ADVICE & GUIDES

Your guide to buying an awning

Everything you need to know about choosing, installing and caring for an awning.
Whether you're shading a patio, a window or a shopfront, we’ll help you get it right first time.

Introducing

Why choose an awning from Primrose Awnings?

Choosing the right awning for your home should feel like a treat, not a chore, and at Primrose Awnings we make it simple. As the UK’s largest online awning specialist since 2003, we offer a wide range of garden and patio awnings in styles to suit every space and budget, from reliable, wallet-friendly manual options to sleek full cassette and electric models with premium features.

With quality waterproof fabrics, UPF-rated sun protection and options from around £150 up to premium electric designs, there’s something for every outdoor space and lifestyle, so you can enjoy shade, comfort and style with confidence.

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A PERFECT SHADE SOLUTION

Why choose an awning

An awning is one of those changes that quietly transforms how you use your outdoor space. A bit of shade in the right spot can turn a sunny patio into a comfortable outdoor room, make bright windows easier to live with, and give you more reasons to step outside and stay there.

Whether you’re hosting friends, working from the garden table, or just enjoying a quiet cuppa, a garden awning helps you make the most of your space, whatever the weather decides to do.

A well-chosen awning does more than provide shade, it helps you create an outdoor space that feels like home.

✔️ Stay cooler indoors by reducing heat through sunny windows

✔️ Create comfortable outdoor seating areas for relaxing and entertaining

✔️ Protect garden furniture from sun fade and light rain

✔️ Extend time outdoors from spring through autumn

START WITH YOUR SPACE

Where to install an awning?

Think about where shade will make the biggest difference. A patio, deck, balcony or south-facing window can all benefit from a little cover.

Ideal locations include:
✔️ Patios and decking areas
✔️ Balconies and small gardens
✔️ South- or west-facing windows
✔️ Outdoor dining and seating areas

How will you use your patio awning?

Lazy lunches, weekend DIY, keeping the house cooler, knowing how you’ll use your awning helps you choose the right size and features.
Common uses:

✔️ Outdoor dining and entertaining
✔️ Creating a shaded play area
✔️ Keeping interiors cooler in summer
✔️ Providing shelter for year-round garden use

Create an outdoor space that feels like home

With the right awning in place, transforming your garden into a comfortable, usable space is simpler than you might think. A little shade, a little shelter, and suddenly your outside space becomes somewhere you want to spend more time, morning coffee to evening unwind.

INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR RANGE

Choosing the right awning for you

When it comes to awnings, there isn’t a single “best” option, just the one that fits your space, your routine, and the wonderfully unpredictable British weather. The good news? Once you understand the differences, choosing becomes much simpler.

Retractable or fixed

If you like flexibility, a retractable awning lets you decide when you want shade and when you’d rather enjoy the sun. Extend it for outdoor dining or a cooler living space indoors, then tuck it away when the weather turns or you want an open sky above.

A fixed awning, on the other hand, provides permanent cover with a straightforward structure. It’s a reliable choice for doorways, windows, or areas where you want consistent shade and shelter throughout the day.

Full cassette or half cassette

A full cassette awning neatly encloses the fabric and arms when closed, protecting them from rain, dirt, and general wear. It’s a great choice if you want to keep your awning looking its best for years to come.

A half cassette awning offers protection from above while maintaining a slimmer profile. It’s a practical balance of durability and design, especially where space or aesthetics are a consideration.

Awning model comparison

See how our awning models compare to help you choose the right style and features for your space

	Budget	Standard	Half cassette	Full cassette
Winder included	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Pitch	0-45°	0-45°	0-45°	0-45° (0-35° deluxe full cassette)
Brackets included	Yes (variable position)	Yes (variable position)	Yes (variable position)	Yes (variable position)
Widths available	2.0m – 4.0m	2.0m – 5.0m	2.0m – 6.0m	2.0m – 6.0m
Max projection	3.0m max	3.0m max	4.0m max (xl models)	3.0m max
Manual or electric	Manual or electric	Manual only	Manual or electric	Manual or electric
Colours to choose from	12 colours	18 colours	18 colours	16 colours
Powder-coated aluminium frame	Yes – white or charcoal	Yes – white or charcoal	Yes – white or charcoal	Yes – white or charcoal
Material	300gsm waterproof PU coated polyester	280gsm waterproof PU coated polyester	280gsm waterproof PU coated polyester	280gsm waterproof PU coated polyester
	Browse the range	Browse the range	Browse the range	Browse the range

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Choosing the right size awning for your space

Getting the measurements right means better coverage, a neater fit, and fewer surprises on installation day.

