The awning material you choose for your deck affects how the awning looks, how it holds up to the weather and how much heat it blocks. The best choice complements your home’s style, suits the size of the deck and gives you the sun and water protection you need.
An awning lets you control how much sunlight your deck receives, so you can relax outside on a brutally hot summer day and keep your outdoor dining plans when it rains. If you have never bought one before, the fabric options can feel overwhelming. These five design ideas, followed by a few practical points, will help you narrow them down.
5 Design Ideas for Choosing Awning Fabric
1. Choose a Fabric That Complements Your House’s Style
Your home’s design is one of the most important things to consider. Some fabrics are perfect for a modern home but look out of place on an older house with a more traditional architectural style. Look for a fabric that blends in with the design of your house.
2. Consider the Size of the Deck
Some colors and patterns work well on smaller decks but seem overwhelming across a large area. Think about the size of your deck, the overall size of the house and its architecture. Picture how the awning will look in the context of the whole house, not just the deck.
3. Select a Bold Color
If you want your house to stand out, a bold color draws attention to the deck right away. A pop of color works well as long as it does not clash with the rest of the house.
If the exterior is a neutral color such as tan, a bold shade on the deck can be just what is needed to create visual interest. If the house itself is painted a bold color, a second bold color on the awning may clash and detract from its appearance.
4. Try a Pattern
You do not have to choose a single, solid color. In some cases a striped awning works better. Stripes can give a home a charming, welcoming look. As with color, let the architecture of the house guide whether a pattern or a solid is the better fit.
5. Pick a Color That Helps Lower Utility Bills
An awning does more than shade the deck. It also reduces the amount of sunlight that enters the house, which helps keep the inside cool and reduces how much you rely on the air conditioner. If lowering summer utility bills is one of your goals, choose a fabric in a light color that reflects sunlight.
Practical Points When Comparing Awning Material
Looks matter, but so does performance. A retractable awning for a deck or patio spends years in the sun and rain, so compare fabrics on these points as well.
Sun Protection
An awning is designed to protect the area beneath it from sunlight. That keeps the space cooler, shields people from UV rays and helps keep furniture from fading.
Some awning fabrics are more resistant to the sun’s rays than others. Consider how much sun your deck gets now and how much protection you need.
Water Resistance
Moisture can lead to mold and mildew, which make an awning dirty and can create an unpleasant odor. Choose a water-resistant fabric so the awning stays in good condition and does not need to be replaced early.
Care and Maintenance
A retractable awning needs to be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, and different materials are cared for in different ways. Make sure you understand the requirements before you choose, and be realistic about the time and energy you are prepared to spend.
Matching or Contrasting
You may want a color that matches your home’s siding or trim, or you may prefer a different color for contrast. Either can enhance the appearance of your home. Fixed shade structures have their own material choices, so if you are also weighing aluminum and fabric patio covers, compare them side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color awning fabric keeps a deck coolest?
Light colors reflect sunlight, so a light fabric is a good choice if reducing heat and summer cooling costs is a priority.
Should I choose a solid or striped awning?
Both can work. Solids give a clean look, and stripes add charm and visual interest. Let your home’s architectural style and exterior colors decide.
Does awning fabric need to be water-resistant?
Yes. A water-resistant fabric is less likely to hold the moisture that leads to mold and mildew.
See Fabric Options for Your Deck
Aladdin Inc has been helping Connecticut residents with home improvements since 1949. We can install a retractable awning that makes your deck more comfortable, and you can choose from over 150 weatherproof fabrics, so there is an awning material, color and pattern to suit almost any home. Contact us or call (203) 776-9996 to get a quote for a new awning.