How much does it cost to install a retractable awning?

Reviewed by Eric M. Scop remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

If you want to cover your deck or patio from the sun on occasion and leave it open at other times, a retractable awning can be a great solution. These versatile covers extend and retract to provide the shade or sun you want when you want it. Retractable awnings come in many forms, sizes, and materials. They can be manual or motorized and are designed to be easy to move and manipulate. Many variables influence the cost of this project, such as the size, style, and material, which creates a range of prices.

The national average cost for this project ranges from $800 to $4,000, with most homeowners paying around $2,700 for an installed 8’ motorized retractable awning installed over a deck. This project’s low cost is $350 for an installed manual retractable window awning with a lightweight fabric. The high cost is $25,000 for a fully installed 12’x24’ patio awning enclosure with a motorized awning, side panels, and motorized screens.

Retractable Awning Price

Retractable Awning Installation Cost by Size

There are many types of retractable awnings from manual to motorized. The awning type and style impact its overall costs. However, size plays an important part as well.

Most retractable awnings have costs of between $15 and $30 a square foot fully installed. You can also find some less expensive sailcloth awnings for $4 to $6 a square foot that you can install yourself. Fully motorized patio covers with sides, screens, and other custom attributes usually have custom pricing based on the style and materials. For most retractable awnings, costs fall in the $15 to $30 a square foot range.

Retractable awnings can be found in several sizes. Most are designed to meet the needs of common patio and deck dimensions. If you have a custom deck or patio, you may want to invest in a custom awning or cover to match. You can use smaller awnings on larger areas if you want to cover seating or a small bistro table rather than the entire area. Below are the average costs for some of the most common retractable awning sizes installed.

Retractable Awning Prices by Type

Retractable awnings come in many types and styles. This provides options for where and how you install and use the awning. For example, sailcloth may be a good choice for an awning you do not need to retract often or as an awning you use periodically. Large patios may do best with a full patio cover system with screens and side panels, while you may get the best results on a deck with a motorized retractable awning.

Each awning type comes in a range of sizes and may operate differently. They can also have different materials for the awning to help customize the appearance to your home. Below are the average costs for the different awning types.

Shade Cloths

Shade sailcloths cost between $40 and $100 on average. This is the simplest form of awning designed to be put up and taken down as needed. This completely manual operation involves tying the ends of the cloth to the house and poles. When you want to take it down, it is released from the end farthest from the house, rolled up, and stored. These awnings are good for those who do not want to move them often. They are also good for temporary awnings if you plan to use them occasionally for parties.

Window Awning

Retractable window awnings cost around $250 to $500, depending on the type and size. They block some of the sun from entering your home and complement the exterior. Retractable forms come in many shapes and may be manual or motorized. Having a retractable awning in these areas means you can control the amount of light entering your home. You can also retract the awnings during inclement weather, which can help them last longer. They have lower costs because they are smaller than those on decks or patios, even when motorized.

Deck Awning

Retractable deck awnings cost between $800 and $6,000. They are designed to attach on one end to your home or roof and extend to cover your deck. Deck awnings may be manual, operated by a crank, or motorized. They come in several styles, materials, and sizes to cover most decks. You can choose a deck awning that covers the entire deck or only a portion. This way, you can set up your deck for multiple purposes. Size and how you retract the awning influence the costs.

Retractable Canopy

Retractable canopies range from $800 to $6,000. This is the most common retractable awning type. They attach to your home and extend horizontally to provide shade. They may be manual or motorized and come in a few operation styles, cloth materials, and frames. You can opt for them to retract by a crank or motor, depending on the size. The larger the canopy, the heavier it becomes, making motorized versions more attractive for larger installations. Depending on the style, they may retract in a few ways like rolling or collapsing against the home.

Retractable Side Arm / Drop Arm

Awnings with retractable side arms average $950 to $6,000. This is one of the more common types of operation for most canopy and deck-style awnings. The fabric is attached to an arm that cranks out from the attached casing, stretching and supporting it as it extends and folding it back in as it retracts. They can be manual, operated by crank, or motorized and come in a wide range of colors, fabrics, and styles. You can have this canopy style installed nearly anywhere. The most popular areas for its installation are on decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens.

