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Best Awning Companies Reviews

How to find the best retractable awning?

Awnings are an amazing way to spruce up the look of your house or business. They can reduce heat and glare on outdoor areas and help keep inside spaces cool.

The functionality of this product depends on some key features. When choosing patio awnings for your home or company, you need to consider the type or style of the awning, the shade material, and the mechanics of use that best suit your needs. The size of the awning, its shape, and its angle/pitch are other considerations that affect how effective the model will be.

Whether using an awning for weather-related protection, to improve the aesthetics of your home or business, or to advertise, the following information will be helpful (scroll down to the end of the page to read more).

Companies are ranked from top to bottom based on the highest and best retractable awning and retractable pergola reviews as submitted by real and verified purchases.

RETRACTABLE FOLDING ARM AWNING COMPANY REVIEWS

Based on user reviews
Rank
Logo
Company
Description
#1
retractableawnings-300x200
RetractableAwnings.com® is a family-owned business and has been family owned and operated for 37 years – first as a “brick and mortar” business and now as both a “brick and mortar” business and an online business.
#1
retractableawnings-300x200
RetractableAwnings.com® is a family-owned business and has been family owned and operated for 37 years – first as a “brick and mortar” business and now as both a “brick and mortar” business and an online business.
#2
shadetree-canopies

Shadetree Awning

Shadetree retractable awnings are offered for a sun but not for a rain exposed deck or patio. The company produces a shade system that is made of non rainproof fabric canvas.
#2
shadetree-canopies

Shadetree Awning

Shadetree retractable awnings are offered for a sun but not for a rain exposed deck or patio. The company produces a shade system that is made of non rainproof fabric canvas.
#3
aristocrat-awnings

Aristocrat Awnings

It was in the year 1986 when Craft-Bilt, owned by Andy Stone started a new department to manufacture lateral arm retractable patio awnings, and a complementary line of window and basket awnings.
#3
aristocrat-awnings

Aristocrat Awnings

It was in the year 1986 when Craft-Bilt, owned by Andy Stone started a new department to manufacture lateral arm retractable patio awnings, and a complementary line of window and basket awnings.
#4
eclipse-awning

Eclipse

Eclipse Shading Systems provides custom-made solar protection shading solution products including retractable awnings, retractable patio and deck roof pergolas, retractable screens and interior retractable roller shades for residential customers via a nationwide network of dealers.
#4
eclipse-awning

Eclipse

Eclipse Shading Systems provides custom-made solar protection shading solution products including retractable awnings, retractable patio and deck roof pergolas, retractable screens and interior retractable roller shades for residential customers via a nationwide network of dealers.
#5
ke-durasol-awnings

KE Durasol / KE Outdoor Awnings

It is now over thirty three years when KE Durasol was established and since then the company has been producing Retractable Awnings and Exterior Screens. KE Durasol uses products that are crafted in the USA.
#5
ke-durasol-awnings

KE Durasol / KE Outdoor Awnings

It is now over thirty three years when KE Durasol was established and since then the company has been producing Retractable Awnings and Exterior Screens. KE Durasol uses products that are crafted in the USA.

RETRACTABLE PATIO COVER PERGOLA COMPANY REVIEWS

Based on user reviews
Rank
Logo
Company
Description
#1
retractableawnings-300x200
RetractableAwnings.com® is a family-owned business and has been family owned and operated for 37 years – first as a “brick and mortar” business and now as both a “brick and mortar” business and an online business.
#1
retractableawnings-300x200
RetractableAwnings.com® is a family-owned business and has been family owned and operated for 37 years – first as a “brick and mortar” business and now as both a “brick and mortar” business and an online business.
#2
corradi-retractable-awnings

Corradi Awnings

Corradi is a European based company that designs and manufactures custom outdoor shading solutions. They started operations in 1978 and has a patented pergola system called the Pergotenda Corradi retractable awning.
#2
corradi-retractable-awnings

Corradi Awnings

Corradi is a European based company that designs and manufactures custom outdoor shading solutions. They started operations in 1978 and has a patented pergola system called the Pergotenda Corradi retractable awning.
#3
shadetree-canopies

Shadetree Awning

Shadetree retractable awnings are offered for a sun but not for a rain exposed deck or patio. The company produces a shade system that is made of non rainproof fabric canvas.
#3
shadetree-canopies

