Patio Awning or Canopy? How to Choose the Right Shelter

Awnings and canopies both give you shade and shelter outdoors, but they work in different ways. Choosing the right one starts with how you want to use the space.

Patio awnings: shade when you want it

A retractable awning winds out to shade a patio or decking in summer and tucks away when you would rather have the sun. It is ideal for a seating area, and it can help keep a south-facing room cooler. Manual and motorised versions are available.

Canopies: shelter all year

A canopy is fixed in place. It keeps a doorway, entrance or outdoor area dry in every season, which makes it a practical choice for front doors, business entrances and covered smoking or seating areas.

Which is right for you?

If you want shade on summer days and an open sky the rest of the time, choose an awning. If you want constant cover from rain, choose a canopy. Many homes and businesses use both.

Practical points

Both need a suitable wall or fascia to fix to, and some properties need consent before installation. We check all of this at the free survey and tell you what is needed.

See our patio awnings, canopies and motorised awnings pages, or book a free survey.