Awnings and outdoor blinds are a great way of adding shade, style and personality to your home or caravan.
Awnings and outdoor blinds are a great way of adding shade, style and personality to your home. The awning cost can be anything from a couple of hundred dollars up to a few thousand depending on the size and complexity of the job. If you decide to install an awning on your house it's likely that you need some advice from an expert in this field. An awning and outdoor blinds are a complex job that involves a lot of planning and preparation. You will need to take into consideration factors such as the location, the type of material you want to use, whether it's going to cover an opening etc. Awnings and outdoor blinds can add both style and practicality to your home in various ways. Some people add them for function, others add them purely for visual appeal, but whatever your reason there are many options when it comes to choosing one. Many homes in Australia include an outdoor living area. Quite often this consists of a patio that is covered with pavers to act as flooring and perhaps some outdoor furniture. If the space isn't used much it could be that an awning would help to make it more practical. You could install retractable or sliding glass doors within your home so that you can access this area throughout the year, regardless of the weather outside. The cost for adding an awning will depend on many factors such as how big it is, what type of material you want and where it is. Adding an awning to your patio can be costly, but many people consider this investment well worth the money. It will add value to your home and if you decide to sell in future it will certainly help potential buyers.
Cost of fixed awnings: $1000+ (estimate)
Cost of freestanding awnings: $250- $2500 or more (estimate)
Cost of retractable awnings: $750 to $2500 (estimate)
Awnings can be made from different fabric materials depending on your outdoor environment and budget:
These awnings come in different colours and patterns and last long if properly maintained and stored when not in use; they provide good protection against the sun but offer less protection from the rain because water tends to seep through the fabric.
These awnings are strong, durable, stylish looking but more expensive than the other types of awnings; they offer good protection from rain and sun and can support heavy weighted fabrics.
These retractable awnings come in different colours which makes them ideal for matching with your outdoor décor. They are lightweight so you can move them around but they don't last long. They are best suitable if you live in an area where it does not rain much or if you have no budget to invest on an awning.
One of the most important factors when choosing an awning is to consider its size because you need to know how much space it will cover when opened. You should also consider whether you want full sun protection in all seasons or one that is only suitable for the summer and spring seasons.
These types of awnings can extend up to 3 metres and fit windows or patio doors that measure up to 2 metres by 2 metres; they provide full coverage against sunlight but offer little shade during hot days. They are great for small patios or verandas and they keep clothes, furniture and floor dry.
This size of awning extends up to 5 metres and can protect windows measuring up to 3 metres by 4 metres; the coverage extends beyond the window opening but not as much as the largest type. They are great for larger windows where you want protection against sunlight and rain equally. You can fit this size on your patio door and use it all year round depending on what season you live in.
They are meant for large areas. These retractable awnings extend up to 7 metres (width) and they provide good sun protection for windows that measure up to 4 metres (width) by 6m; they cover windows very well. They are perfect for outdoor entertainment areas where you entertain family and friends. If you have large width French windows, this is the best type of awning to get because it can offer full sun protection.
The type of awning determines the number of installers needed. Awnings have an aluminium frame with a canvas cover that cover the outdoor space to provide shade. It's used to provide shade, and protect from UV rays.
If you do not like retractable awnings, fixed arm awnings are another good option. They are less convenient to use because they cannot be moved around and they cover a larger area. You need to drill holes on the wall or screw the awning arm onto your house using brackets; you can adjust them as needed by turning the crank handles. If you have large windows, it is best to get one that comes with side panels for additional shade and privacy. It is best to choose a colour that matches or blends in with your home décor or paint so that it doesn't look out of place.
Awnings, especially folding arm awnings are available for all kinds of vehicles, particularly the ones that offer outdoor entertainment and protection from the hot sun or bad weather. You can get awnings that are custom made to fit your vehicle model or you can buy universal models that are easy to install. The readymade ones can be folding arm awnings and motorised awnings. If you have a caravan, it is best to check the type of window you have and choose an appropriate size for it; they come in standard measurements so finding one with the right size shouldn't be difficult. When choosing an awning for your motorhome, consider its purpose. For example, if you drive it during the summer months only, it would be wise to get an awning with removable sides so that when not needed, they can be detached making more room. You should also choose one that comes with side panels or is fully detachable that doesn't interfere with driving. If you drive the vehicle year-round and use it for outdoor recreation, get an awning that is made of heavy-duty materials that can withstand bad weather. If going for a DIY installation, be aware of the components. There's a wide range of products, each having several small components. Each product is mounted on the wall and the canvas part is spread to cover the area.
The cost-effective option is one with a simple design and made from plastic fabric; they protect from the sun and bad weather but they don't last long. They cost less than $100 and if you just need a temporary awning that will only last a few years, this is your best bet. Heavy-duty models made from polyester canvas can cost around $500. These quality awnings offer good shade at affordable prices and their strong designs make them last longer. If you want a motorhome awning that is made of vinyl or PVC, this will cost around $500 to $2000 or more depending on its design and features. These types of awnings are built from expensive materials. Arm awnings such as folding arm awning and freestanding awnings are popular.
Caravan awning | Estimated cost without installation |
|---|---|
Fiamma F45s Wind Out | $1130 |
Austrong Awning Vinyls (can be classified as fixed awnings) | $4300 |
Carefree Awning Vinyl (arm awnings) | $459 |
Allshield 4X4 (folding arm awnings) | $285 |
Carefree Fiesta Caravan Rollout (folding arm awnings) | $459 |
Dometic 9000 Caravan Rollout (folding arm awnings) | $1469 |
Camper Room Awning Walls (folding arm awnings) | $999 |