Getting sunshine is one of the best parts about having a functional deck or patio to lounge at during the spring and summer. These outdoor spaces are great for sunbathing or other outdoor activities, but too much sun can also be a problem. Having control over how much sun you want, when you want it can really come in handy, especially if you’re already sporting a sunburn. This is why retractable awnings for your deck or patio is a trend coming back in a big way.
If you’ve ever tried working from home while the sun is filling your screen with glare, then you know the struggle. Shade is the only solution to this problem, and large canopies and patio awnings are a great way to do it.
Retractable Awnings
When planning out the design of your deck, there’s no shortage of choices for awnings. One of the most common, and most practical options is a retractable awning. These extend, retract, and can even be easily removed depending on your preferences or the weather. They filter out harmful UV rays while also giving you a break from the harsh sun. Depending on your needs, they are available both motorized and manually retractable variations. Motorized awnings give you the convenience of retracting and extending at the push of a button, while standard awnings offer less moving parts and complications.
Canopy Awnings
Alternatively, you could look into a canopy style awning. These are great for geographic areas that are a little drier or that have warm weather year round. However they don’t perform well with heavy snow or rain, so we don’t typically recommend them to our New England clients.
For those of us who do have to deal with tougher winters and wet seasons, sometimes a metal deck awning is the right fit for a client, but it certainly doesn’t offer the same flexibility or summery feel of a retractable awning.
Shade Sails
If you’re looking for something a little more low key and flexible, shade sails are an easy-up and easy-down solution. They come in really any color or style you can imagine and are usually a little more affordable than the other options. While this thin fabric won’t offer much protection from the elements they do still provide some much needed shade and can truly be an accessory to your home.
Contact New England Hearth & Home
If you’re looking to turn your backyard area into your own personal oasis, you’ve come to the right place! We offer awnings, fire pits, and even outdoor kitchens that help you transform your backyard area! Please give us a call at 781-562-0771 or contact us here.