A patio awning is a retractable external sun protection product for decking, terraces and patios. Which patio awning suits best depends mainly on the width of the façade, how far out the shade needs to reach, the mounting height and how large an area you want to shade.
Start by measuring the available width, the projection you want and the clear height, and check the eaves, gutter, downpipe, windows and other obstacles at the same time. You can then compare an open patio awning and a full cassette and choose the awning fabric, motor or crank and the accessories actually needed on site.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose a model and size, take accurate measurements, evaluate materials and quality, and plan for control systems, installation, and maintenance. You’ll also find guidance on wind and rain, regulations and permits, pricing, delivery time, and what you should check before ordering a custom-made patio awning.
Which three factors should guide your choice of retractable patio awning?
The site, protection when the awning is retracted and how often it will be used are the three most important things to assess when choosing a patio awning. These in turn decide which construction, size and control suit the seating area best.
So start by considering the conditions on your deck, terrace, or patio before comparing models. A deep patio requires different dimensions than a smaller one, while a more exposed façade may make protection around the fabric and folding arms more important. Once you’ve figured that out, it will be easier to compare different patio awnings based on how they’ll function in that specific location.
What area should the retractable patio awning shade?
Start with the part of the patio where you actually spend time. The width of the façade, the depth of the patio, the direction of the sun, and any obstacles all affect both the awning’s positioning and the dimensions that will work.
How well protected should the awning be when it is retracted?
An open patio awning leaves the fabric and parts of the structure more exposed between uses. A full cassette encloses both the fabric and folding arms and may therefore be appropriate for a more exposed façade or when you want a more enclosed structure.
How often should the awning be extended and retracted?
How often the patio awning is used mainly affects the choice of control. A motor can be practical for frequent use or on a larger awning, while a crank is a simpler option when manual operation works well.
Which retractable patio awning is right for your outdoor space?
Velum Lite suits a smaller patio or deck best, where a 300 cm projection is enough. Velum Plus is the larger open patio awning for decking and terraces that need a longer projection, while Velum Pro has a full cassette that encloses the fabric and arms when the awning is retracted.
The choice therefore depends on both the size of the patio and how well you want the awning to be protected between uses. All three models are made-to-measure, but the maximum projection, construction, and level of protection when the awning is retracted vary.
Velum Lite – a compact retractable patio awning for smaller spaces
Velum Lite is an open patio awning with a slender design. It is manufactured in the desired width up to 500 cm and is available with projections of 150, 200, 250, or 300 cm.
This model is therefore well-suited for, say, a small deck or patio where you don't need a 350 cm overhang. If awning is installed without overhead protection, it can be supplemented with a roof profile.
Velum Plus – an open retractable patio awning with a longer projection
Velum Plus is a sturdier open patio awning for larger decks and terraces. It can be made to measure up to 500 cm wide with a 350 cm projection and has a stronger arm construction than Velum Lite.
This model is ideal when the patio is deeper and you need solar shading farther away from the façade, but don’t want a completely enclosed cassette. A roof profile can be selected, and Flexi-Adjust is included as specified in the product specifications.
Velum Pro – retractable patio awning with full cassette
Velum Pro features a closed full cassette that encloses both awning fabric and folding arms when the awning is retracted. This makes the model suitable when the façade is more exposed or when you want the structure to be better protected between uses.
Velum Pro can be manufactured in widths of up to 500 cm and with a projection of 350 cm. Since the fabric and arms are housed inside the fully enclosed cassette, no separate roof profile is needed to cover the retracted awning from above.
Which type of retractable patio awning should you choose – open or full cassette?
Choose an open patio awning if the awning is relatively well-protected and you don't need the fabric and folding arms to be enclosed when it is retracted. Choose a patio awning with full cassette if you want both the fabric and the arms to be enclosed by the cassette between uses.
