Patio Awnings

What is a patio awning?

A patio awning is a fabric canopy on folding arms, fixed to the wall above a patio or door. You wind it out when you want shade, and wind it back in when you'd like to let the sun in.

Things to consider

• Width and projection: we size the awning to the area you want shaded — both how wide it is and how far it reaches out from the wall (the projection).
• Height: it needs to sit high enough to give comfortable clearance above your doors. We'll check this when we measure.
• Operation: you can choose a manual winder or an electric motor. For a large awning, or one you'll use often, electric is usually the easier option.
• Protection: cassette awnings protect the fabric when the awning is wound in, which is worth considering if your wall is exposed to the weather.

Choosing the right size of patio awning

The width usually follows the area you want shaded — a table and chairs, a doorway or the full length of the patio. Projection is how far the awning reaches out from the wall. It's worth remembering that the shade moves with the sun, so a little extra projection can help keep a seating area covered for longer. We'll look at which way the wall faces and how you use the space before suggesting a size.

We fit the UK-made Base Plus and Base Lite fully cassetted awnings from Base Awnings, with Dickson acrylic fabrics in a wide choice of colours and stripes.

Fixing a patio awning to your wall

An awning puts a lot of load on its fixings when it's extended, so the wall needs to be sound. We'll check what it's made of and where the brackets can go, allowing for soffits, gutters, windows and doors. If the ideal spot isn't suitable, we'll explain the alternatives rather than fit something we're not happy with.

Wind, rain and looking after your patio awning

Patio awnings are designed for sunshine and the odd light shower. Wind yours in if it gets windy or the rain becomes heavy, as water can collect on the fabric. On an electric awning, a Somfy wind sensor can do this for you automatically.

For care, brush off leaves and loose dirt, and rinse the fabric with clean water now and again. If it's had to be wound in wet, open it out to dry when the weather clears, rather than leaving it closed for days.

Patio awnings from the Base range

For most patios we'd suggest one of the cassette awnings from Base, which are made to order in the UK. The Epica Lite suits average-sized patios, with widths from 2m to 5m and a projection of up to around 3.1m. The Armony Plus is a good choice for wider spaces, as several units can be coupled together for long runs. If you'd like shade over a window or a small balcony rather than a seating area, the Italia Slim drop-arm awning angles down over the glass instead of reaching out over the patio.

Site visit and fitting

We'll come out to look at the wall and talk you through the options, then fit your awning securely — book a free appointment.