Canopies and awnings are used in gardens to give shade and shelter. They are usually affixed to the side of a building, almost as if they are an extension of the building itself. They are then used to provide protection for people who are sitting outside a property, meaning that it can be useful to give shelter from rain, protection from wind and shade from the sun. This is really useful if you are hoping to make your garden a more used part of your property, come rain or shine.
There are some fundamental differences between garden awnings and canopies. The one you choose will very much depend on the usability of the product, and who you plan on putting it to use in your own garden. Here is a brief summary of each one and how it functions:
- These are solid, permanent structures that are attached to the outside of a property. They are usually made of plastic or metal, or perhaps a composite material for a different appearance. If you are going to choose a canopy, you must understand that it is permanent. Once you have it installed, it will be there to stay. This means that it is like a permanent seating area, where you can relax, throw parties or have BBQs without having to worry about the weather. Canopies are a desirable design feature and when installed professionally, they might even help to improve the value of your home.
- These are usually made of a material, hung over a metal frame. There are two types of awnings – permanent and retractable. Permanent awnings will be more solid in their construction and will be there to stay, but they will not be as solid as a canopy, which can have side walls, sliding doors and all kinds of other features fitted to it. An awning is very much a shelter – it can be very attractive and useful, but it isn’t going to have quite the same level of functionality as an awning. There are also retractable awnings if you don’t want one that is going to be there permanently. These can be operated with a remote control and will fold into the building, giving you additional flexibility and more freedom to control the appearance of your outdoor space.
If you are thinking about having a canopy or an awning installed on your building, you should do your research thoroughly beforehand. Make sure you are buying it from somewhere reputable, where you will be able to buy a good quality product. Check reviews and look at what previous customers have said, as this will be a good indication of whether the company is responsible and provide a good quality service and a good quality product. See how long a guarantee they will give you as well – if they are confident in their product, they should be willing to give you a good length of the warranty. It may cost slightly more to buy a product that is good quality, but this will be worth it if you can get exactly what you want, and it will last.