The difference isn’t just about how the awning looks when it’s retracted. The models also differ in maximum projection, arm design, and the ability to adjust the angle. Therefore, compare both the depth of the patio, the orientation of the façade, and how much protection the retracted awning requires.
| Property | Velum Lite | Velum Plus | Velum Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Compact open retractable patio awning | Heavy-duty open retractable patio awning | Retractable patio awning with full cassette |
| Maximum width | 500 cm | 500 cm | 500 cm |
| Maximum projection | 300 cm | 350 cm | 350 cm |
| Folding arm | Dual encapsulated wires and two spring assemblies per arm | Four enclosed wires and a reinforced spring assembly | Four enclosed wires and a reinforced spring assembly |
| Operation | Motor or crank | Motor or crank | Motor or crank |
| Flexi-Adjust | No | Yes, by default | Yes, adjustable from 5–50° |
| Profile Colours | White, grey, and black | White, grey, black, and anthracite | White, grey, black, and anthracite |
| Protection when retracted | Open; a roof profile can be selected | Open; a roof profile can be selected | The awning fabric and arms are enclosed by the full cassette |
How do you take the right measurements for a retractable patio awning?
Measure three things before ordering a patio awning: the width along the façade, the desired projection from the wall, and the clear height up to the mounting point. At the same time, check that the awning fits without coming into contact with the eaves, gutter, downpipe, windows, lighting, or other parts of the façade.
The dimensions need to be evaluated together. A longer projection means that the front edge of the awning ends up farther from the façade and, depending on the angle, even lower than the mounting point. For our patio awnings, a minimum angle of 15 degrees is recommended for water drainage, so the mounting height must provide sufficient clearance even when the awning is fully extended.
Measure the usable width along the façade
Measure horizontally along the section of the façade where awning will be installed. Mark the locations of corners, downpipes, lights, windows, and other obstacles so you know how much contiguous surface area is actually available.
Measure how far the sunshade needs to extend
The projection is the distance from the façade to the front edge of the awning when it is fully extended. Measure perpendicular to the wall and start from the part of the deck or patio that you actually want to shade.
Check the clearance beneath the extended awning
Measure from the floor or ground up to the potential mounting point. As the awning fabric slopes downwards, you’ll also need to check where the front edge will end up based on the projection and pitch you plan to use.
What size of retractable patio awning do you need?
Choose the width of the patio awning based on how much of the patio you want to cover sideways, and the projection based on how far the awning needs to extend from the façade. A wide awning provides greater coverage along the house, while a longer projection provides more shade further out over the patio or terrace.
Start with the area where you actually sit, eat, or spend time, and don’t automatically choose the largest possible size. Also take into account the cardinal directions and the sun’s path, since the shadow moves throughout the day even if the awning’s width and projection remain the same.
A compact example where a 3-metre width is combined with a 2.5-metre overhang. This might be suitable for a smaller patio where the seating area is located relatively close to the façade.
Here, a 4-metre width along the façade is combined with a 3-metre overhang. This design provides greater coverage both sideways and out over a deeper patio or terrace.
An example of a larger patio awning that is 5 metres wide and has a 3.5-metre projection. This size requires both sufficient façade width and the correct mounting height for the longer projection.
How wide does the retractable patio awning need to be?
The width determines how much of the patio is covered along the façade. Start by determining the area you want to shade laterally, and at the same time, check that the façade has enough clearance for awning and its fixings.
How far does the retractable patio awning need to go?
The projection is the distance from the façade to the front edge of the awning when it is fully extended. A longer projection provides greater coverage over a deep patio, but must also be coordinated with the mounting height, the slope, and the dimensions of the selected awning model.
What affects the quality of a retractable patio awning?
The quality of a patio awning is determined primarily by the awning fabric, the aluminium frame, and the design of the folding arms. The awning fabric affects how well the fabric withstands dirt, moisture, and prolonged use, while the frame and folding arms provide the mechanical support when the awning is extended and retracted.
Our patio awnings combine Sandatex fabric in solution-dyed acrylic with extruded, powder-coated aluminium profiles. The folding arms are built differently on each model, which also affects the widths and projections each patio awning is designed for.
What should you look for in the awning fabric?
The awning fabric is made of 100 per cent acrylic fibre with a minimum weight of 300 g/m². The fabric is solution-dyed and treated to be water- and stain-resistant. When the awning fabric is worn out, it can be replaced without having to replace the entire awning frame.
Why is aluminium used in the retractable patio awning?
The frame consists of aluminium profiles that are powder-coated for outdoor use. The finish gives the profiles a durable surface, and the profile colour can be matched to the façade, windows and other details of the house, for example.
How do the folding arms differ between the models?