Retractable Vertical Drop

Retractable vertical drop awnings have starting costs of around $1,000 to $7,000. Also known as a screen awning, this retractable awning comes down vertically across a sunroom or patio opening, providing shade from a different angle than traditional overhead awnings. These are usually motorized, allowing the screen to roll up when not in use, but they can also be manual and operated by a crank. For this installation to be successful, the area should already have a roof or cover. The awning needs something to extend down from, so it is a good addition to covered patios.

Retractable Freestanding Awning

Retractable freestanding awnings cost between $1,000 and $7,000. If you do not want the awning to attach directly to your home or roof, purchase a retractable freestanding awning. This awning has a frame to stand alone with two or four “legs,” depending on the size and weight. It may have sides and an overhead roof, and the operation may be manual or motorized. This is a good choice for rentals because it does not become a permanent part of the structure. It is also a good choice for homes where the deck or patio is not directly connected to the home.

Retractable Motorized Awning

Retractable motorized awnings range from $1,200 to $10,000. Motorized awnings allow your awning to come out or retract at the push of a button. Many can be operated by remote control and smartphone apps as well. Many have built-in wind sensors that allow them to retract automatically when wind speeds become dangerous. This is a good choice for very large awnings that may be cumbersome or difficult to retract manually. It is also a good choice for those with disabilities, busy families, or those who entertain frequently.

As there are no national regulations or requirements for the retractable awning industry it is critical to become educated prior to making a purchase. Retractable awning arms should be non-rusting 6063 aluminum, chains in the arms made of non-rusting stainless steel, and you should avoid canvas, vinyl, duck, cotton, or polyester fabrics. Solution dyed acrylic is resistant to rotting, fading and mildew and will last at least 10 years. Excellent warranties and engineering certifications on the frame, fabric, sewing thread, motor and controls are critical.

Eric M. Scop, retractable awning expert.

Retractable Patio Cover Systems

Retractable patio cover systems cost between $15,000 and $25,000. Patio cover systems are the ultimate in shade and climate control. This system is generally custom and built for the patio. These systems can be made of slats, louvers, or cloth and often have extendable sides. They operate fully motorized and create varying levels of shade and sun for your patio. These systems can be used on any patio - including those that may not be directly attached to the home. Because they are customized, they allow you to create the perfect fit for your home.

Retractable Awning Cost by Fabric Material

Unlike most stationary awnings, which can be made of metal, retractable awnings are always made of fabric, which is stretched over a retractable frame. This frame can be made of several materials, including aluminum, steel, and fiberglass. Depending on the style, the frame may bend or move, allowing the awning to retract.

The fabric that stretches over the frame is the part you see and the part that takes most of the wear because it is exposed to the sun, rain, and other elements. This part gets the most attention because it is highly visible, and the style needs to complement your home.

This fabric comes in several colors and styles but is generally made of two materials - acrylic or acrylic-coated polyester and a vinyl/polyester composite or blend. Of the two, the vast majority are acrylic. Vinyl was previously only used for portable and stationary awnings and is now more likely to be found as a replacement material for existing awnings or an option you can choose for a custom awning. You can find vinyl awnings, but they are becoming increasingly uncommon. Costs are similar between the two, with color, size, and type playing more of a role in your final costs.

Vinyl Awning Fabric

The cost of a retractable awning with vinyl fabric is $150 to $3,500. Installed, these awnings average $350 to $4,500, depending on the style and size. Vinyl awnings are not made of 100% vinyl. Instead, they are made of a blend of vinyl and polyester. They may be marked as a vinyl awning, a vinyl polyester blend, or a vinyl polyester composite. These awnings are durable and mold and mildew-proof. They can also come in some colors and translucencies that cannot be found in acrylic. However, they are more limited and not as widely available. They also do not have the look of a woven fabric or canvas but appear more like plastic.

Acrylic Awning Fabric

Retractable awnings with an acrylic fabric costs $200 to $3,500. Installed acrylic awnings cost roughly $400 to $4,500, depending on the size and style. Acrylic can be applied over a polyester fabric, or the entire awning fabric can be made from acrylic. Both are usually sold as “acrylic,” but the better-quality and more-durable versions are woven acrylic. This has the benefit of being durable, mold and mildew-resistant, and looks like canvas. This can give the fabric a more authentic appearance rather than a plastic one. These fabrics are widely available and come in many colors and patterns for the awning purchase and replacement fabric.

