If you’re building a deck and you want a flexible option to help protect it from the sun while leaving it open during cooler weather, a retractable awning is one thing to consider. This could lead to you wondering what the different retractable awning prices are, what causes them to fluctuate, and how you can find the best deal for your project. These awnings come in a host of different materials, sizes, and forms that will all impact your final retractable awning price point. They can also be motorized or manual, and many come designed to move out of the way and against your home when you don’t need them.
They’re a great way to offer shade to your outdoor area to allow you to entertain during the hot summer months, and you’ll typically install them over a patio, door, or window. This is a fantastic addition to any outdoor space, and it’ll allow you to use it in different weather conditions. There is a broad range of prices when you start looking at retractable awning prices, and this makes it slightly more challenging to pin down a specific one. Luckily, there are factors you can look at and add the various prices to fill out your budget.
On average, your retractable awning prices will range from $500 to $4,000. Most people will pay just over $3,300 for a retractable awning with a motor that is large enough to cover a standard deck or patio. For the canopy itself, you could pay between $250 and $3,500. When you include the installation, you’ll want to add between $100 and $500 onto your retractable awning price. It is possible to do it on your own, but it’s a good idea to call in a professional to ensure it’s correct.
If you’d like to find out your retractable awning price range, this guide is for you. We’re going to outline the biggest cost factors that will total up to your final prices. This will allow you to create a budget and find the awning that fits without going over, and you’ll be able to boost your home’s curb appeal while making your backyard more functional.
Picking out a properly sized retractable awning will ensure that it covers as much area as you need it to each time you open it, and this will help shade in the biggest parts of your yard to help you enjoy it more. Pink Retractable Awning by European Rolling Shutters / CC BY 2.0
Finding a High-Quality Retractable Awning Brand
The first thing you want to do is get the retractable awning prices from different brands. Since this can be a significant investment for your home and it works well with an open porch design, you want to go with a well-known brand that is more likely to use quality materials that will last. Some have basic stock materials while other companies go all-out and offer completely custom options. The following brands all excel at creating retractable awnings, and they go in order of awning price:
- Perugia – $200 to $500
- Taranto – $300 to $1,000
- Trieste – $500 to $2,500
- Colosseo – $900 to $2,000
- Sunsetter – $1,500 to $4,000
- Torino – $1,600 to $2,500
- Palermo – $2,000 to $4,000
- Venezia – $2,000 to $4,000
- Firenze – $3,000 to $5,000
Retractable Awning Prices by Type of Awning
When you find a brand that matches your budget, the next step in finding your retractable awning prices is to pick out a type. They come in a huge range of styles and types, and this will impact your total costs. They include but are not limited to:
Aluminum or Metal
The retractable awning price points to install a metal one ranges from $250 to $800. This material is usually much stronger than canvas, and this can make it last longer. It does have less customization options available, so this reduces your design flexibility. It works very well for large spaces like patios or doors, and it’ll withstand different weather conditions very well.
Canopy
A canopy is the single most popular type of retractable awning available on the current market, and it’ll extend out horizontally from your roof or house. You can get motorized or manual options, and you can tailor the frames, cloth materials, and operation styles to suit your needs. There are no poles or frames to worry about since they attach to your house, and your retractable awning price ranges from $500 to $2,000.
Deck
This type of awning is specially designed to attach to your roof or home before extending out to cover your deck. It’s nice if you have deck boxes that can’t stand full sun conditions, and it can keep the area cooler. You can choose from crank operated, manual, or motorized ones that will extend by pushing a button. There are different materials and styles available, and the different sizes let you cover different decks. You’ll pay between $500 and $2,000 foryour retractable awning price for this type.
Freestanding
If you’re not comfortable with your awning attaching directly to your roof or house, you can get a freestanding type that won’t stress your house. It comes with a frame on it that allows it to stand up by itself. It can have sides and a roof overhead, and you can choose from a motorized or manual one. This isn’t good for windy areas as the wind can cause damage. Your retractable awning price will range between $900 and $4,000.
Motorized
You can push a button and have a motorized awning come out or retract in a few seconds. You can use a remote control or operate them through your smartphone app. A lot comes with technology like built-in wind sensors that make the awning retract by itself when the wind speeds get too high for the awning to safely stay out. This causes your retractable awning prices to go up to $1,000 to $5,000 per awning.
Patio Cover System
A patio cover system is the ultimate tool for climate and shade control. You can get them made out of louvers, slats, or cloth, and some come outfitted with extendable sides to give you more coverage. They come fully motorized for the operation, and they can allow you to create different layers of sun and shade out on your patio. This is a custom system that has a higher retractable awning price attached to it, and they can range from $12,000 and $25,000.
Portable
One of the most simple and budget-friendly options you can get for an awning is a portable one. They range from $100 to $400 each, and you don’t have to install them. Instead, you can erect them wherever you need them and take them back down when you don’t. They’re good for temporary use on a deck or patio, but they won’t work well for permanent use.
