Retractable Awnings For Your Patio | Your Complete Guide

In the harsh Australian heat, patio awnings provide Australians the much needed protection from the extreme sun and weather conditions. You can also benefit from an extended living space, add value to the home, and complement your home’s façade. The benefits are endless.  

But what are the considerations? This article will walk you through how to choose the best retractable awning for your patio, reiterate the benefits, and provide our own recommendations based on Helioscreen’s most popular customer choices.  

Let’s dive in.  

How to Choose the Best Retractable Awning for Your Patio  

Choosing the right retractable awning for your patio isn’t as hard as some make it out to be, but there are some key considerations to keep in mind to help ensure your patio awning provides you with everything you need.  

Here’s some things to keep in mind:  

Understand the Purpose & Style  

This includes understanding how the space is going to function, how it’s going to tie into the facade of the home or building, and how it’s going to serve your space as a whole.  

Choosing the right awning for your patio space is contingent on utilising the space you have while ensuring the awning serves its purpose.  

It doesn’t matter if you’re unsure about a few things, that’s why we always recommend reaching out to an expert team to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Reputable suppliers like Helioscreen can point you in the right direction and guide you on what’s achievable for your price point, space and functionality requirements.  

Think About Colour & Materials 

Colours and materials are more than aesthetics and design, it’s also important to ensure they are high-quality, durable, and easily maintainable. Australia experiences a spectrum of climates – from hot, dry summers, to tropical and humid, so it’s important to choose your fabrics wisely.  

Having a fabric that’s not only UV resistant, but also can control the amount of heat and light entering the space is essential. You also want to look out for fabrics that are easy to clean, water-resistant, anti-fungal and fire retardant.  

Awning suppliers like Helioscreen, have over 150 awning fabrics and frame colours to choose from, so you’ll be able to find something that suits the design and aesthetics of your home.  

Know Your Space Measurements  

The perk of seeking out a customised awning is that you won’t be restricted by the size of your outdoor area, no matter how large or modest the space is.  

There are a couple of considerations to look into when determining what size awning you’ll need:  

Façade Direction

The direction of your home will affect the projection of the awning. For instance, north, east and west-facing facades may require a longer projection than southern-facing buildings. Considering a greater pitch (awning angle on inclination) on west-facing awnings may also benefit you if you want to cut out the low lying afternoon sun. 

Make Sure Your Measurements are Correct

Trust us, incorrect measurements turn the entire project disastrous. It’s essential to understand that measurements include the entire coverage area of the awning. This means width, projection and pitch.  

It can turn technical, so we always recommend reaching out to your reputable awning supplier to discuss your awning size.  

3 Benefits of Retractable Awnings for Your Patio 

Flexible Shade Adjustments 

The perk of patio retractable awnings is the flexibility it provides. Whether you opt for hand or motorised operation, you have the convenience to control the amount of light that enters your space.  

If you opt for motorisation, you can achieve this through either a remote control, wall switch or smart phone app. You can even automate your awning with timers to open or close the awning at specific times of the day.  

If you want a little extra privacy, a Vario Valance provides a vertically adjustable drop down blind that attaches to your awning’s front bar. It will give you up to a 1.6m vertical extension, ensuring additional privacy and protection from the sun’s harsh glare.  

UV Protection 

A high quality and well-placed retractable awning can repel up to 90% of the sun’s heat and UV radiation. It will stop the sun from shining through into your indoor space, not only keeping the temperature cool, but also ensuring your indoor furniture remains intact and sun damage free.  

You Can Customise Your Awning to Suit Your Lifestyle & Space 

With a wide variety of sizes, designs, colours and fabrics to choose from, retractable awnings are highly customisable to suit your home or business’s unique style. Helioscreen, for example, has over 150 fabric and frame colours to choose from.  

We custom make our awnings to fit your space seamlessly. So, no matter whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling patio, we have a retractable awning model for you.   

Helioscreen’s 3 Best Retractable Awnings for Patios 

Helioscreen’s premium range of retractable awnings are the result of industry-leading European engineering and made locally in Australia to bring you the highest quality custom awnings, made with state-of-the-art fabrics and componentry.  

Here are some of our most popular retractable awnings for patios:  

Rubix Cassette 

With a focus on clean lines, the Rubix Cassette’s rectangular, slim design is ideal for modern homes and commercial buildings. The awning is designed to integrate seamlessly into the side of a building, and folds away completely when not in use, protecting the system and fabric.  

The Rubix Cassette has a maximum projection of 3.5 metres, so it’s ideal for shading decks, courtyards, patios and more.   It also has an installation angle between 5 – 40° and comes in over 120 fabric and frame colours and patterns.  

Full Cassette 

Helioscreen’s Cassette awning offers maximum protection and style for any residential or commercial garden, deck or patio. The awning’s fully closing cassette design has an elegant finish that provides complete fabric and componentry protection from the elements.  

Its installation angle spans from 5-40° and comes in over 120 fabric and frame colours and patterns. The Cassette awning has a maximum projection of 4 metres.   

Helioscreen Classic 

Helioscreen’s Classic Awning offers a simple yet stylish sun solution that complements any residential or commercial façade. With numerous installation options and a maximum projection of 4.5 metres, the Classic Awning is sure to enhance any outdoor space, from large terraces to small balconies. Its installation angle spans from 5-45°. 

How Much Does a Retractable Awning Cost? 

Retractable awning costs will vary depending on the size, operation and features you choose.   

As a general guide, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2800 for a small, manually operated system to $12,000 for a large, top of the range motorised model.  

To find out exactly how much a retractable awning will cost for your home or business, see our awning price estimator tool or contact one of our friendly team today.   

Choose Australia’s Quality Retractable Awning Supplier

Choosing the right retractable awning for your patio involves time, thought and planning – and if done right, the benefits will last for decades.  

Helioscreen is Australia’s leading retractable awning supplier for a variety of residential and commercial applications, backed by a generous five year warranty. Contact us today for more information.