Shadetree Awning

Shadetree retractable awnings are offered for a sun but not for a rain exposed deck or patio. The company produces a shade system that is made of non rainproof fabric canvas.
#4
ke-durasol-awnings

KE Durasol / KE Outdoor Awnings

It is now over thirty three years when KE Durasol was established and since then the company has been producing Retractable Awnings and Exterior Screens. KE Durasol uses products that are crafted in the USA.
#4
ke-durasol-awnings

KE Durasol / KE Outdoor Awnings

It is now over thirty three years when KE Durasol was established and since then the company has been producing Retractable Awnings and Exterior Screens. KE Durasol uses products that are crafted in the USA.
#5
sunair

Sunair

Sunair in business since 1978 offers, innovative and custom-made retractable awnings and shade systems for homeowners and businesses.
#5
sunair

Sunair

Sunair in business since 1978 offers, innovative and custom-made retractable awnings and shade systems for homeowners and businesses.

BEST RETRACTABLE FOLDING ARM AWNING MODELS

Based on user reviews
5
Cross arm retractable awning
Retractable company: Retractableawnings.com
Model review:
Palermo

Latest user review

Average rating: 5
Name: Timbo
“I’m very pleased with the purchase of this model retractable awning, impressed with the quality of the product, the resistance of the fabric to…”
5
Folding lateral arm retractable awning
Retractable company: Retractableawnings.com
Model review:
Roma

Latest user review

Average rating: 5
Name: Alberto Iglesias MD
“Looking for a retractable awning can be like looking for a needle in a haystack! There are so many choices! I spent hours reading…”
5
Folding lateral arm retractable awning
Retractable company: Retractableawnings.com
Model review:
Palermo Plus

Latest user review

Average rating: 5
Name: Allison Marks
“I was so surprised by the quality and ratings of this retractable awning model. It has a beautiful Italian design that fits in perfectly…”

BEST RETRACTABLE PATIO COVER PERGOLA MODELS

Based on user reviews
5
amsterdam-retractable-pergola
Retractable company: Retractableawnings.com
Model review:
Amsterdam

Latest user review

Average rating: 5
Name: Charles McGinnis
“When it came time to replace our existing awning and framework, I spent a lot of time searching the web and reading consumer testimonials….”
5
Rotating louver roof pergola
Retractable company: Retractableawnings.com
Model review:
Bioclimatique

Latest user review

Average rating: 5
Name: Cathy Shot
“The best business investment I believe I’ve made was the Bioclimatique patio cover awning. It expanded my outdoor patio to a year-round addition, with…”
5
Retractable residential patio deck attached pergola cover system
Retractable company: Retractableawnings.com
Model review:
Denizli

Latest user review

Average rating: 5
Name: Vinnie Benedetto DDS
“I was really impressed reading the consumer testimonials and reviews for the Denizli patio cover awning. The comments about the solid looking powder coated…”

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What are the types of retractable & patio awnings?

Retractable

Stationary

Freestanding

Who needs a retractable awning?

Homeowners and business can benefit from the best retractable awnings. Whether attached to their building or freestanding, retractable products offer protection when needed, but can disappear when not required.

The product protects you or your client from the environment but can be easily stored to protect it from the environment too.

Who needs a retractable awning?

Homeowners and business can benefit from the best retractable awnings. Whether attached to their building or freestanding, retractable products offer protection when needed, but can disappear when not required.

The product protects you or your client from the environment but can be easily stored to protect it from the environment too.

What features you should consider when choosing an awning?

Type or Style

Permanent: attached to the building, solid frame, year-round, no storage issues, require less maintenance, less flexible, may require a building permit – for example, a gazebo, trellis or pergola cover.

Stationary: stays in one location, usually fixed to a building, usually ready for use, often seasonal and less permanent, the fabric can be removed but time-consuming – for example a fixed frame window or door awning.

Retractable: more flexible, only out when needed, less permanent, attached to a building or free-standing, movable parts, no maintenance – a patio sun lateral arm retractable awning for example.

Freestanding: attached to a building but a deck, flexible location, can be permanent or temporary, generally portable, solid framework, can have fixed or retractable fabric – a retractable pergola is an example.

Retractable awning type and style
Retractable awning type and style

Type or Style

Permanent: attached to the building, solid frame, year-round, no storage issues, require less maintenance, less flexible, may require a building permit – for example, a gazebo, trellis or pergola cover.