What size awning do you actually need?

Measure the width of the area you want to shade, then think about how far you want the awning to extend. As a rule of thumb, you’ll want enough width to cover your main seating or dining zone, plus a little extra either side so everyone gets shade.

How to measure your patio or wall properly

Measure the clear wall space where the awning will mount, check for obstacles (downpipes, vents, lights), and note the height you’ll fix it at. Then decide your projection (how far out it extends). Double-check measurements before ordering your future self will thank you.

Mounting height & clearance

Mount it high enough for comfortable headroom at the front edge when extended. For extension, aim to cover the area you actually use usually the depth of a patio seating set. A slight downward pitch helps rain run off and reduces water pooling. If you’re dealing with low sun, a steeper pitch can improve shade.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Tips for installing and fitting

With the right fixings and a careful measure, installing your awning can be straightforward and stress-free.

Can you install an awning yourself, or should you get help?

If you’re confident with measuring, drilling and fixing into the right surface, DIY can be doable, especially for smaller canopies. Larger awnings (we would say any over 2.5m) will require 2 people to install. Bigger retractable awnings can be heavy and need precise bracket placement, so getting a professional can save time. A good rule: if it needs two people to lift, it’s usually worth getting help.
If you prefer to leave the fitting to a pro you can book installation with one of our trusted fitters.

How are awnings fixed to a wall?

Most awnings mount onto sturdy wall brackets that spread the load. The brackets, which come with your awning, are fixed into brick, concrete or solid timber using suitable bolts/anchors. The awning cassette then hooks or bolts onto the brackets. The key is using the right fixings for your wall type this is where most problems start or stop.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Tips for safe use in bad weather

Awnings are built for everyday weather, but here’s what they can handle, and when it’s best to roll them in.

Are awnings waterproof?

Many awnings are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. They’ll handle light rain, but in heavier downpours water can pool or push through seams over time. If rain is common where you are, choose a good-quality fabric, keep a sensible pitch, and retract during heavy rain.

Can you safely leave your awning out in wet weather?

For light showers, often yes just make sure there’s enough pitch so water runs off. For long periods of rain, it’s best to retract it. This helps avoid water pooling, fabric stretch, and extra strain on the arms.

How much wind is too much for an awning?

If it’s breezy enough to make the fabric flap, it’s a sign to retract. Awnings can act like a sail, so strong gusts can cause damage quickly. If your model has a wind sensor, use it and if in doubt, bring it in.

How to secure your awning properly in windy conditions?

Start with solid wall fixings and the correct brackets for your surface. Use storm straps when needed, avoid leaving it out unattended in gusty weather, and retract it if strong winds are forecast. The easiest ‘wind-proofing’ is simply rolling it away at the right time.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Cleaning & care: how to keep your awning looking its best

With a simple care routine, your awning will stay fresh, functional and ready to use throughout the season. A little attention now and then goes a long way — helping you protect the fabric, maintain performance, and enjoy your outdoor space without fuss.

How to clean your awning?

Start by brushing off loose dirt and debris. Then use lukewarm water with a mild soap and a soft brush or sponge to gently clean the fabric. Rinse thoroughly and allow the awning to dry completely before retracting.

Cleaning little and often is far kinder to the fabric than waiting until it’s heavily soiled. A quick refresh keeps everything looking good and working as it should.

Removing mold and algae

If you spot mold or algae, tackle it as soon as you can. Use a soft brush and a mild cleaner, rinse well, and let the fabric dry fully. Damp conditions are what allow growth to develop, so ensuring the awning is completely dry before closing is the most effective prevention.

Avoid harsh bleach or strong chemicals unless the manufacturer confirms they’re suitable, as these can damage protective coatings.