Retractable Awning Cost by Brand

Many reputable brands produce retractable awnings for homes. These companies can specialize in specific things, such as SunSetter that produces primarily motorized awnings, or sell a broad range of products like Aleko and KE. Most companies have several choices for styles and fabrics. Of these, Sunesta, SunSetter, and Sunair are probably the best-known, with KE being better-known by the name of the awnings they used to produce, Durasol.

While all companies typically offer several sizes and versions, Sunair has the most options if you want solar screens for your deck or patio. Most of these brands are very readily available, with several stock items ready for purchase and some custom products. Below are the average awning costs from each company and their costs installed.

Labor Costs to Install Retractable Awnings

While you can install many types of manual awnings DIY, motorized and custom awnings typically require professional installation. Larger manual awnings can also be difficult to install on your own, requiring additional assistance. The labor cost for the installation varies, depending on the area and awning type. Costs to install most crank-style awnings begin at $200, with costs up to $2,000 for installing oversized awnings with multiple moving parts, motors, and solar screens. The more workers needed to install an awning, the higher the costs. Very heavy awnings or complex installations also have higher costs.

Below are the average costs to install different awnings.

Retractable Awning Installation Cost by Location

Retractable awnings can be installed nearly anywhere, including decks, patios, balconies, and windows. You can install an awning anywhere you want shade or to limit the sun’s impact on your home. The location alone does not affect the project cost.

However, you may find certain locations and project types require differently sized awnings, changing the project cost. For example, installing an awning on a window or door costs considerably less than installing one on a deck because the awning size is vastly different, even if you use the same material, frame, and operational style. Below are the average costs to install awnings in various areas on and around your home.

Retractable Awning Over a Pergola

The cost of a retractable awning for a pergola is $40 to $100. Pergolas are designed to have spaces between the louvers or slats. These spaces allow you to create your own custom shade for the structure. This can include creating a type of awning. This is done with shade cloth or sailcloth. The cloth is threaded through the upper portion of the pergola. By pulling it to one side or the other, you can increase or decrease the amount of shade. You can also retract it completely by pulling it free.

Awning Window Installation

The cost of a window awning installation averages $250 to $500. Window awnings are a great way to control the light entering your home without blocking the view. While the vast majority of window awnings are stationary, you can install retractable versions. They are usually manual and take a few forms. They can be manually rolled up, rolled through a pull cord, or retracted with an arm. Their small size means they can be installed DIY or professionally.

Door Canopy Installation

The average cost of a door canopy installation ranges from $250 to $500. These canopies are rarely retractable, but they can be installed in a retractable style, which can benefit you if live in an area with inclement weather and high winds. The most common reason for installing these is curb appeal. The next most common reason is to create a small patch of shade or the ability to stand out of the rain on the doorstep. Because these are very small, they can be installed DIY. They come in a few types, but it can be hard to find retractable models.

Balcony Awning

The average cost of a balcony awning is between $300 and $2,000. Most balcony awnings are not retractable. However, you can have a retractable version installed, which can be beneficial if you live in an area with high winds or other inclement weather. By retracting the awning, you can help prevent some damage and wear. They install the same way that a deck or patio awning would and have many of the same features. Because balconies are fairly small, most retractable awnings for this area are manual. They come in a few types, including those that crank and fold.

Retractable Awning Over a Hot Tub

The cost of a retractable awning over a hot tub ranges from $300 to $6,000. Hot tubs can be placed in a wide range of areas. This means that to install an awning, it may attach to the house or need to be freestanding. Styles include simple manual retractable awnings made of sailcloth and large fully motorized awnings. Options range depending on whether the awning is designed to go over the hot tub or the tub and surrounding area. Style, size, and positioning impact the final costs.

Retractable Patio Awning

The cost of a retractable patio awning averages $400 to $25,000. With an incredibly wide range of awnings available for use on a patio, there can also be a tremendous range of associated costs. Styles range from sailcloth awnings that can be manually retracted to several types of retractable awnings with frames, motorized awnings, and complete patio awning systems. These latter systems are designed to provide shade with retractable screens or side shades and may be custom in design. The various awnings come in a very wide range of sizes and styles. Costs vary depending on the size and style.

