Deck awning advice

[mom2rose&john]

We have received three quotes for a framed awning on our deck that would be 16 ft by 16 ft with two angles. Yikes!! I was not expecting it to be that much. I started searching online and found a freestanding awning from Sunsetter for under $2000 for 10 ft by 16 ft. http://www.sunsetter.com/oasis_awning.asp There were other companies that had the same concept awning but prices were unavailable. Does anyone have an awning on their deck or patio. Do you think you would do it again? Would the freestanding awning be a good alternative?

Ann Marie

 

[msmayor]

We have an awning, but it is attached to the house and we 'crank' it open with a removable handle.

I think we paid about $2200 12 years ago and it was the best investment...completely increased our ability to use our deck in the sun.

Ours has a lifetime warranty on the arms of the awning (no poles or 'supports' get in the way...it just rolls out overhead ) and can safely remain open with up to a 25mph breeze.

We have kept it open in a very light mist and been able to use the deck. We don't let it get 'rained' on because that much extra water on it would not be good for the arms; its really only designed to hold the weight of the canvas fabric.

 

[lh193]

We installed a 10' sunsetter awning on our last house. It worked great, but we got the cheapest manual one and really wished we paid more for the motorized one. It rained very infrequently in Colorado, but it always seemed to be when we left the Sunsetter open. Then DH would have to run outside in the rain and quickly close it up.

We had a western facing deck and it worked wonders blocking the sun and lowering the temperature of the family room/kitchen off the deck.

The problem with Sunsetter is that they will custom cut your length, but I believe they only go 9-10' out, so they won't go far enough for your deck.

One of my neighbors had a pergola built for his large deck and then he had these shade runners that he would pull (like blind shades) and retract. Really neat.

 

[whatname]

We have a Sunsetter attached to the house. Our deck is 20x24, I think. We got the largest awning they make. It does not cover the whole deck but enough that we can put the table and chairs under it. It covers a pretty big area. We love it. My sister had one for several years before we got ours. We both got the motorized ones and they work well. It was fairly easy for my husband to install with the help of someone to lift it. We did notice a slight scratch (not a tear but a scrape) on the fabric when installing it. I called Sunsetter and they sent us a new fabric right away. No questions asked and we didn't have to return the damaged one. You can also get new fabric, if you want to change the look. So, I would go with Sunsetter, if they have something that works for you. I don't know anything about their freestanding awnings though.

 

[mom2rose&john]

Thanks for the comments. Did you have to remove siding to intall the retractable awning?