What is an awning? Installation costs, types, pros, cons and more

Choosing the perfect awning for an outdoor space can be more challenging than you might expect. Besides the ever-growing number of products to choose from, you also need to consider several important practical, functional and stylistic questions. This guide is designed to navigate you through this process in a thoughtful way so you can create a sheltered outdoor space you can use and enjoy.

An awning is a covering that is designed to provide shade and protection against the rain and sun. It is typically attached to the exterior wall of a home or building above windows or doors over an outdoor patio or deck. Patio awnings are highly sought after as they not only make spaces usable but also protect outdoor furniture from UV damage, help reduce indoor temperatures, and improve property values and comfort.

As with any product, there are different types of awnings available for homeowners in New Zealand. By understanding all the options you can hone in on the ones that best meet your needs.

1. Freestanding awnings

Also known as pergolas, freestanding models are standalone units that are ideal for creating shaded spaces in open areas, such as large decks, gardens or beside pools. They are great for the flexibility and versatility they offer.

Pros: Versatile, can be placed anywhere, doesn't need to be attached to a structure.

Cons: Requires assembly, may not be as sturdy in strong winds, can take up a lot of space.

2. Fixed awnings

A fixed awning is essentially a permanent installation that provides continuous sun or rain protection, most frequently installed over windows, entryways and shopfronts. Door awnings provide shelter in the rain for those stationary few moments when you're unlocking a door. Window awnings are popular in commercial buildings, particularly those with displays and products that need protection from the glaring sun.

Pros: Permanent structure, durable, offers continuous protection.

Cons: No flexibility in shading, can accumulate dirt if not maintained.

3. Retractable awnings

Retractable awnings are an incredibly popular choice in New Zealand thanks to the versatility they offer. These awnings can be extended or retracted when needed, taking up less physical and visual space when not in use.

Pros: Flexible shade control, can free up floor space, concealed when not in use.

Cons: Manual opening (unless automated), regular maintenance required, professional installation recommended.

Related article: Pros and cons of retractable awnings for New Zealand homes

4. Motorised awnings

For those after the most convenient solution, it's hard to go past motorised awnings. A motorised awning can be retracted and extended with a remote or smartphone app, making it incredibly easy to use. Some have technology so sophisticated they will automatically retract when the wind strength gets too strong — one of many advanced features new models have.

Pros: Easy to use, convenient, often boasts advanced features with smartphone connectivity.

Cons: Professional installation required, moving parts may require regular maintenance, generally the most expensive type.

5. Vertical drop awnings

Often simply referred to as outdoor blinds, these are mounted vertically, acting as retractable side shades for windows or outdoor spaces, useful for reducing glare and enhancing privacy. They are very effective, sleek and easy to use making them an appealing choice.

Pros: Effective side shelters, enhanced privacy, sleek.

Cons: Requires an existing structure for installation, not an overhead shelter solution.

6. Metal awnings

While most awnings for the home are made from some sort of canvas, you will also come across metal awnings as a choice to consider. These provide a durable and more permanent shade solution and are seen more as a fixed architectural feature of the home.

Pros: Strong, long-lasting, effective rain and shelter protection.

Cons: Prone to heat absorption and rust if not well coated, less adjustable.

Awnings vary significantly in cost depending on a range of factors including the type of awning, its size, the materials used, additional features included and more.

For example, you can find small fixed canopy awnings (approx 1.2m x 1.0m) for as little as $200. For more premium models of this type, you'll be looking at $1,000 - $1,500.

Small manual retractable awnings (approx 3m x 2m) are also fairly affordable, starting from around $500.

For small motorised awnings (approx 4m x 2.5m) you'll be looking at around $2,000 as a starting point.

For larger freestanding options, like pergolas (approx 3m x 6m), budgets start to get a bit bigger. While you may find some cheaper models, most people will spend about $5,000 - $10,000.

For large fixed awning installations, the pricing can start at similar levels but go up to $20,000 depending on the chosen materials and features of the awning itself. More affordable materials include options like PVC while more expensive options include aluminium and aluminium polycarbonate.

For small freestanding models, many people assemble these themselves with the help of a friend or relative experienced in such things. The same applies for small fixed awnings, though for these options you'll want to be sure your installation process adheres to the building code which means you may want to enlist the services of a licensed building practitioner. Most builders in New Zealand charge between $60 - $120 per hour depending on their location, experience etc.

Suppliers who offer large awnings usually do so with an inclusive design and installation service. This essentially means the cost quoted is inclusive of this, but every supplier is different so it's important to ask about the total awning cost directly and clarify what this does or does not include.

An awning’s life expectancy will greatly depend on the quality of the product. Generally, a good quality awning will last anywhere from 10 to 15 years (and sometimes longer), with due consideration given to its cleaning regime and maintenance. Your awning’s lifespan will greatly depend on how well it is looked after. If inspected and cleaned regularly (at least once a month), it will likely remain in good condition for a longer period of time.

Many products often come with warranties too, though the length of these can vary. Cheaper options may only include a standard 1 year warranty but more premium options boast 10 year warranties or more which can greatly influence a decision.

To this point, you have all the information you need to make a decision. However, it helps to have a process and steps to follow to get there quickly.

1. Start by understanding its main purpose

It's important to decide whether you want and need the awning for sun protection, rain shelter, privacy or all of the above. As you've seen from the above, different types are designed for different purposes, for example, small fixed awnings are great for rain protection over doors but are not really a shelter solution for a deck. Outdoor blinds offer great side shelter and privacy but won't keep you dry without an awning above. These are simple examples but are the best place to start in the process.

2. Consider your location and climate

Your local weather conditions, i.e. how intense the sun and temperatures are in the summer or how windy and exposed your home is, are factors to think about. Windy regions may need a reinforced fixed awning over a retractable awning with a folding arm, while hot regions will require a homeowner to think about heat absorption and coatings on metals, and colour fading and UV protection on fabrics.

3. Think about durability and ongoing maintenance

It's also important to take a long-term view of the awning solution you are considering. This is particularly important if you need a large awning which could be a significant investment. Robust, high-quality materials are key here as well as those that are easy to clean. If you are selecting a motorised option, be sure to get a good understanding of the durability of the moving parts, as these can be particularly vulnerable to wear and tear.

4. Size, space and style

This may seem obvious but it needs to be stated. You absolutely need to measure the available space and consider how much projection the awning needs to cover doors, windows, patios or whatever area you're thinking about. Styling is also significant, given the visual space they take. Be sure to pick an awning style and colour that matches your home's architecture. Strong metal structures tend to suit more contemporary style homes while fabric solutions naturally complement older, more traditional style homes.

5. Set a budget

With those quoted above, you'll have some idea of what upfront costs to expect but it's also important to consider the long-term cost implications too. A cheaper model is always going to be appealing but if it breaks down and needs repairing or replacing in a few years, those savings will be quickly eaten away compared to a higher-quality option that does not. You also need to think about what traits and features are worth paying a bit extra for, and whether you want to buy a standard model or pay extra for a custom design and installation. The answers to these questions are unique to everyone but the main thing is to think about them carefully before making that final decision.

So there you have it! Your complete guide to awnings to help you understand and make the right choice for your home. They are an exceptional feature to add to a home, creating outdoor spaces that can be used all year round. Modern solutions also look incredibly stylish and boast some fantastic features so be sure to consider your choices thoroughly as you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you find.

Discover an extensive range of high-quality awnings on ArchiPro

(This article was updated on the 7th November 2024)