A patio or deck is your opportunity to make the most of the outdoors. Unfortunately, the rain and the heat can sometimes stop the party. Anyone who loves an undisrupted breath of fresh air should install an awning.
Your deck or patio will transform into a comfortable living space with patio awnings. There won’t be any more dinners or events ruined by bad weather. You can relax and enjoy your time outdoors under a stable shade that protects you. In addition, it will give you and your things more space to use.
Installing an awning is a cinch. But choosing the suitable material can take time and effort. Getting faced with numerous options to consider can confuse you. You might lose sight of your creative vision.
To get you on track, here is your guide to help you make a choice you will not regret.
Which awning is best for your gathering space? Learn each aspect of choosing the best material for your patio awning.
Material
When it comes to the aesthetics of a home and the amount of maintenance they require, not all materials are created equal.
Outdoor fabric and aluminum are the two most typical materials.
Outdoor fabric
Outdoor fabrics are available in many colors, but maintaining them requires more effort than maintaining aluminum blinds.
Here are the most common types of fabrics used for awnings
- Vinyl
- Acrylic
- Polyester
- Natural fabrics like cotton
Among the list, acrylic and vinyl fabrics are the best and most popular because of their exceptional durability and weather-resistant properties.
Aluminum Blinds
Awnings made of aluminum are :
- Lightweight
- Cost-effective
- Simple to install
- Long-lasting
Aluminum awnings are hurricane-proof. They can last over 25 years if cared for.
They are an ideal covering because they are easy to open and close and remove and clean unless you’ve requested a custom design, which can run you a pretty penny.
Color Regarding Style
Homes can be found in a wide range of architectural manifestations. Each one looks best with a particular shade of another color.
The architecture of your house may influence the color you pick.
Traditional style
Subdued, darker colors, like navy blue or forest green, are often the best match for more classic looks. If you prefer, you can also stick to a monochromatic color scheme of whites, grays, and blacks.
Southwestern motif
The use of a color scheme that is predominantly beige or that features a lot of salmon tones goes very well with a Southwestern design motif.
Cottage style & Colonial
Those interested in a cottage or colonial architecture have a more comprehensive range of paint colors from which to choose. These residences look great when painted in bright reds, greens, dark blues, or even more daring colors with accent stripes.
Contemporary
It’s possible to use any color scheme you like in a modern contemporary home. A bold, light, or subdued hue will look good on these houses because of their unique architectural style.
Suppose you aren’t as concerned with conforming to the home’s architectural style. In that case, you can always go with a color that contrasts with but complements the exterior. It would help if you always went with a shade darker or lighter than your house.
Edge
The awning’s edge is the decoratively shaped fabric or metal bar. Some of the wide variety of finishes are possible for these outlines, such as:
- Scalloped
- Serpentine
- Russian point
- Gothic
Awning styles can’t work with certain edge styles. Some homes look better without sure edges. Matching the awning’s style and trim to the house’s exterior is difficult. Most cases may require a specialist’s help, and they can advise you on home decor choices.
Side-Panels
Some people prefer awnings because they can enhance a building’s architecture with optional side panels. These panels are also helpful because they show things from a different point of view.
If you need more shade or protection, these panels can help you get it from a different direction.
Function
Awnings can be used for many different things, and each of those things can significantly change how they are used. You can select a roof from a variety of options for features.
Stationary Awning
Due to their permanent installation, they are the most durable and immune to damage from extreme weather. However, the amount of sunlight or shade they receive cannot be altered because they are buried in the ground.
Freestanding Awning
You can set up a grill, picnic tables, and chairs for an outdoor gathering. These awnings must be installed from the ground up and are strengthened by aluminum along the top.
Retractable Awning
Retractable awnings work best on decks and patios. You can control how much sunlight enters the designated area during the winter when you don’t want shade.
It is available both in fabric and aluminum material. Each material has different styles to offer, even as retractables.
Size
The size of the awning you choose depends on its intended use and available area.
A smaller awning looks great as a decorative accent. Still, a larger one will provide more coverage and shade for your patio.
Angle
Although it’s easy to overlook, the angle at which an awning is hung significantly affects how well it functions. Some slopes will keep the sun and weather from getting into the covered area, but some angles will stop more sun, rain, or snow from getting in.
On patios and decks, awnings can be flat, but most experts recommend putting them at a slight angle. Fabric awnings can break in the middle, leak when it rains or snows a lot, or bend in the middle.
You will have to make way for water to flow away from the awning’s edges. You don’t want water to freeze on top of aluminum or other more robust materials.
Advancing Your Awning
Note that technology makes it much easier to use your awning to its fullest potential. You can easily adjust the amount of sunlight or privacy by simply pressing a button. Some come with weather sensors to detect when they should retract or expand.
Professionals will also accommodate your specific needs if you ask! Be sure to put money into some nice touches that will remain engraved in your family’s minds forever.
Lastly, in today’s world, experts are available for customization requests! Be sure to put money into some nice touches that will remain engrained in your family’s memories forever.