Patio Canopy or Retractable Awning? Choosing Outdoor Cover in Ireland
Irish summers can switch from bright sunshine to a passing shower in minutes, so it makes sense to add some cover over the patio. The question is which kind. Some people search for a patio canopy, others for a garden awning or an outdoor canopy, and the options can be confusing.
This guide compares a retractable awning with fixed outdoor cover options, so you can choose the right one for your home, your budget and the way you use your garden.
The main options
At GardenZone we supply and fit four main types of outdoor cover:
Retractable awning: a fabric canopy fixed to the wall that folds away when not needed
Retractable pergola: a free-standing or wall-attached frame with posts and a waterproof fabric roof
Bioclimatic pergola: a frame with an adjustable, louvred aluminium roof
Glass-roof veranda: a fixed structure with a glass roof
Retractable awning
A retractable awning is often what people mean by a house awning. It is fixed to the wall of the house, with no posts, and opens out over the patio at the press of a button.
Why people choose one:
It folds away completely, so the house and garden look unchanged when it is closed
It gives good shade from the sun and protection from light rain
It is usually the most affordable option
Installation is quick and usually takes a day
Our retractable awnings are made to measure up to 7 m wide per unit, with a projection of up to about 3.6 m. A motor and remote are included in the price, and you can add a wind sensor, which retracts the awning automatically in gusts. Options include LED lighting in the arms and infrared heaters for cooler evenings.
The limits: an awning is not designed for heavy rain or strong wind, so it should be retracted in bad weather.
Retractable pergola
A retractable pergola has a frame with posts and a waterproof fabric roof that slides open and closed. Because it is supported by posts, it handles heavier rain better than an awning.
It suits you if:
You want to sit out in the rain, not just in the sun
You need cover further from the wall
You still like the idea of opening the roof on a fine day
Bioclimatic pergola
A bioclimatic pergola has a louvred aluminium roof. You can angle the louvres to let in light and air, or close them to keep the rain out.
It suits you if:
You want a solid, long-term outdoor room
You like to control light and ventilation
You prefer an aluminium roof to fabric
Glass-roof veranda
A glass-roof veranda gives permanent cover while letting daylight through. It is a fixed structure, so it stays in place all year and keeps the space bright.
How they compare
Here is a simple side-by-side view.
Budget
Retractable awning: the most affordable option
Retractable pergola: higher cost, as there is more structure
Bioclimatic pergola: a larger investment
Glass-roof veranda: a larger investment
Rain
Retractable awning: light rain only
Retractable pergola: waterproof fabric roof, works in heavier rain
Bioclimatic pergola: louvres close to keep rain out
Glass-roof veranda: permanent cover from rain
Wind
Retractable awning: retract in strong wind; a wind sensor helps
Pergolas and verandas: sturdier structures with posts
Look and footprint
Retractable awning: wall-mounted, no posts, disappears when closed
Pergolas and verandas: a visible structure that becomes part of the garden
Planning
Whether permission is needed depends on the size and position of the structure and your property. A wall-mounted awning is a simpler addition than a larger fixed structure. If in doubt, check with your local council before you commit.
Which is right for you?
A rough guide:
Choose a retractable awning if you mainly want shade on sunny days, a lower budget and a clean look when it is closed.
Choose a retractable pergola if you want to stay outside during heavier showers and like an opening roof.
Choose a bioclimatic pergola if you want a durable outdoor room with adjustable louvres.
Choose a glass-roof veranda if you want permanent, bright cover all year.
Fabric and colour
If you choose an awning, the fabric matters as much as the frame. Our awnings come in more than 150 solution-dyed acrylic fabrics, plain and striped, which are water-repellent and UV resistant, with frames in white, anthracite and other RAL colours.
Get a fixed quote
Not sure whether an awning or a pergola is the better fit? We offer a free survey, talk you through the options on site and give you a fixed quote including supply and installation. Get in touch to book yours.
Comments