Retractable Awning Over a Garage Door

The cost of a retractable awning over a garage door is $800 to $6,000. Large awnings are not commonly installed in this area. Eyebrow awnings or eyebrow pergolas are more common for adding accent and a small amount of shade. However, if you use your garage for things other than simply parking your car, you may want to have the option for additional shade, particularly when the garage door is open. Several types of retractable awnings would be suitable for this purpose. When the garage door is shut, the awning can be retracted and opened when the area is in use. Depending on the size, they may be manual or motorized.

Deck Awning

The average cost of a deck awning ranges from $800 to $6,000. Deck awnings are almost always retractable, mostly due to their size. Having a manual awning over this area at all times can subject it to damage. Using retractable awnings in this area also provides the most versatility for the area, allowing you to decide when you want sun or shade. Awnings installed on a deck come in a wide range of sizes and styles. For smaller decks, manually retractable awnings are often the best fit. For very large decks, you may want to opt for a motorized awning to make them easier to control. This is also the case if you choose a deck awning that may have other features.

Mobile Home Awning Installation

The cost of a mobile home awning installation averages $800 to $6,000. Mobile homes can use many awning types. They do not need to be retractable, depending on where you install them, but having the option to retract can make them more versatile. For example, you may choose to install one above a door. Or, you can install one along one side of the mobile home, covering multiple windows. You can also create shaded areas in the back for recreation. There is a wide range of costs because mobile homes have many options.

Retractable Awning Over a Pool

The cost of installing a retractable awning over a pool is between $1,200 and $25,000. While retractable awnings are not as common as other pool cover types, they work well in this area. They provide shade or sun for the pool, depending on the time of day or year. They may also help shield the pool from debris, such as falling leaves. In some cases, you may also be able to get retractable awnings with vertical screen panels. This can enclose the pool more effectively while still allowing you to remove the enclosure. This can be a more versatile solution for homeowners. Unless your pool is very close to your home, it is likely that this is a freestanding awning installation.

Popular Retractable Awning Colors

Since your awning is very visible and apparent when extended, consider the color. First, decide the look you want. To create a dramatic look, opt for a color that contrasts your home’s siding or is a bright, bold color like red, orange, or turquoise blue. To create a more subtle look, consider matching the trim of your home or a color similar to your home’s color palette, such as a cream-colored awning with tan siding or an awning that matches your roof color.

Each awning manufacturer has a palette of colors, with most brands having several colors in stock and dozens more available by custom ordering. This includes solid colors, stripes, and other patterns. If you opt for stripes, most of the stripe colors are dark or bold against a lighter, white, or cream background. This can include red and white, green and white, and dark blue and white.

Popular awning colors vary by region like popular house colors. However, a range of popular colors in most areas includes:

Pros and Cons

Retractable awnings have many benefits for any area they are installed on. They can help you achieve the right amount of sun or shade. This can mean creating shade over windows without blocking your view or helping create shady areas on your deck for entertaining. With a retractable awning, you can position the frame and awning to give you choices as the sun moves through the sky and depending on the weather and temperature. This means you could get more use out of your deck or patio than you might otherwise.

Retractable awnings are not meant to be out in the wind and rain. Too much exposure causes wear, mildew, and fabric damage. This means you need to pay attention to the weather and be ready to pull your awning in if the weather is not favorable. This is different from other covers, which can be left out at all times. If your awning gets wet, ensure it is completely dry before retracting it to prevent mildew or fabric damage. Some manual awnings are difficult to crank and become harder to turn as the awning ages. They can become stiff and difficult to use, particularly if they are not kept dry. Motorized awnings can be expensive and may require more maintenance because they have more moving parts.

Vinyl vs Acrylic Awning Fabric

To operate properly and allow the awning to open and close, the frame must be covered in flexible material or fabric. Awnings were originally made of canvas, but today, they are made of acrylic or acrylic over polyester and a vinyl polyester blend, both of which are longer-lasting and easier-to-maintain than canvas. Most sellers refer to the fabric as acrylic or vinyl, regardless of the presence of polyester, but this can change based on the brand.

Of the two, acrylic looks more like canvas, particularly if you choose a woven option. Acrylic is also the more common of the fabrics - most companies provide acrylic for their awnings unless otherwise requested. Vinyl looks more like plastic and is mostly available as a replacement.

