Best Retractable Awnings – Buyer’s Guide

If you’re looking to add shade and shelter to your outdoor living space, retractable awnings can be an excellent investment. With their versatile designs and easy-to-use retractable systems, they allow you to create a comfortable and protected outdoor area for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying your garden.

However, with so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to choose the best one for your needs. That’s why in this blog post, we’ll be exploring the best retractable awnings, including their features, benefits, and drawbacks. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the different types of retractable awnings and how to select the right one for your outdoor space.

1. Advaning Classic Series – Best Patio Awning

Advaning has established itself as a reputable company in the realm of high-end awnings, renowned for its commitment to top-notch quality. While it is true that Advaning products often come with a higher price tag compared to competitors, this is justified by the exceptional craftsmanship they offer. The Advaning Classic series, also known as the “C” series, serves as the entry-level model in their lineup, yet it boasts several features that set it apart from other models in the market.

One noteworthy aspect of this retractable awning is its dual functionality, allowing for both electric motor operation and manual operation. While there exist other electric retractable awnings that claim to offer manual operation as well, they are not primarily designed for such use. In this aspect, the Advaning awning proves to be remarkably versatile, significantly extending its potential lifespan compared to competing products.

In addition to its superior mechanism, the Advaning awning stands out for its unparalleled range of options and versatility in terms of its profile. It is important to emphasize that awnings, whether retractable or fixed, are suitable for various openings in a structure, including doors and windows. Naturally, for windows, a retractable awning with a width of over 10 feet is unnecessary. Fortunately, Advaning addresses this concern by offering a diverse range of sizes, ranging from 8 feet by 7 feet all the way up to an expansive 16 feet by 10 feet.

In conclusion, the Advaning Classic Series patio awning exemplifies excellence in both design and functionality. Its ability to seamlessly transition between electric and manual operation, coupled with its wide range of sizes, makes it an outstanding choice for customers seeking a superior awning solution.

Advaning C Series Features

Available Fabric Colors

How to Install a Retractable Awning

2. Diensweek Patio Awning – Best Awnings for Windy Areas

Diensweek is a bit of a unique company on our list in that they pretty much just opened up shop. On top of that, they also currently sell almost exclusively online through Amazon. Normally, both of those qualities would set off a few red flags, but this company exceeds virtually all expectations and provides arguably one of the best retractable awnings that we could find – even more so when you consider it is nearly half the cost of the least expensive electric retractable awning we reviewed.

That said, it is also the most expensive manual retractable awning on our list, but its quality goes a long way in justifying that price.

Beyond the canopy, the frame of this retractable awning is also similarly impressive. Though it is only made out of aluminum, it is made out of T5 aluminum – one of the strongest grades of aluminum used for outdoor residential applications.  In fact, the frame of this retractable awning is rated for class 4 winds on the Beaufort scale. While that may not be exceedingly strong, it is still better than many of the other frames that we saw. 

3. Sunjoy Marquise Retractable Awning – Best Motorized Awning

Sunjoy is a bit of a unique company in that they initially started manufacturing primary electronic accessories but have since created an outdoor accessory department. This means that while their focus may not always be on outdoor accessories, they do at least have a dedicated division able to provide a solid product. However, this is definitely not the best retractable awning that we found.

Instead, the Sunjoy is better understood as a solid, budget-friendly electric retractable awning.  For instance, the awning itself features a semi-cassette which ensures that the electric motor and other retracting components are protected from inclement weather and other potential issues which could otherwise negatively impact the performance of the mechanism.  Though, that is not the only durability benefit of this retractable awning.

The Sunjoy also features a fairly well-made frame. Using the popular combination of steel and aluminum, Sunjoy further reinforces the frame of their awning by powder-coating it to help prevent any type of rust or corrosion from developing. This retractable awning can also be used manually, though that should only be engaged if the motor malfunctions for some reason as a manual use of the mechanism can interfere with a normally functioning motor.

4. Outsunny – Best Retractable Awning for Deck

Outsunny is not actually its own company but is instead a subsidiary brand within the Aosom corporate umbrella. Aosom, pronounced “awesome,” makes a wide range of products, but outdoor decor and accessories are one of their main product categories. This provides the Outsunny brand with a bit of focused knowledge to still present a solid product despite a lack of market specialization.

In terms of the retractable awning, one of the best qualities about the Outsunny is the fact that it is made out of durable and treated polyester.

That said, this retractable awning is definitely intended to be marketed as a more budget-friendly model which means that there will be an inevitable give and take component to this product. For instance, the frame and hardware are made out of steel and aluminum. This is nice, but the steel and aluminum fabrication uses too thin of a gauge to provide as rigid and strong a support as you might otherwise prefer.

5. Best Choice roducts – Best Budget Retractable Awning

Though Best Choice Products was founded over a decade and a half ago to sell billiard tables, the company has quickly expanded to offer virtually every consumer home good. While this does include an outdoor accessory division, it is worth noting that the broad range of products combined with the market plan of simply undercutting the competition’s prices does leave a bit to be desired when it comes to their retractable awning.

