Cassette Awnings

What is a cassette awning?

A cassette awning winds back into a case (the cassette) that protects the fabric and arms from the weather and dirt when it's closed. It looks neater on the wall, and keeping the fabric covered helps protect it.

Things to consider

• Budget: cassette awnings are a premium option compared with open awnings. We'll show you both, so you can weigh up which is right for you.
• Operation: they're often paired with an electric motor, though a manual winder is available too.

Our cassette awnings: Base Plus and Base Lite

We supply and fit UK-made cassette awnings from Base Awnings & Blinds. The Base Plus is our flagship, with projections up to 3.1m, three frame colours and options such as LED arm lights and heaters. The Base Lite is the same fully cassetted design in a more compact size, up to 4m wide — ideal for smaller patios and balconies.

Why choose a fully cassetted awning?

When a cassette awning is closed, the fabric and folding arms are tucked away inside the case. That matters more than it might seem: the fabric stays out of the rain and dirt between uses, and the wall looks tidy through the months when the awning isn't out. That's why many people choose a cassette for the front or side of the house, or for a wall that catches the weather.

Base Plus and Base Lite compared

• Base Plus: the larger of the two, with options including a Somfy motor, wind sensor, LED arm lights and heaters. Base Awnings provide a 5-year structural warranty and a 10-year fabric warranty on the Base Plus.
• Base Lite: the same fully cassetted design in a more compact size, which we'd usually suggest for smaller patios and balconies.

Both are made in the UK and use Dickson acrylic fabrics, which come in a wide choice of colours and stripes. We'll help you work out which one suits your wall and the space you want shaded.

More cassette awnings from Base

Alongside the Base Plus and Base Lite, we can fit the Epica and Epica Lite, which have an ultra-slim cassette that sits very neatly on a modern wall, and the Armony Plus, which can be coupled for spans of up to 12m. For larger commercial terraces there's the Zenith full cassette. All are made to order by Base in the UK, with Somfy motors and sensors available.

Planning and caring for a cassette awning

The main things we look at are the width of the wall, how far you'd like the awning to project, the height above doors and windows, and what the wall is made of. We'll check the fixings are suitable before recommending anything.

Day to day, wind the awning in when it's windy or the rain is heavy. If it has to be closed while wet, open it out to dry when the weather clears. A soft brush and clean water every so often is usually all the fabric needs. For motor and sensor options, see electric awnings.

Site visit and fitting

We'll check the wall, measure up and talk you through the options. Book a free appointment.