Shade Cloth
A shade cloth is a very simple awning form. You will have to put it up and take it back down as your needs change. This has a 100% manual operation to it, and you’ll have to tie the cloth’s ends to the house or to a frame and stretch it over it. When you take it down, you’ll have to release it from the end farthest away from your home before rolling it up and storing it. Your retractable awning prices start around $40.00 and go up to $100 for more durable materials.
Side or Drop Arm
Side or drop arm awnings are very common for any deck-style or canopy awning types. The fabric attaches to an arm that will move outwards from the attached casing. The arm will make the fabric stretch while it supports it. As it retracts, it’ll fold the fabric back. You can get motorized or manual options, and they come in a huge range of fabrics, colors, or styles. You’ll pay between $750 and $2,000 for the average retractable awning price.
Vertical Drop
Better known as a screen awning, this is a retractable awning that will come down vertically across your patio or sunroom opening. This gives you shade from an entirely new angle from a traditional overhead awning. This style usually comes motorized, and the screen will roll neatly up when you’re not using it. However, you can get manual options. Your retractable awning prices range from $800 up to $4,000.
Window
A smaller window awning will block some sunlight from entering your home, and they can also help to boost your home’s curb appeal. They come in several shapes to fit different windows, and you can get motorized or manual options. Depending on the size and type, your retractable awning price for this type will range from $80.00 to $400.
Choosing the right type of awning will ensure that it’s functional for your needs. There are several available, so you want to go through them all and pick the ones that match your space. This can take time, but it’s an essential step to take. Fabric Awning by ntm1909 / CC BY-ND 2.0
Consider Your Awning Color
When you extend your awning, it’s very apparent and visible to anyone who goes by. This is why your color is so important. Think about the look you want to create. If you want a dramatic and eye-catching look, pick out a color that contrasts with your home’s siding color. You can also choose a bold, bright color like orange, red, or turquoise. To get a much more subtle look, try to match the color to your home’s trim color. You could also pick out a color that is close to your home’s, like tan siding with a cream-colored awning to match your roof.
Labor Costs
Part of figuring out your retractable awning prices is factoring in labor. It’s possible for you to DIY your installation for many types of awnings, but motorized or custom options usually require a professional to come in and do it for you. This will ensure they operate correctly and that they’re a good fit. The installation costs with labor will vary depending on the type of awning you pick out, but it usually ranges from $200 to $400 out of a total project cost of $2,500.
Price List by Sizes
How big of an awning do you need to cover your area? The price is one big factor that will influence your retractable awning price. The most common sizes and their uses are:
- Door/Window – 31-inches by 24-inches – $200 to $500
- Door/Window – 44-inches by 36-inches – $240 to $500
- Door/Window – 56-inches by 48-inches – $400 to $700
- Patio/Deck – 8-feet by 210-feet – $250 to $2,000
- Patio/Deck – 10-feet by 10 feet – $300 to $2,500
- Patio/Deck – 10-feet by 20-feet – $700 to $3,000
- Patio/Deck – 15-feet by 15-feet – $600 to $2,600
- Patio/Deck – 15-feet by 20-feet – $800 to $3,500
Miscellaneous Price Points
There are several miscellaneous items you can add to your awning that will make your retractable awning prices fluctuate. You won’t have to worry about adding most of these things, but a few of them may be mandatory so make sure to double-check and add it to your budget.
Acrylic or Acrylic-Coated Polyester
If you want to have an historic appearance for your awning, consider adding an acrylic or acrylic-coated polyester for the fabric. They may look like traditional canvas, but they have lower maintenance needs while offering more durability and strength. It’ll block heat and UV rays while letting light shine through it. They can also dry faster and reduce mildew or mold growth.
Contrasting Trim
Some awnings come with contrasting trim color to make them look more appealing or eye-catching. This isn’t hugely common on traditional awnings, but you’ll see it a lot on custom awnings if you’re willing to pay a higher retractable awning price. It might not make the price jump a lot, depending on the brand and material you pick out.
Heaters
You can install infrared heaters on your awning. They can help warm up the area beneath the awning on cooler days or after the sun goes down if you still want to sit outside and enjoy your yard. These smaller heaters are easy to install on your awning’s arm or frame. They don’t put out a huge amount of heat, so you should put them wherever you want to sit. This can increase your retractable awning price by $300 or more.
Keyhole
If you’re trying to get a new or unique appearance on your awning, you can consider having a keyhole edge to it. With this style, you’ll get a wider fringe that features a series of cuts along the awning’s edge. This is purely decorative, and there is a very little to no cost difference in your retractable awning prices whether you want this design or not.
Mildew Resistant Treatment
If you’re worried about your awning developing a problem with mildew growth, you can choose to paint it with a mildew-resistant coating or get an awning that has an acrylic coating on it. You should know that it’s not possible to treat every fabric, so a lot of people choose to go for acrylic or polyester fabrics because they inhibit mildew growth. In most cases, this will boost your retractable awning prices by $50.00 to $100.