Both do a good job of resisting things like mildew and mold and are also fairly durable, with acrylic being the more durable of the two, often lasting several years longer. However, the final choice often comes down to color, appearance, and availability for most people. Both materials have similar costs, with acrylic being slightly more expensive. Below are the average costs for both types installed.

Metal vs Retractable Awnings

Depending on your needs and where you install the awning, you may have choices for the awning type. In addition to retractable awnings, which are made of a frame covered in fabric, you can also install a metal awning. Metal awnings are available in several materials, including aluminum, iron, and copper.

Metal awnings are fixed and do not move once installed. They can be flat or rounded and come in several sizes, metals, and shapes. They are considered a permanent part of the installation rather than something that may be removed. These awnings may be small and installed over a window or door or larger and meant to be a permanent cover over a patio or other space.

Retractable awnings are made to be more versatile. They can extend and retract as needed to give you the sun or shade you prefer. While metal awnings are most commonly installed over the windows and doors, retractable awnings are most commonly installed over decks and patios.

While metal awnings can sometimes cost more per square foot, they are often less expensive because of their total size, depending on the material. Below are the average costs to install both awning types on your home.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Side Curtains

Side curtains are not necessary for every installation but can offer privacy and additional sun protection. They do not work with all types of retractable awnings, however. This means that if you choose this option, you need to specify at the time of installation or choose a compatible awning type. Side curtains cost between $80 and $500 each when installed with the rest of the awning.

Mildew-Resistant Treatment

Most retractable awnings are resistant to mildew. However, if you live in an area where this is a problem, you can invest in a more-resistant fabric or have a mildew-resistant treatment applied to the fabric before installation. This costs between $50 and $100 additional, depending on the fabric size.

Heaters

If you want to use your awning in cooler weather, infrared heaters can be installed with them. These are small heaters that install on the awning arm and warm the area beneath. They have to be positioned carefully so that they are not impacted by the awning moving or retracting. They cannot be installed on all awnings. They have starting costs of about $300 to $800.

Sensors

Some awnings have built-in sensors that close the awning if wind or rain starts when the awning is open. This offers peace of mind if you typically forget to close your awning in inclement weather or if you live in an area that sees frequent storms. Sensors are usually equipped on high-end motorized awnings, which have starting costs of around $2,000, with some having costs as high as $15,000.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Permits. While most awnings do not require permits, there may be some instances where planning permission is required. Always check with your local municipality or HOA for more information.
• Measurement. Your awning must attach to the studs on your home. Measuring the area you want to cover is not enough because the studs must also be located for proper installation. Professional measurement ensures the awning is properly installed.
• Canvas look. If you like the look of canvas for your awning, find one woven in acrylic fibers. This ensures the awning is the most durable and has the most classic appearance. Woven acrylic awnings are very common and available from most manufacturers.
• Shade options. Other options, including gazebos, pergolas, and pavilions, provide shade to decks and patios if you find awnings are not right for you or you want a more permanent shade option. Patio covers are also a choice to consider.
• Savings and value. Awnings do not typically add value to a home or have a measurable ROI. They may improve energy savings by blocking some of the sun.
• Scallops. You can purchase awnings with a scalloped edge or an edge that ends in a series of curves. This is strictly for appearance and does not impact the use. There is little-to-no cost difference in most instances - adding scallops does not impact the size or amount of fabric, which is the biggest determining cost factor. Scallops can be added to the front of the awnings, but the sides may be limited, depending on the retraction type.
• Contrasting trim. Some awnings have a contrasting trim color to boost their appearance. This trim is usually a contrasting piping around the edge of the awning. This is more common on custom awnings but can be found on some readymade versions. This does not generally impact the project’s cost and is available as a color choice for many awnings.

References

• Bob Vila. “The Best Retractable Awnings for Your Deck or Patio.”
  https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-retractable-awnings/
• FIXR Cost Guides and Cost Database.
• Home Steady. “Awnings: Pros & Cons.”
  https://homesteady.com/info-7976680-awnings-pros-cons.html
• The Awning Warehouse. “How Much Do Retractable Awnings Cost?”
  https://awningwarehouse.com/retractable-awning-price-guide/
• The Home Depot. “Types of Awnings.”
  https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/types-of-awnings/9ba683603be9fa5395fab901d02ec126
• The Spruce. “All About Awnings.”
  https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-an-awning-2736960