Stationary: stays in one location, usually fixed to a building, usually ready for use, often seasonal and less permanent, the fabric can be removed but time-consuming – for example a fixed frame window or door awning.

Retractable: more flexible, only out when needed, less permanent, attached to a building or free-standing, movable parts, no maintenance – a patio sun lateral arm retractable awning for example.

Freestanding: attached to a building but a deck, flexible location, can be permanent or temporary, generally portable, solid framework, can have fixed or retractable fabric – a retractable pergola is an example.

Retractable roof and pergola material and fabric

Material

Fabric: awning fabric comes in cotton canvas, acrylic and solution dyed acrylic, polyester, vinyl or blended materials and is durable, easy to clean. Some qualities, such as mildew/fire/water resistant, waterproof and lightweight may vary by fabric. Some fibers have better resistance to dust and dirt.

Metal: aluminum or steel louvers or plates, more permanent and less flexible than fabric, waterproof, mildew and fire resistant, durable, easy to clean.
Wood: less flexible and more permanent, louvers or roof, more maintenance, durable.

Color: complimentary to your home or business, deflect or attract heat, small patterns for small structures, large patterns for larger structures, aesthetically pleasing.

UV Protection: reducing UV penetration reduces heat underneath the canopy or inside the buildings creating a more comfortable environment, and prevents fading of furniture, flooring, draperies etc.

Solid: reduces light penetration, creates a viewing barrier, easier to waterproof, provides more protection from airborne debris.

Permeable: increased light penetration, increased viewing, less susceptible to windy conditions, not waterproof, quicker drying, less obstructive.

Retractable roof and pergola material and fabric

Material

Fabric: awning fabric comes in cotton canvas, acrylic and solution dyed acrylic, polyester, vinyl or blended materials and is durable, easy to clean. Some qualities, such as mildew/fire/water resistant, waterproof and lightweight may vary by fabric. Some fibers have better resistance to dust and dirt.

Metal: aluminum or steel louvers or plates, more permanent and less flexible than fabric, waterproof, mildew and fire resistant, durable, easy to clean.
Wood: less flexible and more permanent, louvers or roof, more maintenance, durable.

Color: complimentary to your home or business, deflect or attract heat, small patterns for small structures, large patterns for larger structures, aesthetically pleasing.

UV Protection: reducing UV penetration reduces heat underneath the canopy or inside the buildings creating a more comfortable environment, and prevents fading of furniture, flooring, draperies etc.

Solid: reduces light penetration, creates a viewing barrier, easier to waterproof, provides more protection from airborne debris.

Permeable: increased light penetration, increased viewing, less susceptible to windy conditions, not waterproof, quicker drying, less obstructive.

Mechanics

Manual: requires physical effort to turn the louvers, extend (open) or retract (close) the canopy, move or roll-up the awning.

Motorized: use electric motors instead of human power to operate the canopy at the flick of a switch or with a remote control, smartphone or tablet.

Automated – sun, wind, motion and rain sensor mechanisms that automatically open or close the awning, so it operates and your outdoor living area or commercial space is protected even when you’re not there.

Other Considerations

Awning size: depends on the area requiring shade, or rain protection, the direction it faces, or the number of doors and windows requiring shade – a 10 to 13-foot projection for east or west-facing buildings is usually enough for a patio set.

Shape: rectangular, square, semi-circular, triangular, arched, or a combination are the common shapes.

Angle: affects the amount of light and sun penetration at different times of the day and season, reduces UV heating through windows protected with awnings, and naturally sheds light or heavy precipitation (varies by product type).

Retractable awning mechanism
Retractable awning mechanism

Mechanics

Manual: requires physical effort to turn the louvers, extend (open) or retract (close) the canopy, move or roll-up the awning.

Motorized: use electric motors instead of human power to operate the canopy at the flick of a switch or with a remote control, smartphone or tablet.

Automated – sun, wind, motion and rain sensor mechanisms that automatically open or close the awning, so it operates and your outdoor living area or commercial space is protected even when you’re not there.

Other Considerations

Awning size: depends on the area requiring shade, or rain protection, the direction it faces, or the number of doors and windows requiring shade – a 10 to 13-foot projection for east or west-facing buildings is usually enough for a patio set.

Shape: rectangular, square, semi-circular, triangular, arched, or a combination are the common shapes.

Angle: affects the amount of light and sun penetration at different times of the day and season, reduces UV heating through windows protected with awnings, and naturally sheds light or heavy precipitation (varies by product type).