FAQs

An awning offers both practical and aesthetic advantages for homes and businesses. It provides shade, helping to reduce indoor temperatures and protect furniture from sun damage. This can lower energy bills by decreasing the need for air conditioning. Awnings also create comfortable outdoor spaces, allowing you to enjoy patios and gardens regardless of weather. Additionally, they offer protection from rain, extend usable outdoor areas, and enhance kerb appeal with a stylish touch. Overall, an awning is a smart investment that combines comfort, protection, and visual appeal.

Our collection of Standard and Half Cassette model covers are made from 280gsm polyester. Full Cassette model covers are available in 280gsm polyester or 280gsm acrylic. All fabrics are hard wearing, waterproof, rot-proof, UV stabilised and easy to sponge clean. The advantage of acrylic is that the individual threads are constructed from coloured material, whereas the polyester threads are made colourless and then dyed. If you cut an acrylic thread, you'll see the colour all the way through, whereas if you cut a polyester thread, you'll see a colourless centre. As a result the colours of the acrylic can be more subtle; in addition acrylic is slightly more fade resistant.

Yes, we use waterproofed 280 gsm material (gsm is 'grams per square metre') for both the acrylic and the polyester.

Please note: The awning will need to be set at a sufficient angle in order to allow the rain water to run off. If the awning is not taut enough or installed at an insufficient angle, rain water will accumulate on the waterproof awning fabric like a bag causing the fabric to stretch or tear. We recommend at least a 30 degree angle of incline for each awning providing the awning is sufficiently taught.

During heavy or wind-driven rain storms, make sure your awning is retracted to keep small puddles of rain from forming on top of the fabric, preventing future damage from stretching or staining.

Clean the frame by wiping with a damp cloth soaked in a mild detergent - do not use a scouring pad as this will scratch the casing. Clean the fabric cover with warm soapy water using a sponge. Very important to clean the awning regularly (once every two weeks) especially if you live near the coastal area or use a storage cover to protect against salt water. We recommend using Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser to tackle stains, rust etc.. Never put the cover or valance in the washing machine as this will strip off the waterproofing!

Most awnings must not be left open during windy conditions or heavy rain. The awning fabric is waterproof and can be left open during light rainy conditions. You can leave the awning fixed to the wall all year round and if you have a standard or half cassette awning, for added protection you may wish to purchase one of our storage bags.

Retractable awnings are adjustable coverings that extend or retract to provide shade or allow sunlight as needed. They can be operated manually using a crank handle or automatically via a motorised system, often controlled by a remote or wall switch. Some models even include sensors that react to weather conditions, such as wind or sunlight. The awning fabric is attached to arms that fold in or out, allowing smooth extension and retraction. This flexibility makes retractable awnings a convenient and space-saving solution for managing sun and rain exposure in outdoor areas.

All Budget and Standard awnings come with a 1 year warranty for residential use only.

The Half Cassette and Half Cassette XL awnings have a 2 year warranty for residential use only.

The Full Cassette has a 2 year warranty for residential use only.

The Deluxe Full Cassette has a 2 year warranty for residential use only.

We cannot guarantee the colours will match if you purchase two awnings. Colour fabric varies from batch to batch. If you would like the awning fabric to match, please contact our customer service team and we will do our best to make sure they match up.

Yes, we can send you out a new fabric cover in any color from our range provided you have a primrose awning. We cannot guarantee that our covers will fit other manufacturer's awnings. See the range here.

With the right tools it should take as little as 30 minutes and up to 2 hours depending on the installation location and size of awning.

The recommended height from the ground is 2.5m/3.5m. If you want to install lower than this, determine whether there is sufficient headroom when the awning is fully extended and that any doors or windows can open.

The vertical size of the fixing bracket is about 7 inches (approx 20cm). If space is tight you may wish to check that you have 7 clear inches before ordering. Our standard awnings can also be fitted to eaves or a horizontal surface using a Ceiling/balcony bracket - see it here.

The width and projection of our awnings vary, so you'll need to check the specifics of the awning you are interested in to work out how much width and projected space is required.

As a guideline the minimum space required for installing an awning is approx 50cm. This is to account for the size of the awning/cassette itself, but to also ensure that when projected, the drop does not result in an impractical rest height of the front bar e.g. If a 4m x 3m full cassette has a drop when fully projected of 80cm, then to achieve a sensible front bar rest height of 1.8m you would want the awning mounted 60cm above the window or door frame. It is also important that there is at least 5 courses of brick above where the awning is mounted, to ensure the fixture can suitably take the weight of the awning without the risk of damage to the wall. Please Note: It’s the customers responsibility to ensure the site is suitable for an awning & should check with a builder/fitter before purchasing if in any doubt.

Brickwork - This should be fine however if they have old bricks or reconstituted brickwork which is not as solid as standard masonry bricks they may need to use the RKEM resin kit. You also cannot fix into morta.

Walling Blocks (e.g Breeze blocks) - This will vary depending on what type of breeze blocks they have, if it is a low or medium density block then no, they will not be able to install. However if they have high density breeze blocks then yes, it should be fine as long as they are using the RKEM resin kit.

Dry Walling (e.g plasterboard) - No, as the structure is too weak for the awning weights.

Hardwood - Yes, however they will need to use coach bolts rather than the expansion bolts supplied. These can be found in most hardware stores across the UK. Structural timber would also be preferable.

Softwood - No, the structure of this wood is too weak for the weight of the awnings.