Velum Lite has two encapsulated wires and two spring assemblies per arm. Velum Plus and Velum Pro have four encapsulated wires and a reinforced spring assembly. This difference becomes particularly relevant as the width and projection of the patio awning increase.
Do you want a retractable patio awning with a motor or a crank?
Choose a motor if the patio awning is used often or if you want to extend and retract it with a remote control. A crank is a simpler option without a motor or electrical connection and suits you when manual operation works well for your seating area.
The difference mainly comes down to convenience, the size of awning , and how often it is used. A motorised patio awning can also be combined with compatible sensors and control systems, while a manual awning always needs to be cranked in and out by hand.
When is a motorised retractable patio awning a good choice?
A motor is convenient when the awning is used frequently, is larger, or when you want to avoid manual cranking. Our motor options can be controlled by remote and use Somfy io-homecontrol.
With a compatible Somfy TaHoma, certain motorised solutions can also be controlled via an app and integrated with compatible smart home features and sensors.
When does a retractable patio awning with a crank suit you?
A crank is ideal when you want a simple manual solution without a motor. The awning is extended and retracted by hand and therefore does not require an electrical connection for the control mechanism itself.
On a smaller awning that is used less often, a crank can be quite enough. On a larger patio awning or with frequent use, the manual handling becomes more noticeable.
What accessories are available for a retractable patio awning?
Common accessories for a patio awning include a roof profile, adjustable tilt, sensors, and smart control solutions. There are also add-ons such as wind braces and vertical sunshades, but the accessories that can be used depend on the awning model, the motor, and the layout of the patio.
Choose accessories based on your specific needs. A roof profile can provide an open awning more protection from above when retracted, while adjustable tilt helps you adapt the shade to the sun’s height. On a motorised patio awning, compatible sun and wind sensors or smart home controls can automate parts of its operation.
| Accessories | What does it do? | When is this relevant? |
|---|---|---|
| Roof profile | Covers an open awning from above when it is retracted and reduces exposure to rain, leaves, and dirt, for example. | When an open patio awning has no protective eaves or other covering above it. |
| Adjustable tilt | Allows you to adjust the angle of the awning and thus adjust the position of the shade and the clearance beneath the front edge. | When the sun's altitude varies, or when you want to be able to adjust the awning based on different times of day. |
| Wind brace | Provides mechanical support for a extended awning and can reduce movement in a more wind-exposed location. | In open or exposed outdoor areas. The wind braces do not replace the need to retract the awning when the wind becomes too strong. |
| Front roller blind | A vertical sunshade at the front edge of the awning that complements the shade provided by the awning fabric above. | When the sun is low in the sky or when you want to reduce glare and overlooking of your outdoor space. |
| Smart Home Control | Allows you to control a compatible motorised patio awning via an app or a smart home system. | When you want to control the awning in ways other than with a remote control and have a compatible motor and control system. |
| Sun and wind sensor | A compatible sensor, working in conjunction with the motor, can respond to sunlight or wind, for example, and send control signals to the awning. | When you want to automate certain aspects of operation. Compatibility must be verified with the motor and control system. |
Can a retractable patio awning withstand rain, wind, and snow?
A patio awning is primarily designed to provide shade and should not be used as permanent protection against rain, strong winds, or snow. Retract the awning during heavy or prolonged rain, when the wind becomes too strong, or during snowfall, and follow the instructions for your specific model and installation.
Rain, wind and snow load the awning in different ways. Water can collect on the awning fabric if it does not drain away, gusts can load the fabric, folding arms and fixings, and snow adds weight that a patio awning is not designed to carry like a fixed roof.
Can a retractable patio awning be used when it rains?
A patio awning should not be used as a rain canopy. Retract it during heavy or prolonged rain, and especially if water begins to pool on the awning fabric. Standing water increases the load on the fabric, folding arms and fixings.
How much wind can a retractable patio awning withstand?
There is no general wind speed that applies to all patio awnings and mounting positions. Gusts, turbulence, the size of the awning and how exposed the façade is affect the load. So follow the limits for the specific model and installation.
Does the retractable patio awning need to be retracted when it snows?
Yes. A patio awning is not built as a fixed roof intended to carry snow loads. So keep the awning fully retracted during snowfall and avoid snow lying on the awning fabric.
