Phoenix Patio Covers protect you, your family, and your furniture from the elements. They make your patio a comfortable place to relax and entertain, and they increase the value of your home if you decide to sell it in the future.
You can choose from a variety of materials, colors, and styles to create the perfect look for your outdoor space.
A retractable awning is an easy way to add shade to your patio or deck. These awnings move out and back in as the sun moves during the day, letting you enjoy the sun or shade at your leisure. These awnings protect your furniture and guests from UV rays and help reduce the heat inside your home. They’re also less expensive than building a permanent roof and can enhance your home’s curb appeal.
The best retractable awnings are made to last. Look for models that are resistant to rust and corrosion, especially those with aluminum frames. Many awnings are also treated with fabric-protecting coatings to keep them stain-resistant and mildew-proof. The best models also promise protection from rain, sleet, and snow. If you have a salt-water coastline, consider upgrading to an awning with an aluminum frame that’s treated with a powder coating to resist rust and corrosion.
You can find a range of retractable awnings in a variety of materials and colors. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), for example, is water-resistant and mold-resistant. Acrylic, on the other hand, is fade-resistant and won’t rip or tear easily. Some manufacturers also offer awnings with both PVC and acrylic options, so you can choose the one that suits your needs best.
Retractable awnings come with either manual or motorized retraction mechanisms. Manual models use a pulley and cord system, which you can open with a simple hand crank. They’re typically cheaper than electric awnings but may require more frequent repairs.
The Aecojoy is our top pick for a retractable patio awning because it offers excellent value and versatility. It can withstand wind up to 24 mph and is available in four sizes to fit most yards. The polyester fabric is fade-resistant, waterproof, and provides 30UV+ solar protection. Its lightweight powder-coated aluminum frame is durable and rust-resistant, and it’s available in beige to blend in with most outdoor decor styles. You can also add accessories to your awning, including wind sensors and a remote control, for even more convenience. The Veikous is another good option for a budget-friendly retractable patio awning.
Fixed Awnings
Awnings are a great way to enjoy outdoor living spaces like patios, decks, and gazebos without worrying about harsh sunlight or rain. They also help to reduce energy costs and increase the curb appeal of a home or business. However, the type of awning you choose will depend on how much flexibility and control you want. There are two main types: retractable and fixed awnings. Learn more about each to determine which is the best fit for you.
Fixed awnings are attached to a structure permanently and block the sun’s direct rays, keeping indoor and outdoor areas cool and comfortable. They are often found covering patios or decks and can be made of different materials. Some are crafted from durable, water-resistant polycarbonate to prevent excessive heat transfer and UV damage. Others are woven from strong, flexible fabric in a variety of colors and patterns. These fabrics are treated to resist mold and mildew and can be removed for cleaning and maintenance.
The frames for these awnings are often constructed from durable aluminum or steel, and they can be secured to a wall, soffit/eave, overhang, or roof. They are often powder-coated for a stronger bond and resistance to corrosion. Depending on the model, the fabric of a fixed awning can be controlled by slats that are manually or motorized and can be adjusted to varying degrees of tilt and pitch for optimal shade coverage. Some can even be operated via a remote, smartphone, or tablet app and can include sensors that detect wind, sun, and rain to open or close them automatically.
While fixed awnings can be more economical than their retractable counterparts, they do limit a homeowner’s ability to control sunlight and weather conditions. They may be difficult to change or reposition when the climate changes, and they may become unattractive as the fabric ages. Some models are designed to blend in with the landscaping and are more visible than other styles, which can add a sense of style and elegance to a backyard or garden.
Many homeowners enjoy the satisfaction and savings of a DIY project and opt to install a fixed aluminum awning themselves rather than hiring an awning specialist. These awnings are sold in kits and can be cut to size on site to save installation costs. These kits are available for a wide range of sizes and load conditions, and they come in a variety of color options to match any landscape design.
Permanent Awnings
Awnings reduce glare, protect furniture from UV damage and make outdoor living more comfortable. They can be as simple as a standing umbrella or as complex as a metal gazebo. They’re also available in a range of colors and styles to suit any backyard decor. Some can even be motorized, like the one shown here from German company Markilux that retracts and extends at the touch of a button.
Most awnings are attached to a house or deck and provide shade for outdoor seating areas. They may be made of wood or aluminum, although metal is usually the more durable option. They can be painted in a color that matches or contrasts with the rest of the home’s exterior to complement the design of the backyard. For example, designer Alvin Wayne chose a white shade that echoes the white upholstered outdoor chairs on this modern patio to create a seamless look.
Wooden awnings blend in better with the natural environment and feel more organic than synthetic ones, so they’re a good choice for backyards that have a lot of trees and greenery. They can also be stained to resist moisture and sun damage and keep their beauty for years. Calimia Home created a charming Spanish-style outdoor dining area with a classic black-and-white striped awning that works well with the simple backyard furniture and woven boho-style pendant light.
Aluminum awnings, such as the flat pan version displayed here at this modern ranch-style residence, work well for smaller spaces because they can be customized to fit almost any size outdoor space. They’re easy to clean and withstand harsh weather conditions. In addition, they can be insulated to increase comfort and reduce noise.
When retracted, these types of awnings are nearly invisible and blend into the lines of the patio or building that they’re covering. They can’t be adjusted or moved to a different position, though they do offer protection from the rain and sunlight when they’re open.
This type of awning is an affordable, durable option for homeowners who want to enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about extreme weather. It’s easy to install and requires little maintenance, making it a popular choice for busy households. It’s also effective for keeping a home cooler by blocking the direct sunlight that would otherwise enter through windows and heat up indoor rooms.
Shade Sails
Awnings and shade sails are both effective patio covering options that can help to keep your outdoor space cool, comfortable and protected from harmful UV rays. However, there are some key differences between these two types of outside fabric structures that should be kept in mind when selecting one for your home.
Shade sails are a popular choice for many homeowners who want to erect a more visually appealing and affordable patio cover option. They are available in a wide variety of colors, sizes and shapes to suit both traditional and contemporary backyard designs. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, these angular shade solutions also offer a number of functional benefits that set them apart from other patio cover options.
When shopping for a shade sail, consider the size of your outdoor space and the amount of sunlight you experience throughout the day to determine what shade coverage is appropriate. Also, be sure to select a shade that is rated for the wind speeds where you live. The stronger and more durable a shade is, the more it can stand up to weather conditions like wind, rain and snow.
Compared to an awning, shade sails are more portable and versatile due to the way they are designed to be assembled and mounted. This is made possible by the fact that they can be anchored to a fixed point (like a pergola or wall), or they can hang from an existing structure such as a tree, deck railing or pool cage.
If you opt for the latter option, be sure to purchase high-quality mounting hardware to ensure that your shade sail is secure and stable. Lastly, be sure to factor in the cost of professional installation when determining your budget for a shade sail.
While it is possible to install a shade sail on your own, the process can be difficult and time-consuming for those without experience in DIY home improvement projects. For the best results, it is recommended that you hire a professional to ensure your shade sail is properly sized and installed. Getting this step right will save you money in the long run and ensure your new investment is able to stand up to even the most brutal of weather conditions.