That is not to suggest that this is a poorly made product, but you should definitely not expect some of the higher standards that a few of the other products we reviewed exemplify. That said, this retractable awning does at least provide a solid frame that is made of aluminum and steel. On top of that, the frame is then powder-coated to help protect it from rust and corrosion.

The biggest issue comes with the canopy which is better seen as a bit of a mixed bag than an actual flaw. For instance, the canopy is made out of polyester which is then treated to be both UV protected as well as water-resistant.  However, the canopy is also known to sag in the middle when the slightest bit wet and is a bit more transparent than some consumers prefer when dry. 

Buyer’s Guide

Mechanism

How your retractable awning retracts is a bit of a pick your poison consideration that does not have a single correct answer.  Both types of retracting mechanisms have their advantages and flaws, so you will need to consider carefully which benefits are more important and which flaws you are willing to live with.  Keep in mind, this is not simply a matter of preference as the mechanism can ultimately influence the longevity of the retractable awning as well as the additional value it provides your property.

Manual

This is the basic and most common type of retractable awning available and requires your direct participation to function. Essentially, all manual retractable awnings have some sort of cranking mechanism – whether vertically or horizontally oriented – that requires you to crank it in order for the awning to both extend and retract.

The downside to this type of mechanism should be obvious: inconvenience. Aside from the fact that you must spend the time and energy physically extending and retracting the canopy, the crank itself may be difficult to manage for users who are not quite as strong as others – especially for elderly customers.  On the plus side, a manual retractable awning is far less prone to mechanical failure than the electric type and are significantly easier to fix should something go wrong. 

Electric

As opposed to the manual retractable awning, the electrical retractable awning is a thing of convenience. Rather than having to physically crank the mechanism to extend or retract the canopy of your awning, you simply press a button and an electric motor will do all of the work for you. In fact, this can actually provide further benefits that may even increase the lifespan of your retractable awning in the first place.

The primary downside of the electric retractable canopy is that more moving parts mean more possibilities for a mechanical failure. While this is bad enough on its own, the issue is further compounded by the fact that electric retractable awnings are far more expensive to repair than manual ones and are usually just cheaper to simply replace altogether.

Material

The material of a retractable awning generally refers to the canopy of the awning. The reasons for this are:

1. because the other components are either made out of plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel;
2. because there are a wide variety of materials used for the canopies while the other components differ far less.

The material that the canopy is made out of will generally determine how well the canopy holds up under different atmospheric conditions as well as its general durability. The overwhelming majority of materials used for retractable awnings are either fabric or plastic due to their combination of good tensile strength as well as their flexibility.

Canvas

Canvas is seen as the “classic” material used for retractable awning canopies and is also the only naturally occurring fiber readily used. It is important to note that canvas is usually made out of cotton or linen but will occasionally be made out of hemp as well – though that is far less common these days. Canvas is one of the more durable materials used for retractable awning canopies, but it is also more prone to suffer from environmental exposure and is one of the more expensive materials used as well.

In terms of durability, canvas has the most tensile strength out of all of the materials used for awning canopies except for aluminum. However, canvas is far more flexible than aluminum, so it provides the overall most durable performance for an awning canopy. That said, as an organic material, canvas is also the most prone to suffer from climate-related degradation.

For instance, untreated canvas will develop mildew quicker and more intensely than any of the other materials on our list. It also does not help that canvas is one of the least hydrophobic materials used for retractable awning canopies which means that not only will it hold water it will feed the mildew even further. Finally, canvas is definitely prone to UV deterioration, though not as much as PVC or polyester.

PVC

Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is the first of many synthetic materials used in the manufacturing of retractable awning canopies. While this material definitely has some advantageous qualities to it, it is ultimately the least desirable material for one reason and one reason alone: durability. In terms of its actual tensile strength, PVC is likely the lowest on the list and is far more prone to ripping or tearing than any of the others.

That said, it is important to note that PVC is actually a type of plastic, and as such, it carries with it many of the best qualities of plastic as well. For one, this is the only material that is exceptionally flexible that is also waterproof. While many of the other materials are hydrophobic, if exposed to enough moisture, they will ultimately retain the water. As plastic, PVC is also naturally resistant to mildew and will not produce mildew without an organic substrate on it.

Polyester

Polyester is arguably one of the more versatile and common materials used in the production of retractable awning canopies. In some respects, polyester can be seen as providing the best of all worlds, though it is not without some potential faults which much be considered before accepting this material as the selection of your retractable awning canopy.

First, polyester is by far one of the least expensive materials used for retractable awning canopies. The only other material which can legitimately challenge it at price points is PVC which is actually a far inferior material in most respects by comparison. That said, the financial benefits of polyester are only further increased by the structural benefits that this synthetic fiber presents. When taken together, this almost unquestionably makes polyester the better all-around value – though not necessarily the best performing for all situations.

