How Much Do Metal Awnings for Patios Cost?

Are you planning to install a metal awning for your front yard or a bare window? In this post, you will learn:

• The advantages and disadvantages of using metal awnings
• What is the average cost of metal awnings and installing them?
• Enhancement, improvement, and DIY considerations

Awnings are more than accents to spruce up a building or house. Installing an awning can protect a house from excessive heat, damaging UV rays and sunshine. Some models shield windows, doors, and the patio from rain and snow. Metal awnings for patios also serve as shade for family members during backyard events.

Awnings are generally used as wide overhangs that provide secondary roofing protection to doors, windows, patios, and decks. Aside from the practical advantages, they can also improve the aesthetics of a house or establishment.

Types of Awnings

Awnings come in different sizes and forms. The roofing material can be canvas, solution-dyed acrylic, polyester, thin metal sheets, wood, clay, polycarbonate, fiberglass, or vinyl. Canvas seems to be the most common material used, as evidenced by the number of establishments with canvas awnings. Solution-dyed acrylic fabric is the material of choice due to its ease of installation and resistance to fading, rotting, and mildew.

The frame of the awning can also be made from a variety of materials. Common materials used are aluminum, steel, or wood. It is essential to consider environmental conditions when choosing an awning frame.

For example, hot areas like Miami tend to use light aluminum metal frames that can withstand the occasional gusty wind. In regions like North Dakota, it is wise to use a thick metal awning frame to carry the weight of a heavy snow load. Both assume that proper engineering has been completed based on local and state building code requirements.

Awnings are usually differentiated by the material used for the canopy and the frame.

Advantages of Metal Awnings

A metal awning is the strongest and most stable type available. Fabric awnings might sag and possibly collapse from carrying snow.  Retractable canvas and fabric awnings are easier to use compared to metal awnings.

Metal awnings for patios provide good protection from the sun and rain. The heat blocked by metal window awnings can help keep down the temperature by not allowing the heat to enter the house or building. Metal patio awnings are also strong and can withstand strong wind gales. Metal awnings can also work with non-metal frames like wood and synthetic materials. Aside from the occasional paint job, metal awnings are almost maintenance-free and can last dozens of years.

The main advantage of a metal awning is its sturdiness and longevity.

 

Disadvantages of Metal Awnings

Metal awning prices are generally more expensive than fabric awnings. However, it depends on the type of metal and fabric being considered. The metal of choice for awnings is aluminum because it is lightweight but sturdy and costs less than other metals. Even so, an aluminum awning is still more expensive than canvas and is usually slightly more complicated to install. Whereas fabric can be stretched over the frame, then tacked or tied in place, metal awnings need to be welded, screwed, or bolted into place. This adds to the total metal awning installation price.

Metal awnings also need more versatility than fabric awnings. When a metal awning is constructed, it is usually set in place permanently. It normally gives protection from both rain and  snow, but a metal patio awning also blocks healthy morning sunshine.

Fabric awnings are usually used with retractable or folding metal frames. This way, when you want some sunshine, just retract the awning. All homeowners should retract their lateral folding arm awnings before a heavy storm to protect them from damage.

The main disadvantage of a metal awning is its immobility.

How Much Do Metal Awnings Cost?

Let’s list the three major components affecting the installation cost of metal awnings. Take note that I will consider a small-sized fixed/permanent awning that will be professionally installed. Fixed aluminum awning prices will differ depending on the size and quality of materials and the installation location.

Let’s calculate the cost to install a small-sized custom metal fixed/permanent awning measuring 4 feet by 4 feet.

• The total canopy area is 16 square feet.
• The material to be used is aluminum.
• Assume that it would take about 3 work hours to complete the project.

ITEM	PER UNIT COST	TOTAL ITEM COST
Awning – A lightweight aluminum awning should be enough for common installations.	$6.50 to $9.00 per square foot	$104 to $144
Frame – Metal frame. Includes mounting materials like screws, bolts, tape, and wires.	$4.00 to $6.00 per square foot	$64 to $96
Labor – How much it costs to install a metal awning depends on the experience and workmanship.	$40 to $60 per hour	$120 to $180

Note:

• If materials are bought from a hardware or home improvement store, chances are they are not offering installation services. Separately, contact a contractor, handyman, or carpenter.
• You can save on labor costs by doing the installation DIY style.

Premade option

You can also opt to buy premade and ready-to-install awnings. These may cost a bit less but are generally more difficult to install due to pre-constructed, standard-size frames and a lack of good installation instructions. These are available at home improvement stores. Smaller models are relatively inexpensive, but expect the cost of metal patio awnings to be more expensive.

Let’s calculate the installation costs of a small premade metal patio awning measuring 4 feet by 4 feet.

• A packaged awning usually includes frames and all other installation materials, excluding the fasteners.
• The work hours it would take to complete the project is only 3 hours.

ITEM	PER UNIT COST	TOTAL ITEM COST
Awning – A small (4 ft x 4 ft) window metal awning with a frame	$100 to $300	$100 to $300
Labor cost – Due to the pre-constructed frame, this is easier to install.	$40 to $60 per hour	If 3 hours = $120 to $180
Total cost estimate	$220 up to $480

Prices of larger premade metal awnings:

• A medium (6 ft x 6 ft) door or wall fixed/permanent metal awning will cost around $200 to $400
• A larger fixed/permanent metal awning for patios and backyards will cost $600 or more

Other considerations

1. Check if the area requires local county or state sales tax or permit fees
2. A DIY installation might take more than the prescribed 3 hours. Start earlier and factor in daylight when installing, especially regarding metal patio awnings.
3. Take necessary precautions if this is a DIY project. Wear protective gear when using power tools and ladders or scaffolding.
4. Be careful when shopping for premade awnings. Check if the included frames are sturdy and made from quality materials. Also, check the fabric type, quality, and warranty on both the frame and fabric.

When living in a snow area, check for snow-load capacity. Most fixed/permanent awnings are not snow-load rated, and in that case, the fabric must be removed from the frame every winter before snowfall — one of the main reasons to use a retractable awning, as shown in the picture below.

 

Final thoughts

Let’s sum everything up. A metal fixed frame awning is usually stationary, but retractable aluminum frame awning installations are also available. With a metal fixed/stationary/permanent awning, you get strength and a decent level of protection. However, fabric or canvas-type retractable awnings will almost always be a better option in terms of versatility and mobility.

If you plan to install a retractable metal awning for a patio or elsewhere, choose between a manual or motorized model. You can even customize the awning by purchasing a backup manual override,  sensors, a wall switch,  remote control capabilities, a module to operate using a smartphone or tablet and timers if a motorized awning is chosen.

And finally, check with a professional awning company and request how much a metal awning will cost based on approximate measurements and its location. Be sure also to check retractable awning user reviews on my website to get only the most professional and experienced companies and awning installers available.