The range of fabric awnings for patios is enormous. If you are thinking of having an awning installed in your garden to cover over your patio, then you will be very much spoiled for choice. In this respect, you will have lots to consider when getting your awning and the choice might seem somewhat difficult to get your head around. Here, you can learn some more about fabric awnings, what they are, how they work and how they can be used to help you create the perfect patio space for your home.
Awnings are often thought of as a pleasant addition to the garden but in reality they are so much more than that. An awning is a way to subtly blur the lines between indoors and outdoors so you can merge the two together and spend more time outside. In this sense, they can almost even be considered an extension of your home as they will give you more space to live and to enjoy your space. A relatively simple fabric awning can make the world of difference to the way in which you use your home. It can give a property a very different feeling.
Various Types of Patio Awnings
There are different kinds of awnings you can choose from – glass, polycarbonate, and many other materials. You can also have more of a gazebo type structure without a full roof over the top of it. One of the most versatile types of material you can choose, though, is fabric. While simple in some ways, a fabric awning is also highly dynamic and very attractive. You can choose from thousands of different fabrics, giving you the chance to personalise your garden and patio in a whole new way. From traditional striped designs, to solid fabric colours, to other kinds of designs, there will be something to suit you and your own preferences.
The other main factor you will need to consider is whether you want your awning to be retractable or not. Usually a retractable awning will be the more popular option, as it can be drawn in and out as you please. There is a cost factor involved with this as well, though, so if your budget is a little tighter you may not want to go down the retractable route. If you do, but you are still budget conscious, then you may want to think about something like a retractable awning that doesn’t have a full cassette. This will not give it as much protection when folded in, but it will make it cheaper, and if you have some kind of overhead protection (such as a protruding balcony or window ledge) that will shelter the awning in bad weather, then this may be perfectly sufficient.
For any awning, aesthetics are an essential consideration. The whole reason to get an awning is to improve your lifestyle and outdoor space, and to get more use out of it. This will only happen if you are happy with the appearance of the space and it looks inviting to you. Make sure you select an awning fabric and style that complements your patio area and that you will look forward to showing off the friends and family.
Getting Your New Fabric Patio Awning Installed
An awning is not easy to install, especially if you choose an electric retractable awning as this will need to be wired in. Even if you don’t, it will involve working at height and putting yourself at risk, plus you could compromise the appearance of the awning if you install it incorrectly. Should you choose to install it yourself, make sure you have detailed instructions and look for the best way of doing this on your own.
However, if you do decide to have your awning professionally installed, there will be many companies that offer this service. They will give you the added benefit of coming round to your property and measuring up in the first place – awnings will usually be made bespoke to fit your patio. They can share the different fabric options with you so you understand your choices, and give you advice on how it will look as well, based on your space and current aesthetic. They can then go away and make your awning to ensure the exact fit, and come back to install it for you as well. This is the simplest choice and is generally preferred by most people who decide to get a fabric patio awning of any kind installed at their property.
