The cost of an awning depends primarily on the awning type, dimensions, and design. Width and projection account for a large portion of the price, while factors such as the cassette, fabric, and the choice between a crank and a motor can further affect the cost.
A smaller manual awning and a wide made-to-measure patio awning with a large projection, cassette and motor can therefore end up at completely different price levels. It is more useful to compare which options are included than to start from one general guide price.
In this guide, we’ll go over the factors that have the greatest impact on price, what additional costs may apply, and what distinguishes patio awnings, balcony solutions, and vertical awnings when you compare costs.
Why do awning prices vary so much?
The price varies because two awnings can differ a lot in size, construction and function. A smaller manual awning needs less material and simpler mechanics than a wide made-to-measure patio awning with a large projection, cassette and motor.
For this reason, it is rarely possible to estimate the cost based on the awning type alone. Only once the width, projection, and other options are known is it possible to compare two models fairly. In the next section, we’ll go over which of these options have the greatest impact on the price.
Which options have the greatest impact on the price of an awning?
Awning type, width and projection set the basis of the price. After that, mainly the cassette, the control and the choice of fabric affect what the finished awning costs.
Type of awning
Different types of awnings are constructed in different ways. A patio awning with arms and a large projection has a different design than a vertical awning that runs along a window or glass panel.
The width
The wider the awning, the more materials, fabric, and construction are needed along the façade. Width is therefore one of the factors that most affects the price.
Projection
The projection is how far the awning extends from the façade. A larger projection gives more shade but also needs more fabric and a structure that can take the increased load.
The cassette
A cassette protects the fabric and, depending on the design, also the arms when the awning is retracted. A more enclosed design requires more material and therefore affects the price.
Control system
A crank is the simpler solution and needs no electricity. A motor gives easier control but is an option and may also mean a separate cost for electrical installation.
The fabric
The type of fabric, quality, and colour all affect both the look and the cost. Therefore, compare the entire design – not just the awning’s dimensions – when you’re evaluating the price.
What affects the price of an awning for a balcony?
The price is mainly affected by the available dimensions, mounting height and conditions around the installation area. An awning for a balcony may be smaller than an awning for a large deck, but that does not automatically make the choice simpler.
Measure the area that is actually free
Measure the width of the balcony and check how much space there is for the awning and fixings. A smaller balcony often needs a more compact solution than a large deck.
Check the height before selecting a projection
Measure from the balcony floor to the point where the awning is to be installed. The installation height and slope affect how far the awning can extend without the front edge ending up too low.
See what might be getting in the way
Downspouts, lights, window sills, the balcony above, and other façade details can affect both the placement and fixing. Check the entire mounting surface before determining the dimensions.
Is a vertical awning cheaper than a retractable patio awning?
A vertical awning may be priced lower than a patio awning of comparable width, since the construction is different and lacks the extendable arms required for a large projection. The actual cost depends on factors such as width, height, design, and fabric.
However, that doesn't mean that a vertical awning is a cheaper option for the same purpose. It blocks the sun in front of a window, a balcony door, or a glass wall, while a patio awning creates shade over a patio.
- Width
- A wider vertical awning needs more material and fabric. Width is therefore one of the main factors affecting the price.
- Height
- Because a vertical awning extends downwards, its height also affects the amount of fabric and the size of the structure required.
- Design
- Different models have different designs and functions. Two vertical awnings with the same dimensions may therefore still have different prices.
- Fabric
- The choice of fabric and colour affects both the appearance of the sunshade and the final cost.
What additional costs might there be beyond the price of the awning?
In particular, electrical installation and fitting may be added to the price of the awning itself. Therefore, be sure to factor in the total cost of installation before comparing two options.
Electrical installation
A motorised awning requires power. If there is no suitable power connection near the installation site, an electrician may need to handle the installation, and that cost is normally not included in the price of the awning itself.
Installation
A wide patio awning is heavy and must be properly anchored to a load-bearing surface. If you hire someone to help with the installation, you’ll need to factor in the labour cost when estimating the total cost.
A lower price for the awning itself does not necessarily mean that the finished installation will be the cheapest.
How can you get a more accurate price for your awning?
Start by deciding what problem the sunshade is meant to solve, and then identify the measurements and options that actually affect the price. The more you know before you configure the awning, the easier it will be to compare the right models.
Have this information ready
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Decide what you want to shade
Should the awning provide shade over a patio or reduce sunlight coming through a window or glass wall? Your needs will determine which type of awning you should compare.
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Measure the available width
Measure the surface where the awning will be installed and make sure there is enough space for both the structure and its fixings.
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Decide how much projection you need
For a patio awning, the projection affects both how large an area is shaded and how sturdy the structure needs to be.
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Check clearance and obstacles
Note the installation height and check whether, for example, lights, downpipes, window flashings, or other details affect the placement.
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Note the compass direction
The sun's position affects how much shade you need. Low morning or evening sun may require a different solution than the high midday sun.
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Choose between a crank and motor
Think about how you want to control the awning. If you choose a motor, you'll also need to check whether there is a suitable power connection near the installation site.
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Check the regulations that apply to the property
If you don’t have control over the façade yourself, find out whether the building owner, management company, or other responsible party has requirements regarding, for example, the style, colour, fixing, or how far the awning may extend.
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Enter the dimensions and compare models
Once you've decided on the width, projection and other options, you can compare how different designs and options affect the final cost.
The width and projection are major factors in determining the price. You can then assess how the awning type, cassette, fabric, and control system affect the cost of your specific solution.
Which awning is the best fit for your measurements and needs?
Start from the area you want to shade, the dimensions and how you want to operate the awning. Customer service can help you compare the options and check the conditions before you order.
What should you know about awning prices?
Here are brief answers to common follow-up questions about size, motor, cassette, fabric, balcony awnings, and other choices that may affect the final cost.
Is a larger awning always more expensive?
A wider width or a greater projection usually increases the price, since more fabric and a sturdier construction are required. At the same time, the final cost is influenced by factors such as the type of awning, the cassette, the control system, and the fabric.
Does a motor cost much more than a crank?
The motor is an optional extra and therefore increases the price compared with a crank. The difference may be greater if there is no suitable power connection at the installation site and an electrician needs to be hired.
Does the cassette affect the price of an awning?
Yes. A cassette features a more enclosed design that protects the fabric and, depending on the model, also the arms when the awning is retracted. The extra material and design therefore affect the price.
Is an awning for a balcony cheaper?
An awning for a balcony may be less expensive if the dimensions are smaller, but that's not guaranteed. The installation height, fixing, any obstacles, and which solutions work for the specific balcony also affect the choice and cost.
Does the awning fabric affect the price?
Yes. The type of fabric, quality, and colour can affect the final cost. That's why you need to compare the overall design of the awning and not just its width and projection.
Does a wind sensor affect the price of an awning?
Yes, if a wind sensor is available as an option for the solution in question. It is an additional control feature and may therefore increase the price compared with an awning without such an automatic feature.
Do I need permission to install an awning?
It depends on the building and the regulations that apply where it is located. If you do not have control over the façade, you should first check what the building owner, management company, or other responsible party allows. There may also be local regulations or permit requirements for changes to the building’s façade.
