles can work quite well for specific shading needs, but if you are looking to step up the look and function of your patio space, then you need to look at a more professional type of awning.

This is one of the hybrids mentioned that has both retractable awning members and acts as a pergola.

Now, having said this, there are hybrid awning-patio cover structures that accomplish both of these demands.  We talked about these structures in previous articles here at Patio Covers Place.  Briefly, what they look like are either pergolas or other four posted units, with the awnings that run along tracts on the ‘roof’ of the structure.  So, what you end up with are individual panels that can be retracted or closed to allow for more variable shading.  This can be great for those times when you want a little bit of both sun and shade.  Photo credit

Typical patio awnings can be anything from a fix-mounted unit to something that has the ability to fold up out of the way.  A fix-mounted patio awning is the way that you will save the most money.  You can get these made with a variety of materials and fabrics that withstand the elements quite well.  The frames for these types of awnings are usually made of a light gauge steel and powder coated for rust protection or they can be made with aluminum.  Both styles of frames come in various colors to match your awning or home decor preferences.  The awnings themselves also come in a wide variety of colors and prints.  A classic awning has a bold striped pattern, but solid colors are also a very common way to go.

Patio Awnings Come In Different Shapes and Sizes

Your awnings may also come with different types of trim.  You may have a solid straight edge or you can get a number of different trim styles, like scalloped edges.  These are all available in both the fixed and retractable awning styles.  The main difference between the two is in appearance and your specifications.

Most retractable patio awning styles come in both a manual and an automatic version.  The way that the awning retracts or unfolds is usually similar between the two.  A manually operated awning is opened and closed by way of a crank.  As you crank on the handle, the awning opens or closes.  These work just fine, but some people have personal situations where operating them by hand is either not possible or simply inconvenient.

Here are some images of retractable awnings with a scalloped edge and drop-down extra sun protection in desert tan.

In these cases, you can opt for one of the motorized versions.  Motorized awnings work in basically the same way as the manual styles, except that they are powered.  These can be operated in several ways as well.  There are styles that come with switches, remotes or timers.  For example, you can have a switch located just inside of your patio and just turn it on and it will open all by itself.  It will do the same in reverse when you are wanting to go back in for some time and don’t want it to remain open for any number of reasons – we’ll discuss a few of these further on in this article.   Photo credit

The remotes work on the same principle, it is just that they can be opened or closed from anywhere on your patio or indoors, not relying on a fixed switch mounting position.  The final option is to have your retractable patio awning controlled by a timer or sensor.  These work either by opening or closing at specific times that you can set.  The sensor styles are opened or retracted by sensing the sun in the sky.  As it rises or sets, your sensor picks this up and allows your patio to achieve just the amount of sun or shade you desire and at just the right times!

Buying and Maintaining Your Retractable Patio Awning

Some things to think about when purchasing or owning a retractable awning include cost, maintenance, installation and safety concerns.  If you are considering a purchase, then you are likely aware that these styles are a bit more expensive than the fixed-mounted awnings.  For a quality retractable awning, expect to pay approximately $1,500-2,000 USD for a standard 10’ x 10’ awning.  You can find cheaper ones, but you may be sacrificing quality.  You can also find more expensive ones which probably are the motorized ones with sensors and the like.  Custom sizes can also be ordered which will obviously up the price tag.  However, a proper fitting awning is what you are really after.  The long-term returns for a perfectly sized, quality retractable awning far outweigh any short-term savings.

With proper care, you should enjoy a quality retractable awning for many years.  There have been great strides in materials and parts over the years, so operation is smooth, quiet and quite quick.  Generally speaking, cleaning your patio awning fabric itself can be accomplished using a simple solution of water and mild detergent.  Follow your manufacturer’s directions for any stains that you may acquire to ensure that you don’t permanently damage or stain your awning.  As far as the motorized parts are considered, there is not too much to worry about there.  Occasional lubrication depending upon conditions will also keep your awning opening and closing smoothly for years.