Can you install a retractable patio awning yourself?
Yes, you can install a patio awning yourself if there are at least two people, you have the right tools, and you can determine which fixing is needed for the surface. The most important thing is that the brackets are positioned correctly and anchored to a stable part of the structure that can support the load from the awning.
Get help from an installer if you are unsure what is behind the façade, need to mount the awning to the soffit or have a substrate where fixing is hard to assess. Also check the eaves, gutters, downpipes, windows and other obstacles before installation starts.
Four steps before using your retractable patio awning
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Check the surface and choose the right fixings
Find out what is behind the façade’s surface layer before installing the brackets. Fixing must be adapted to the substrate and anchored to a stable part of the structure, not just to, for example, plaster or façade cladding.
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Measure the height, brackets, and the awning's range of motion
Mark the mounting points and check that the awning fits both when retracted and when extended. Take into account the eaves, gutters, downpipes, windows, lighting, and other details that may affect wall or soffit mounting.
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Install the brackets and lift the awning into place
Have at least two people work on this, and use a ladder or scaffolding that provides safe access to the installation height. Check the brackets and fixings before lifting the awning into place and follow the installation instructions for the specific model.
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Set up the electrical connection if the retractable patio awning has a motor
A motorised patio awning requires power at the installation site. If the connection involves electrical work, the work should be performed by a qualified electrician in accordance with local regulations.
Do you need a permit for a retractable patio awning?
A patio awning does not automatically require a permit, but it depends on the location. The applicable rules are influenced, among other things, by the type of building in question, whether an awning is considered a modification of the façade, and the regulations in effect for the area.
If you live in a flat, you also need to check the rules of the management company or building owner and get the go-ahead before the awning is ordered and fixed to the building. The building owner’s approval and the local planning authority’s assessment are two separate matters and must be checked separately.
Contact the building manager before placing an order
If the patio awning is to be fitted on a balcony, terrace or façade of a block of flats, start with the management company or building owner. There may be shared rules on the colour of the awning fabric, model, size, position and how it must be fixed, for example.
Check for any rules and previous decisions regarding awnings before choosing a design. That way, you’ll know what requirements apply before the awning is custom-made and ordered.
The building type, local regulations, and the façade's orientation are the determining factors
Rules differ between countries and local authorities. Permission may be needed depending on the type of building, whether the awning involves an alteration to the façade and whether the façade can be seen from the street or a public place.
Special rules may also apply to older or particularly valuable buildings and areas. If the requirements are unclear, you should contact the local planning authority before placing an order.
How much does a retractable patio awning cost, and what factors affect the price?
The price of a patio awning depends mainly on size, construction, control and the options you choose. A smaller open awning with a crank normally costs less than a wide made-to-measure patio awning with a long projection, full cassette and motor.
So there is no single price that represents every patio awning. Instead, compare solutions with the same width, projection and level of equipment. Once the model, dimensions, awning fabric, control and options are chosen, the price for that configuration is shown.
How do width and projection affect the price?
A wider patio awning and a longer projection mean a larger construction and more material. A larger awning is therefore usually more expensive than a smaller model with the same specification and control.
Does a full-cassette awning cost more than an open awning?
The construction affects the price. An open patio awning has fewer enclosing parts, while a full cassette encloses both the fabric and the folding arms when the awning is retracted. So don’t just compare dimensions – also check which construction is included.
How much does motorised operation cost compared with a manual crank?
A crank is the simpler control, while a motor and remote control involve more components and therefore increase the price. Compatible sensors, app control or other smart control can add to the cost further.
Which options affect the price of the retractable patio awning?
Awning fabric and accessories affect the finished configuration. On an open patio awning, for example, a roof profile may be an option, and other choices may depend on the model and control. So judge the price on the whole order, not just the basic model.
Are there additional costs for installation and electrical work?
If you get help with installation, the labour cost is a separate part of the total cost. For a motorised patio awning, electrical work may also be needed if a power supply is required at the mounting position.
Compare the same specifications
Two patio awning models of the same width may have different prices if their features, construction, motor, fabric, or accessories differ. For a fair price comparison, therefore, the entire specification must be as similar as possible.
What is the delivery time for a retractable patio awning?
