People are always looking to add or improve entertaining and living areas in their homes. Unfortunately, in today’s economy, that is becoming increasingly difficult for many. One thing to consider is a free standing awning. This affordable option can make a backyard or deck a comfortable and inviting addition to one’s home.
1. Why a Free Standing Awning?
In the search for an awning, you will find that there are three different types: fixed awnings, which are permanent structures attached to the house; retractable awnings, which are also attached to the house but can be retracted for concealment; and free standing awnings, which do not attach to the house. The major benefit of the free standing awning is that it is the most flexible. It can be used on a deck or patio close to the house to provide shade or cool the home, and it can then be moved into the yard to provide a covering when entertaining. In addition, the free standing awning is often the most affordable choice.
2. Free Standing Awning vs. Canopy
When shopping for a free standing awning, you may find that there will be confusion between the awning and a canopy. The major difference between the two is in structure. A canopy rests on four legs, providing more cover of an area, whereas an awning is only supported by two legs. While the free standing awning has been considered more of a recreational item, simply providing shade over the area to be used, depending upon the type of awning one chooses, it can certainly serve the same purpose of a canopy.
3. Awning Material
Free standing awnings can be found with either a canvas/nylon material or aluminum. The canvas or nylon material is a popular option as it is more affordable and provides more options as a large selection of colors are available. The downside to a canvas awning is that it will fade and deteriorate and need to be replaced after a few years. The aluminum option will cost more; however, it will last much longer as it is more durable and will reflect the light, keeping the shaded area cooler than a canvas awning.
4. Retractable Awning or Not?
If you select a canvas or nylon material for your awning, you may want to consider a retractable awning. Like awnings that are attached to the home, free standing awnings can also be made retractable. The retractable models allows for easy concealment and storage when the awning is not in use. However, this feature does come with a price. A retractable model usually costs anywhere from 50% to 100% more than a non-retractable awning.
5. Choosing the Awning Frame
The frame of your awning should not be overlooked as it is just as important as the material that will be over your head. Be sure that the frame is made of a material that is designed to never rust. A popular choice is a powder-coated aluminum frame. The powder-coated aluminum can be made available in a variety of finishes to complement a home’s exterior or the color of the awning.
6. Selecting a Base
The base for an awning will vary depending upon where the awning is to be placed. An awning that is to be mounted onto a deck or patio will need a deck-mount plate bolted onto the surface. The legs of the awning are easily inserted into and removed from the plate. If the awning is to be placed in a grassy, a cement base needs to be placed into the ground. Once again, the legs of the awning can be easily removed from the base, leaving the ground flat. Some of the larger, commercial-grade awnings come with sturdier, heavier feet that do not need to be mounted onto a surface.
7. Awning Pricing
While it was previously mentioned that free standing awnings are typically the most economical choice in an awning, if you go through one of the leading manufacturers, they can still be quite pricey. If you are willing to sacrifice in the areas of quaility and aesthetics, discounted awnings can be found at retail stores. And if those options are still more than you would like to pay, consider researching how to construct a homemade awning.
Look at the comprehensive free standing awnings offers at Amazon for detailed pricings and a product overview.
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I would like to contribute to your sight with some more info on awnings and canopies.Extending it to cleaning as well.I have some wonderful free advice on each subject.Our websight is under construction and we will be offering info like this on our sight as well, starting this fall and thru 2014.Can we come together on this subject?