All About Garden Awnings

Awnings can dramatically improve the outdoor spaces, making them livable and enjoyable all year round. By providing shade, outdoor dining spaces become enjoyable and useful irrespective of weather conditions. These equip the garden with a protective overhang of material, keeping outdoor furniture shielded from the glaring sun, UV radiation, rain and wind allowing people to enjoy the outside space in soothing shade and comfort.

Different materials require different amounts of maintenance and suit the look of certain homes over others. The two most common materials used for awnings are outdoor fabric and aluminum. Outdoor fabrics come in a range of colors but require more maintenance than aluminum blinds. Aluminum blinds are sturdy, but generally, don’t allow for as much customization when it comes to design and colors. The type of awning is also a very important point to consider. Roll up and retractable awnings allow for easier handling.

Retractable awnings are the most popular type of awnings. These provide a great, space-saving solution, as these can be rolled or folded up when not in use. With retractable awnings, there is no fear of damage from wind or storms, as these can be stored away when the forecast calls for inclement weather. The size of garden awnings depends on its purpose and the overall space considerations. A small awning looks lovely as a decorative piece, while a bigger awning provides greater coverage and more shade to the outdoor space. A range of awning styles is available to match the overall look of home garden. Generally, lighter colors are preferred as these block and reflect sunlight and heat.

Retractable garden awnings are self-storing, so these require little attention. Exposure to the elements has consequences, which may limit their use. Being mindful of extreme weather, along with proper care and handling, garden awnings can last practically forever. The best way to keep the fabric looking good and prevent dirt from embedding in the fabric is to rinse it monthly with cold water. In most environments, this is the only regular maintenance needed besides a deeper cleaning once every two or three years.

Brushing off all loose dirt with a broom, including the underside and hosing down helps clean awnings at periodic intervals. Air drying before retracting is advisable. Cleaning awnings with a mild soapy water solution is also recommended once every month. Avoiding close contact with shrubs and vines helps maintain the awnings fabric for longer timespan. 

The best ‘Garden Awnings’ brands on Archello

Whether you are an architect or engineer, contractor of builder, we invite you to explore our product selector to be inspired and supported in specifying ‘Garden Awnings’ in your next project.