When it comes to installation concerns, this aspect would best be left up to the professionals that can be recommended by your awning retailer. It isn’t that they are very difficult to install, just some issues with precision measurements and proper mounting will not only keep you safe but also make sure your awning functions properly.  A poor installation can give you safety issues.  This isn’t to say that an avid and handy DIYer couldn’t do this project, it would just need to be done right.

Safety is not something you want to be thinking about when all you want to do is be out there relaxing.  This is actually another benefit of a retractable awning over a fixed-mounted style.  The retractable styles can be closed during inclement weather to protect them from wind damage or other flying debris in a serious storm.  These awnings roll up or fold into their own protective aluminum case for safe storage.

For these reasons, motorized awnings make great sense.  Whatever style you decide upon, know that just having them is more than half the battle.  Don’t struggle with the decision for too long, you’re missing out on all the enjoyment you could be having out on your patio.  Pick up or order some type of retractable awning and kick your feet up by next weekend.

So, what makes an outdoor shade suitable for your particular needs and space?  Well, this all depends upon your requirements for shade and other needs.  If what you are really seeking is a permanent type of shade structure, under which you can put all your patio furniture and tables, then a patio cover is what you need.  There are various types of patio covers from which to choose.  The most popular of these is the pergola.  With its handsome features and simple lines, it is possible to craft one to fit most any patio space and home decor.  These can provide large shaded areas for your patio either using a lattice roof type of style or by having a proper canopy overhead.  A great look is to have vines and other greenery grow up and over the top of your pergola creating a cool, green dappled shaded area.  Talk about ambiance!

Other types of patio shade include things like a patio canopy, awnings or blinds.  Though possible, awnings and blinds don’t usually form shade in an overhead manner.  Typically if you are looking at patio blinds or curtains, you are seeking to enhance an otherwise shaded area from above.  So, what you would have is an outdoor shade like an awning or canopy and then further enhance and envelope your patio space with these other features.

Specifically addressing the patio shades component, these are usually a type of roller shade.  As the name implies, this type of shade rolls down to create a ‘wall’ for shade.  This is especially helpful to block those angled rays from the intense sun.  In the winter, when the sun is lower in the sky, you can keep them up out of the way – this is assuming you live in a climate where you can enjoy your patio year-round.

Other types of roll-down shades are things like a retractable shade or awning that comes out when needed.  These outdoor blinds are very similar to your indoor varieties, they are just made to withstand the elements of nature.  Blinds made to be outdoors are made with more durable materials like heavier vinyls, polyester and canvases.  They also have aluminum or stainless fittings and parts so that the rain and moisture will not rust them or stain your awning shades.

We talked above about how awnings are usually not an overhead shade provide, but this is not always the case.  There are certain manufacturers that have made a retractable awning that functions much like a sunroof in your car.  These are like hybrid awning-canopies.  They are installed on a patio cover type structure that can look much like a pergola.  However, the difference is in how these awnings can be retracted.  There are several panels that can all be independently opened or closed providing shade in an almost personal way.  These make great flexible shading.

Outdoor Shades – Standout Winner and Our Patio Place Pick

In case you missed our article on patio canopies, we mentioned one of favorite outdoor shades – the Australian shade sail.  These are so named because they look like a sail on a ship.  They were developed in Australia where temperatures can be quite extreme – similar to the desert southwest of the U.S.  Basically, they look like large sails that are stretched or mounted between several poles, often 3 or 4, depending upon the shape of the sail.  They are under a fair amount of tension between their anchor points, so it is critical that they be mounted to fixed points, like a building or rigidly mounted poles or posts.  They can be layered or staggered for great effect.  Consider getting them in a variety of colors and use these outdoor shades to add some splash and life to your patio space.

