A south-facing patio quickly becomes unusable in the middle of the day in July. It’s rarely the heat itself that’s the problem, but rather the fact that the sun beats down directly on it, making it uncomfortable for anyone to sit there.
An awning solves the problem without taking up any space. Unlike a roof, you can retract it whenever you want the sun back, which is the whole point in a country where summer is short.
In this article, we'll go over what factors influence the choice of awnings for patios and balconies, and what you need to consider before placing an order.
What problem is the awning supposed to solve?
The answer determines both the type and the size. Therefore, start with the problem, not with the size of the patio.
| Needs | What Applies | Common solution |
|---|---|---|
| Shade in the Middle of the Day | The sun is high in the sky | Retractable awning over the patio |
| Shade in the late afternoon | The sun is low in the sky and shining from the side | Awning supplemented with a vertical awning |
| Cooler indoors | The sun shines through the windows | Awnings that shade the facade |
| A Glimpse from the Neighbor | The gaze comes from the side | Side shades or vertical awnings |
| Protection against light rain | Possible, but limited | Awning with sufficient slope |
A common misconception is that the awning should cover the entire patio. In practice, it’s usually enough to shade the seating area, since the sun moves across the sky throughout the day anyway.
The direction is more important than the size
The location of the patio has a greater impact on your choice than its size. The same awning may work perfectly well on a south-facing patio, but may not provide enough shade when the sun is low in the west.
- South-facing
- The sun is high in the sky at midday. An awning with a standard projection provides good shade without needing to be very deep. This is where the awning is most useful.
- West-facing
- The afternoon sun is low in the sky and shines under the awning. An awning alone is rarely enough; it often needs to be supplemented with something that provides shade from the side, such as a vertical awning.
- East-facing
- Morning sun is rarely as bothersome. As a result, the awning is often used less frequently, which means a simpler solution may suffice.
- North-facing
- Direct sunlight is rare. Here, it’s more often a matter of rain protection, privacy, or visually framing the outdoor space.
Awnings for a balcony or patio—does it matter?
Yes, but not when it comes to the awning itself. The main difference between a patio awning and a deck awning is usually the mounting system, not the product itself.
The same applies to patio awnings, where the question usually comes down to whether there is a wall to attach it to or whether the solution needs to be supplemented with support legs or a freestanding structure.
Start by determining where the awning will be installed
If the patio is directly adjacent to the house, the awning is usually mounted on the facade. This is usually the simplest solution.
If there is no facade to attach it to, support legs or a freestanding structure are required.
The facade above the balcony must support the weight of the awning. The mounting must be attached to the load-bearing structure, not just to the panel.
What factors affect the price?
Width and drop are the most important factors, as they determine both material usage and how sturdy the structure needs to be. Other factors that influence the design include the choice of motor or crank, the quality of the fabric, and the features the awning should have.
Automatic wind sensors are available on the awning market, but they are not currently an option in our product line. Therefore, always base your price comparisons on the options available in the configurator.
An awning for a standard patio is on a completely different scale than a small window awning. If you want to get an idea of the size, the easiest way is to configure the size you actually need.
The wider and deeper the awning is, the more material and the sturdier the structure required.
A motor often makes the awning easier to use, while a crank is a simpler and more affordable option.
Fabric quality, model selection, and other product choices affect both the price and how the awning performs in everyday use.
The price difference between a three-meter and a five-meter model is often significant. That’s why it’s better to start with your seating area and the space you actually want to shade, rather than automatically covering the entire patio.
Before You Order
Once you know what the awning is meant to accomplish, it becomes easier to choose the right size, features, and mounting method. Review these points before you measure and place your order.
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Note when the sun is a nuisance and from which direction.
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Check the facade material where the awning will be installed.
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Measure the area you actually want to shade, not the entire patio.
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Determine the width and projection based on the seating area's placement.
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Choose a motor or crank based on how often the awning will be used.
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Check the clearance to ensure that the awning does not come into contact with doors or lighting fixtures.
Which awning is right for your patio?
Start by selecting the orientation and the facade material. Customer service will help you with measurements, mounting, and fabric selection before you place your order.
Frequently Asked Questions About Patio Awnings
How big of an awning do I need for my patio?
Start with the area you want to shade—usually the seating area, not the entire patio. The width should be slightly greater than the area itself, since the sun shines at an angle for much of the day.
Can an awning be installed on a patio that isn't attached to the house?
Yes, but in that case, support legs or a freestanding structure are needed, since there is no facade to attach it to.
Does an awning work against the western sun?
Partially. The afternoon sun is low and shines under the awning. Add something to block the sun from the side, such as a vertical awning.
Can an awning withstand rain?
Light rain is usually fine if the awning is angled enough for the water to run off. In case of heavy rain or strong winds, the awning should be retracted.
How much does an awning for a patio cost?
Width and reach are the most important factors, followed by motor versus crank and the choice of fabric. The difference between three and five meters is significant, so choose the size you actually need.
Do I need a building permit for an awning?
It depends on the design, location, and how the awning affects the building. A standard facade-mounted awning often does not require a building permit, but larger structures, support legs, glazing, or culturally and historically sensitive environments can affect the assessment. If you live in a condominium, you also need the homeowners’ association’s approval. Read more at the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning regarding awnings and additions .