Aluminum

Aluminum is by far a unique material used for canopies on our list. For one, it is the only material on our list that is not either woven into a fiber or welded as a plastic. Moreover, aluminum is by far the least flexible material on our list which generally reduces its effectiveness as a canopy material for retractable awnings. Still, there are some commercial and industrial awnings which either make use of aluminum shingles or simply retract the entire awning.

That said, aluminum is by far the most durable material used for retractable awning canopies. It is naturally rust resistant and can actually be treated so it is even more so. It has by far the greatest tensile strength of any material used and is more likely to simply be pulled from its scaffolding than it is to tear. Finally, aluminum is also naturally resistant to both mildew and UV radiation without any additional treatment – though it can fade from sunlight without some form of protective coating.

Acrylic

Acrylic is not always actually a material used for retractable awning canopies in its own right and is often better understood as one of many potential protective coverings applied to another base material. That said, there are literal acrylic fibers, and they too are often used as the base material for a canopy. We realize this can be a bit confusing, but the difference between the two is significant.

Most acrylic coated canopies are actually made out of canvas which has then had a coating of acrylic paint placed on top of it to make it more durable and resistant to inclement climates. Acrylic fibers, on the other hand, function far differently and are more akin to polyester than the cotton fibers of heavy canvas.

Though acrylic fibers are wool-like in nature and can be used in clothing for body heat retention, their use in retractable awning canopies generally does not have the same effect.  In fact, acrylic is one of the more UV-resistant materials that are either welded or woven into fabrics. Even better, acrylic fibers are naturally hydrophobic like polyester and PVC, so you will not have to worry about the canopy retaining water. 

Durability

With any product you purchase, its durability will be a primary consideration. However, that is never truer than when the product in question is expected to withstand even mild exposure to the elements. In this instance, it always helps if the constituent components of the product are reinforced by one or more options that will further increase the lifespan of the product. This is especially true for retractable awnings as it is often not worth the money to try and repair a failed component and is instead simply a better idea to replace the entire awning altogether.

UV

Anything exposed to the sun over a long enough period of time will eventually begin to degrade under the barrage of its ultraviolet radiation. Some materials handle this better than others, but all of them are ultimately susceptible – especially when the exposure extends for years at a time. With retractable awnings, this effect shows itself most prominently in the canopy.

While there may be some specific exceptions – especially if the canopy is not made from any type of fabric or plastic – most retractable awning canopies are prone to suffer from sunlight damage. This can actually take a couple forms, one of which will lead to the ultimate failure of your retractable awning while the other will simply make it less attractive and diminish any additional value it may provide the property it is attached to.

The first type of sun damage involves the UV rays literally degrading the structural integrity of the canopy’s material. In this instance, the sunlight will either melt or fray the sheet or fibers respectively until such point in time that they become prone to tearing. In fairness, this is far more likely to occur with plastic canopies than fabric ones, but both are prone to this issue.

The second issue with sunlight damage is a bit more benign but can still ultimately reduce the value of the awning. Specifically, the canopy’s colors will fade over time as the UV rays bleach it. In fairness, this is actually the intent of retractable awnings used to cover windows, but it is still an issue nonetheless. Thankfully, the solution for both of these problems is to simply purchase a retractable awning that is made out of a naturally durable material and is protected with one or more coatings that will block or reflect UV rays.

Mildew

Once again, the most fragile part of a retractable awning is the canopy – though this makes sense since the other components are generally made out of either metal or plastic. Regardless, mildew will present a few risks to both you and your property should it develop on the canopy of your retractable awning which is why it is vital you make it a point to protect yourself from it.

To be clear, not all canopy materials are equal in this regard either, though they have a tendency to follow the inverse rule for sun damage. In this instance, canopies that are made out of fabric are far more prone to develop mildew than canopies which are made out of plastic. Of course, metal canopies are rarely troubled by this circumstance either.

Regardless, there are a few ways that canopies can be protected against the development of mildew. One of the more popular methods is to use some sort of coating – much like with UV protection – though this generally will not last as long. The other method of mildew prevention involves treating the canopy before it is ever woven or welded so that it remains protected inside and out.

Conclusion

As we can see, there is no single product that will be the best retractable awning for all consumers. If you are interested in convenience, you will probably want to opt for an electric retractable awning. However, if overall value is more your schtick, then a manual retractable awning should suit you perfectly.

For the former, we suggest the Advaning. Even though it is an incredibly expensive retractable awning, every part of this product practically oozes quality. From the variety of sizes and styles to the acrylic canopy, this awning provides qualities that no other brand on our list does. Even better, this awning can be used as both an electric or a manual retractable awning depending on your preferences.

Of course, if you are not looking to break the bank on an electric retractable awning, the Diensweek is arguably the best product that we reviewed. If it came in an electric model, it would without a doubt be the best product on our list. With an incredibly durable canopy that is resistant to pretty much whatever you can throw at is and a T5 aluminum frame rated for Beauport 4 level winds, you would be hard-pressed to find a better all-around value.