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With the various styles mentioned, there are sub-categories or classes within those.  As far as the different names, don’t let those confuse you.  Depending upon manufacturers and the online sites you are searching, the names of the awnings or canopies or patio covers will all be used interchangeably.  For the most part, how we like to categorize them here at Patio Covers Place is to say that a canopy is going to be something that is a more temporary type of structure.  You’ve seen these called garden canopies or sometimes pop-up canopies.  They go by various terms, but the end product is the same.  These are often a vinyl awning type of material, which has its benefits and drawbacks.  There are more durable and more esthetically pleasing models, but they all function essentially the same.  These are quite easy to assemble and set-up, hence their other name ‘pop-up’ or ‘easy-up’ canopies.

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Now, when we begin talking about the more ‘built-in’ or designated patio awnings, then we are talking about items that are made to withstand the elements and last outdoors for many seasons.  Most of these will be described by the name that is commonly used for them.  For example, the term roll up awnings is perfect to describe that particular style.  These are the ones that can retract or ‘roll up’ back into their protective case when not in use.  This term is also sometimes used for the ones that roll up from the patio floor to your ceiling.  These awnings can be manually retracted and opened or can be electrically powered.  Motorized awnings have the benefit of being able to be operated by a switch, remote or light (sun) activated.  Like this one, the retractable patio awning got its name from its function.  These can often be describing the same awning, so make sure to look at pictures and check the specifications.

Because there are so many styles from which to choose, you may find that there simply are not any easy answers in terms of ‘best awning’ or ‘cheap awnings’.  You will really get what you pay for in most cases.  The quality of the materials – the awning and the mechanisms – will largely determine the price you will pay.  Of course, the size of your awning matters as well.  You can also expect to pay more for the motorized awnings.  Consider the investment you make in quality awnings for home an investment in your outdoor patio entertainment.  Enjoy.

Patio covering materials can include fabrics, metal and wood to awnings and canopies.  Before you get to that point, figure out how your structure is going to look and where it will be in relation to your home.  Taking another step back – if you are going to be building this patio, you’ll need to check not only with your home owners association (if you have one) but, quite possibly, your city for proper codes and permits to pull.  If it’s a simple patio structure that you are after, it will likely need no permits, just HOA approval in most cases.

Types of Metal Patio Covers

Corrugated metal roofs can create great patio covers.

Aluminum patio covers are probably the most common type of metal cover.  This is because of their light weight and ease of assembly.  All they would require to install are simple tools that most do-it-your-selfers have at home – a drill, hammer,  jig saw, caulking gun, metal snips (possibly) and some standard tools that would be required like a ladder, tape measure, etc.  Sometimes, in areas where a more rustic feel is desired, steel sheeting can be used.  This ages to have a nice rusty patina to it.  Like an old barn or some similar look.  These roofs can still be seen on structures many decades old, so you know they hold up.

Other Patio Cover Ideas

Wooden patio covers can take many different styles.  Sometimes, the patio is simply covered like one would with an extension on a home being used as a sunroom.  The walls are either open between the posts, mesh netting could be framed between the posts to allow air to flow but bugs out or even retractable awnings could be used to provide shade.  Patios are versatile structures.  It could be covered with a post and beam type layout and be called a pergola or even a gazebo with enough attention to the roof detail in the structure.  Typically, pergolas have flatter patio roofs, whereas a gazebo has a more angled appearance and can even have an actual wooden roof.    Again, pergola and gazebo covers could have patio awnings that serve to provide more shade when necessary. Finally, we realize that some people feel that they lack the skill to design and install an aluminum or canvas patio cover that is custom made to the patio space that needs to be covered. For those who are not inclined to install a fixed patio covering, there is always the option of buying one of the many retractable motorized awnings that are available on the market. However, even retractable awnings that can be opened and rolled up either with an awning motor or with a hand crank will require installation. If you are not handy enough to make your own canvas or aluminum patio cover, then you would probably be better off, if you paid someone to install your retractable motorized awning for you, as well.