Mp3 Speakers
Adding speakers to your awnings allow you to play music while you’re out and enjoying your patio or deck. You can easily connect them to a tablet, smartphone, or a smart assistant using Bluetooth. You can attach these speakers directly to your awning, and it can be a nice addition if you routinely spend time outside. Speakers can increase your retractable awning prices by $200.
Permits
Most awnings won’t require you to have any permits, but there can be some cases where you’ll need planning permissions from your local town or city’s building commissioner. If you do need a permit, you want to apply for it 7 to 10 days before you get your awning to allow for processing time.
The permit will run between $25.00 and $100 in most cases. Any commercial building requires a permit to install an awning. If the canopy extends across your property line or if it’s more at 54-inches beyond your home’s exterior wall, you’ll most likely want to add permit fees to your retractable awning prices.
Scallops
You can buy awnings that come with a more decorative scalloped edge. This edge won’t be straight. Instead, it’ll have a series of curves to it. This doesn’t impact your awning’s use, and it’s strictly for decorative purposes. In most cases, it won’t have any or it’ll only have a very little cost difference for it.
Sensors
Some awnings come with sensors built into the design that monitor the wind speeds or for rain and automatically close the canopy if they sense it’s dangerous for the awning to be out. These usually come on more high-end motorized options, and they have a starting retractable awning price of $2,000.
Side Curtains
If you want more privacy when you sit out and relax, your awning should have side curtains on it. They also offer more protection from the sun. They won’t work well with every type of retractable awning out there, so keep this in mind before you spend on them. They can increase your retractable awning prices by $80.00 to $200.
Warranty
Since this can be an expensive investment for your home, you should look at the type of warranty it comes with. Awnings can have limited or fully warranties, and some of them last for over 10 years. Pay close attention because some require professional installation and you’ll void the warranty if you try to do this yourself. Ideally, you’ll get a full warranty that lasts at least five years.
Adding items to your awning can make it more comfortable to use, and this ensures that you’ll get a lot of use out of it the entire time you have it.These are mostly optional, so don’t break your budget trying to add them all. Denver Awning by SAM_4222 / CC BY-ND 2.0
Hiring a Professional or Doing it Yourself
Since labor plays into your retractable awning price, you have to decide if you want to do it yourself or pay a professional contractor to come out and perform the install for you. For a more simple awning type, you should be able to install it yourself. Freestanding or portable awnings are examples that you could do yourself. If you have to drill into your home’s exterior walls or roof, you’ll want to know how to find the correct spot or hire a professional. If you choose a motorized unit, you’ll want a professional.
If you pick the DIY route, it won’t increase your retractable awning prices by much or anything at all. It can save between $100 and $400 in labor costs. Whether or not this is a significant savings to you will depend on your expertise level and how comfortable you are.
Maintenance Requirements
A retractable awning has a lot to offer to anyone who wants to spend a lot of time outside around their fire pit or on their patios and who wants to stay out of the sun. These awnings are positionable, and they allow you to pick when you do and don’t want sun. If you take care of them, they can easily last up to a decade to make your retractable awning price more manageable.
These awnings aren’t meant to survive the rain or wind, so ensure that you watch the weather and retract them as needed to keep them out of these weather conditions. If the awning manages to get wet, you want to dry it out completely to prevent mold or mildew growth before you retract it again. Some manual awnings can be challenging to crank over time, so make sure you keep it cleaned. Motorized awnings will generally require more maintenance because they have more moving parts.
Where to Find Retractable Awning Installers Near You
If you want to compare various retractable awning prices, you should search for and compare several local companies. Doing so will help you lock in a good price without sacrificing quality. You can start your search below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Putting together a list of questions before you start getting in touch with various contractors will ensure you get a good feel for the project costs. DSC01844 by Dever Awning / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
It’s important to know which questions to ask when you start comparing products to get a better understanding of the various retractable awning prices available. The following questions are the most popular people ask when they start their searches:
1. What is the average lifespan for a retractable awning?
On average, most awnings will last around 10 years. However, proper maintenance is key. If you leave it out in windy or rainy weather, or if you don’t take steps to keep it in good condition, you’ll find yourself replacing it much sooner.
2. Are retractable awnings waterproof?
Yes and no. These types of awnings can be waterproof, but it depends entirely on the fabric you pick out. Most come designed to resist water without being 100% waterproof. This is because you’re not supposed to leave them out in the rain.
3. Do you need a lot of clearance for your retractable awning?
The clearance rate you need will depend on the type of awning, placement, and the size. Generally speaking, you’ll want 6 to 10 inches to allow it to clear around your house and out into your yard.
4. How high should you mount your retractable awning?
The type of awning and your personal preferences will come into play here. Generally speaking, you’ll want to get at least one foot of clearance above everyone’s heads, preferably more. Ideally, you’ll mount it so it’s three or four feet above your head.
Bottom Line
As you can see, your retractable awning prices can quickly fluctuate depending on a large range of factors. However, this guide picked out the biggest ones you should consider when you start to create your budget. You can pick out the ones that apply to you and contact local contractors to get more accurate estimates. This way, you’ll get the awning you want to help you get the most enjoyment out of your yard this spring and summer.