The delivery time for a patio awning varies depending on the model, dimensions and chosen accessories, because the awning is made to your order. The current delivery time is therefore shown once you have chosen the model, width, projection, awning fabric and control.
Accessories and current production schedules may also affect when the awning can be delivered. If you are planning installation for a specific date, you should therefore base your plans on the delivery time specified for the final configuration at the time of ordering, not on a general estimate.
How do you care for and protect a retractable patio awning over winter?
Keep the patio awning clean; check fixings and moving parts regularly; and allow a damp awning fabric to dry before leaving it retracted for an extended period. The awning frame itself does not normally need to be taken down for the winter.
As winter approaches, it is important to ensure that the awning is clean, dry, and fully retracted when not in use. If the awning has a removable cover, it can be removed and stored in a dry place. In the spring, awning should be inspected before it is used regularly again.
What do you need to check regularly on a retractable patio awning?
Inspect brackets, fixings, and folding arms at regular intervals, and especially after periods of high winds. Nothing should be loose or show obvious signs of damage or corrosion.
If the awning develops play, operates sluggishly, or starts to sound different, the cause should be checked before continuing to use it. If the awning has a motor, remote control, or sensors, their operation should also be tested regularly.
How do you clean awning fabric and aluminium profiles?
First, brush away pollen, leaves, and other loose dirt from the awning fabric using a soft brush. If necessary, the fabric can be cleaned with lukewarm water and a mild soap solution. Aluminium profiles can be wiped down with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution.
Avoid strong solvents, abrasive cleaners, and methods that could damage the fabric or finish. After cleaning or rain, allow the awning fabric to dry completely while fully extended before leaving it retracted for an extended period.
How do you prepare a retractable patio awning for winter?
Keep the awning clean, dry, and stowed away when not in use during the winter months. If the awning has a removable valance on the front edge, it can be removed and stored in a dry place, preferably rolled up or laid flat rather than folded.
Inför vårens första användning är det bra att ta bort löv, smuts och eventuella insektsbon. Fäll sedan ut och in markisen och kontrollera att rörelsen är jämn och att infästningar, vikarmar och övriga delar ser hela ut.
Ready to choose a retractable patio awning for your patio?
Compare our patio awnings based on width, projection, construction, and operating mechanism. If you already have the measurements, you can start choosing a model and finish. If you need help with measurements or making a selection, customer service can assist you before you place your order.
What do you need to know before choosing a retractable patio awning?
Here are brief answers to some common follow-up questions about installation, the cassette and roof profile, app control, the shaded area, awning fabric, and how the awning is used in the rain and during winter.
Can you install a retractable patio awning yourself?
Yes, if there are at least two of you, you have the right tools and you can judge which fixings the substrate needs. Get help from an installer if you are unsure. If you live in a flat, you also need to check the rules and get approval from the management company or building owner before installation.
What is the difference between a roof profile and a full cassette?
A roof profile is fitted above an open patio awning and gives extra protection from above when the awning is retracted. A full cassette, on the other hand, encloses both the awning fabric and folding arms, so a separate roof profile is not normally needed to cover the retracted awning from above.
Can a motorised retractable patio awning be controlled with an app?
Yes, with a compatible motor and control system. Our motor options use Somfy io-homecontrol and, when paired with a compatible Somfy TaHoma, can be supplemented with mobile control and smart home features.
How much shade will a retractable patio awning provide?
It depends on the awning’s width and projection, but also on the sun’s altitude, direction, and the awning’s angle. an awning that is 4 × 3 metres covers approximately 12 m² geometrically, but the actual shaded area changes throughout the day as the sun moves.
Can the awning fabric be replaced without replacing the entire retractable patio awning?
Yes. When the awning fabric is worn out, it can be replaced without having to replace the entire awning frame, provided that the existing structure is still in good enough condition to continue being used.
Can the retractable patio awning be extended when it's raining?
A patio awning is primarily a sunshade and should not be used as a permanent rain canopy. Retract the awning during heavy or prolonged rain, especially if water begins to collect on the awning fabric.
Does the retractable patio awning need to be taken down for the winter?
No, the awning frame does not normally need to be taken down before winter. Keep the awning clean, dry, and fully retracted when it is not in use, and bring in any removable cover if the model has one.
