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July 23, 2026
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Extend Your Living Space Into the Garden
An awning transforms your patio or decking into a proper outdoor room. When the sun is blazing, just extend the canopy and you have got instant shade. When the weather turns, retract it and your awning stays protected. It is the simplest way to make more of your garden and enjoy being outside without getting frazzled.
Our patio awnings come in a huge range of sizes, styles, and fabrics to suit any home. Whether you want a compact awning for a small terrace or a wide canopy that covers your whole patio, we have got options that work.
Garden awnings are perfect for sunny spots where the heat gets too much, for creating an outdoor dining area, or simply for giving yourself somewhere comfortable to sit and enjoy your garden without squinting.
Why Choose Awnings
Instant shade when you need it. The British weather is unpredictable, but when the sun does come out it can be intense. An awning lets you enjoy the warmth without the burn. Retract it when you want full sun, extend it when you need relief.
Protects your furniture. Sun streaming through patio doors can fade sofas, carpets, and wooden floors. An awning shades the glass and keeps your interiors looking fresh for longer.
Outdoor entertaining sorted. With an awning overhead, you can host barbecues, afternoon teas, and garden parties without worrying about the weather. A bit of drizzle? Stay dry. Too hot? Stay cool.
Huge fabric choice. We offer awning fabrics in dozens of colours and patterns. Bold stripes, subtle plains, modern neutrals. Pick something that complements your home or makes a statement.
Adds value to your home. A quality awning is an attractive feature that buyers notice. It shows you have invested in making the most of your outdoor space.
Reduces indoor heat. By shading your windows and doors, awnings stop your conservatory or living room turning into a greenhouse on hot days. You might even use the air conditioning less.
Things Worth Knowing
Cassette or open? Full cassette awnings retract completely into a protective housing, keeping the fabric and arms safe from the elements when not in use. Open awnings are more affordable but leave the mechanism exposed. We usually recommend cassette models for longevity.
Size matters. Awnings come in various widths and projections. We measure your space and help you choose a size that provides useful shade without overwhelming your patio.
Wall mounted. Most awnings fix to your external wall above the patio doors or windows. The wall needs to be solid enough to take the weight. We check this during the survey.
Wind sensors recommended. Strong gusts can damage an extended awning. Wind sensors automatically retract the awning when conditions get too breezy, protecting your investment even when you are not home.
Fabric care. Awning fabrics are treated to resist water and UV damage, but they benefit from occasional cleaning. A soft brush and mild soapy water keeps them looking fresh. Retract when wet if possible and extend to dry.
Planning permission. Most domestic awnings do not need planning permission, but there are exceptions for listed buildings and conservation areas. We can advise if you are unsure.
Common Questions (FAQ)
How much do awnings cost?
Depends on size, operation type, and features. It’s worth the investment if you think about how much you’d spend on a garden room or conservatory – an awning gives you outdoor living space for a fraction of the cost.
Can awnings withstand British weather?
The fabrics are designed for outdoor use and will handle typical British weather when used properly. Light rain is fine, but you should retract the awning in heavy rain because water pooling on the fabric can stretch or damage it. Wind is the main risk – you must retract the awning when it’s windy (force 4/5+) or it can get damaged or ripped off the wall. If you go for motorised with wind sensors, it’ll automatically retract when wind speeds get dangerous. Used sensibly, awnings cope with British weather absolutely fine.
How long do awnings last?
A quality awning properly looked after should last 10-15 years before the fabric needs replacing. The mechanism and brackets usually outlast the fabric. The main things that shorten lifespan are: leaving it extended in strong winds (damages the arms and fabric), leaving it out in heavy rain (stretches fabric and causes mould), and not cleaning it occasionally (dirt and moss damage the fabric coating). Retract it when you’re not using it and when weather’s rough, and it’ll last for years.
Do I need planning permission for an awning?
Usually no, awnings typically come under permitted development rights as long as they’re not massive and don’t stick out past your property boundary. But if you live in a listed building, conservation area, or flat, you might need permission. If you’re renting, you’ll definitely need your landlord’s permission because it involves drilling into the wall. We’re not planning experts, so check with your local council if you’re unsure – they can tell you definitively whether you need permission.
Can awnings be fitted to any wall?
hey need to be fitted to solid walls – brick, stone, or concrete block. You can’t fit them to wooden cladding, render on its own (needs solid wall behind), or lightweight walls. The wall needs to be in good condition too – crumbly mortar or damaged bricks won’t hold the brackets securely. We assess your wall when we come to measure and we’ll tell you honestly if it’s suitable or if there are issues that need fixing first. We offer all different of brackets if wall fitting is not possible.
Should I get manual or motorised operation?
Manual is cheaper and perfectly functional if you don’t mind a bit of winding. It takes a minute or two to fully extend or retract using the crank handle. Motorised is more convenient – press a button and it does the work in 30 seconds. For larger awnings (4+ metres), motorised is almost essential because manual winding would be a proper workout. If you’re elderly or have mobility issues, motorised makes life much easier. If budget allows, we’d generally recommend motorised because the convenience is worth the extra cost.
How far out do awnings extend?
Standard projections are 2 metres, 2.5 metres or 3 metres – that’s how far the awning extends out from your wall when fully open. The right projection depends on your patio size and how much shade you want. A 2-metre projection might cover your patio table and chairs, while a 3-metre projection could shade your whole patio and part of the garden. Bigger projections cost more and need stronger walls to support them. We’ll advise on what’s suitable for your space.
How do I clean and maintain an awning?
Brush off loose dirt and leaves regularly with a soft brush. For cleaning, use warm soapy water (just washing-up liquid) and a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly with a hose. Don’t use harsh chemicals, bleach, or pressure washers – they’ll damage the fabric coating. Let it dry completely before retracting it or you’ll get mould and mildew. Do this once or twice a year, or more if you’ve got trees dropping debris on it. Retract the awning when you’re not using it to keep it clean and protected. That’s basically it – they’re pretty low maintenance.
Make Them Even Better
Motorisation. Motorised awnings extend and retract at the touch of a button. No cranking a handle, no effort at all. Just press the remote and the canopy glides out smoothly. When you are done, press again and it retracts neatly into its cassette.
We fit quality motors that operate quietly and reliably. For larger awnings, motorisation is not just convenient, it is practically essential. Cranking a big awning by hand is hard work.
Smart home control. Connect your motorised awning to Alexa or Google Assistant. Extend it from your phone while you are still inside making lunch. Set schedules so it opens automatically on sunny afternoons.
Sun and wind sensors. Automatic sensors take the thinking out of it. Sun sensors extend the awning when UV levels rise, keeping your patio comfortable without you lifting a finger. Wind sensors retract it when gusts pick up, protecting the fabric from damage.
LED lighting. Some awnings come with integrated LED lights in the front bar or arms. They create a lovely ambience for evening entertaining and extend how long you can use your outdoor space.
Heating options. Pair your awning with an outdoor heater and you can use your patio well into the cooler months. The awning provides shelter overhead while the heater keeps things comfortable.
Ready to make more of your outdoor space? Book a free home visit and we will measure up, show you fabric options, and give you an honest quote.
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windows. Simply fill in the form and we’ll be in touch shortly.
Ready to Transform Your Windows?
We’re here to help.
Our expert team is ready with advice, ideas, and solutions for your windows.
Simply fill in the form and we’ll be in touch shortly.