The Complete Guide to Buying a Garden Awning
A garden awning can completely transform how you use your outdoor space – turning patios into shaded retreats, extending your living space, and allowing you to enjoy your garden come rain or shine. Whether you’re entertaining guests, relaxing with a book, or creating a comfortable spot for al fresco dining, the right awning adds comfort, style, and value to your home.
At Broadview, we’ve been designing and installing premium garden awnings for homeowners across Southern England and beyond for many years. Our bespoke shading solutions are crafted to suit your lifestyle, preferences and the unique character of your property. If you’re considering investing in a garden awning, this complete guide covers everything you need to know.
Why Invest in a Garden Awning?
A garden awning does more than provide shade – it enhances your way of living outdoors. Here are just a few benefits:
- Sun protection: Shield yourself and your furniture from harmful UV rays.
- All-weather use: Create a usable outdoor space even during light rain or strong sun.
- Extended living space: Perfect for patios, terraces, and balconies.
- Stylish finish: A smart awning adds elegance and kerb appeal.
- Energy efficiency: Reduce heat indoors, helping keep your home cooler in summer.
- Versatility: Motorised options, integrated lighting and heating for added comfort.
Whether you’re looking to shade a garden seating area or create a café-style look on your terrace, we offer tailor-made solutions to suit every need.
Types of Garden Awnings
Choosing the right style of awning is essential to match both the function and appearance you’re looking for, for your home. Here are the most popular options:
Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings can be extended or closed as needed, giving you full control over sunlight and exposure. Ideal for patios or terraces, these are available with manual or motorised operation.
Best for: Flexible shading throughout the day
Cassette Awnings
Cassette awnings come with a protective casing that encloses the fabric and mechanism when retracted, preserving it from weather and debris. Choose from full cassette, semi-cassette or open awnings depending on exposure and placement.
Best for: Long-lasting protection and sleek aesthetics
Freestanding Awnings
These are perfect if you don’t want to fix anything to your house wall. Installed on posts, freestanding awnings create a shaded area anywhere in the garden – great for dining sets, hot tubs or poolside lounging.
Best for: Versatile shading away from the property
Pergola Awnings
Pergola-style systems combine a sleek aluminium frame with a retractable roof, offering durability and elegance. They are particularly robust in windy or exposed locations.
Best for: Large, contemporary outdoor living spaces
Features to Consider
Every garden and lifestyle is different – which is why our awnings are made to measure. When planning your project, consider these important features:
Size & Projection
The right size ensures optimal coverage without dominating your space. We’ll measure your area and discuss the best projection (how far it extends from the wall) to match your layout.
Fabric Choice
Our awning fabrics are UV-resistant, water-repellent, and available in hundreds of colours, patterns and textures – from bold stripes to neutral tones.
Manual vs Motorised
Choose between smooth manual operation or effortless remote control. Motorised awnings are ideal for larger installations or added convenience, with optional app control and automation.
Wind & Rain Sensors
Add smart weather sensors that automatically retract your awning in strong winds or deploy it during sunny spells – protecting your investment and giving you peace of mind.
Integrated Lighting & Heating
Enjoy your outdoor space well into the evening with built-in LED lighting and infrared heaters – perfect for entertaining or winding down after sunset.
Installation Process
At Broadview, we provide a full end-to-end service – from initial design to professional installation. Here’s what you can expect:
- Free design consultation: We’ll visit your home, assess your outdoor space and discuss your needs and preferences.
- Custom design: Choose your fabric, frame colour, and optional features. We’ll create a tailored solution to suit your space and budget.
- Expert installation: Our experienced engineers will fit your awning safely and efficiently, with minimal disruption.
- Aftercare support: We’re on hand with maintenance advice and servicing to ensure your awning performs at its best year after year
FAQs: Garden Awnings
How long does it take to install a garden awning?
Once you’ve confirmed your design, installation typically takes place within 3–4 weeks. The fitting itself is usually completed in one day.
Do I need planning permission for a garden awning?
In most cases, no. However, listed buildings or conservation areas may require approval. We’ll advise you during your consultation if permissions are necessary.
Are garden awnings waterproof?
Our awning fabrics are water-resistant and suitable for light rain. For year-round protection or frequent wet weather, we may recommend a pergola-style system with built-in drainage.
Can I use my awning in windy conditions?
We advise retracting your awning during high winds. Optional wind sensors can automatically retract the awning for safety. Pergola awnings offer greater stability in breezy areas.
What’s the difference between a full cassette and a semi-cassette awning?
A full cassette awning has a sealed case that fully encloses the fabric and arms, offering maximum protection. A semi-cassette shields the fabric but may leave the arms partially exposed.
Can awnings help cool my home?
Yes – by shading windows and doors, awnings reduce solar gain and help maintain a cooler indoor temperature during summer.
Are awnings available in different colours?
Absolutely. We offer a vast range of awning fabrics and colours, plus custom frame finishes to suit your home’s style.
Why Choose Broadview?
We’re not just suppliers – we’re shading specialists. With decades of experience and a reputation for premium quality and customer service, Broadview is the South’s trusted choice for bespoke garden awnings.
- Over 50 years of experience
- Quality products from Europe’s leading manufacturer, Brustor
- High-quality, weather-resistant materials
- Fully customisable designs
- Professional installation and aftercare
- Optional accessories for added luxury
Whether you’re looking to create a relaxing outdoor retreat or a practical all-weather area for your business, we have the solution.
Book Your Free Consultation
Ready to enhance your garden with a tailor-made garden awning? Book a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly experts. We’ll visit you at home, take precise measurements, show you samples, and provide a detailed quote.
Call us on 01202 679012 or complete the enquiry form and we will call you back to discuss your requirements and arrange a convenient time to meet.