Wall Render - Yes, as long as there is minimal render, between 1-10mm, and that there is either solid brickwork or hardwood behind the render which the expansion bolts/coach bolts can grip into. Note: Cut back the render where the brackets are to be installed. The reason for this is that render can be bumpy and if not smoothed down then the awning may not be installed level.

Pebble dash - No, the application of pebble dash means that the awning is very unlikely to ever be completely level.

Metalwork - Yes, it is possible however we do not advise installation into metal work as it would either need to be welded on or attached using industrial components.
No, installation is not recommended into any type of tiling. For further advice, please visit the website of one of our approved fitters:


🌐 Garage Doors Surrey, Berkshire & Kent | Doormatic Garage Doors

📞 0808 196 0961

Infinity Awnings

Covers: Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cumbria, Northumberland, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire

🌐 Retractable Awnings, Pergolas & Verandas in Yorkshire

📞 0114 312 3771

Please contact the relevant installer for your area to discuss availability and receive a tailored quote.

It all depends on the width of the awning. The awning can be opened as little or as much as you like, up to the maximum projection as follows:

• Width 1.5m (4ft 11"), Projection 1m (3ft 4")
• Width 2.0m (6ft 7"), Projection 1.5m(4ft11")
• Width 2.5m (8ft 2"), Projection 2.0m(6ft7")
• Width 3m - 3.5m (9ft 10" - 11ft 6"), Projection 2.5m (8ft 2")
• Width 4m - 5m (13ft 1" - 16ft 5"), Projection 3m (9ft 10")

Half Cassette XL models:

• Width 2.5m (8ft 2"), Projection 3.5m (11ft 6")
• Width 3m - 4m ( 9ft 10" - 13ft 1"), Projection 4m (13ft 1")

Each awning has two arms and they fold inwards under the awning fabric - see below image. On the XL models the awning arms fold in the same way but on top of each other, rather than side-by-side.

The slope angle can be altered to suit, usually from 15 degrees to about 35 degrees. A few designs range from 0 degrees to about 35 degrees and some from 15 to 45 degrees.

When looking at an awning installed on the wall the winder is on the left hand side.

We sell two styles of side panels. They are 1.6m x 1.25m rectangular and a 1.6m x 1.6m x 2.27m triangle shaped. View them here.

Two brackets are supplied for every 2m, 2.5m and 3m, 3.5m wide awning, but three brackets are supplied for the 4m, 4.5m and 5m wide awnings. Four brackets are supplied for 6m wide awnings.

Please note: This may vary due to different awning models. For more details, please read the contents list provided in the instructions.

Additional brackets are available - view our selection of spare parts &accessories, or phone or email us for more details. The extra brackets can be placed nearer to each other or further apart if needed.

It is important that the two main brackets are positioned immediately behind where the arms attach to the awning.

You need an ordinary mains supply. The motors use 230V supply, 230 Watts and less than 2 amps.

Our awnings can either be plugged into a mains socket, or they can be wired into the mains. You are unlikely to need a professional electrician if you install the awning by plugging it into an existing socket. However you may need an electrician if you wire the awning directly into the mains.

If the installation is carried out by a professional electrician then the electrician is responsible for ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations - you do not have to worry about Part P.

If you install the awning yourself and choose to wire it into a fused spur, you will need to notify your Local Council Building Control Department under Part P of the regulations. Go to www.planningportal.gov.uk and search for 'Part P' to download the latest version of these regulations.

All our awnings are for DIY installation so fitting your awning couldn't be simpler. We supply full detailed sizing info and fitting instructions,

A reasonably competent DIY-er can fit one of our awnings in as little as 30 minutes. It's a one-man job to put up the brackets, although you'll usually need help lifting the awning into place. We supply brackets and bolts for fitting the awnings to standard brick and masonry walls.

Primrose partners with two trusted installation companies, each covering specific regions across the UK:

Doormatic Garage Doors

Covers: Birmingham, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Greater London, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent

🌐 Garage Doors Surrey, Berkshire & Kent | Doormatic Garage Doors

📞 0808 196 0961

Infinity Awnings

Covers: Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cumbria, Northumberland, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire

🌐 Retractable Awnings, Pergolas & Verandas in Yorkshire

📞 0114 312 3771

Please contact the relevant installer for your area to discuss availability and receive a tailored quote.

Once you have the right size, the next most important factor to consider is the colour of your sail shade. The right colour for you will be down to personal preference, but we recommend looking for a colour that will complement the style of your garden and house.

We offer a wide range of coloured sail shades from neutrals that blend into the background to bright, bold colours that will transform your sail shade into a statement garden feature.

Sail shades are fairly simple to install, but the larger the sail shade the trickier it will be to hang by yourself! We recommend reading our expert's guide to installing your shade sail for more information.

Successfully installing a sail shade in your garden comes down to two things - having the right measurements, and the right fittings. While it's down to you to provide accurate measurements, we can help with the fittings. Our sail shade kits are designed to include all the small parts you'll need to fix your garden sail shade.

There are three key parts you'll need to fit a sail shade - pad eyes, turnbuckles and snap hooks. To save you from individually buying these parts, our sail shade kits include the correct number of each fitting you'll need for a successful installation.

Shade sails are anchored by connecting the corners to solid points such as exterior walls and structures. You attach them to the walls using a number of fittings including pad eyes, turnbuckles and snaphooks.

Our shade sail kits are designed to include everything you need to anchor and provide the right tension for your shade sail.

Sail Shades are fabric structures like a ship's sail, hung from anchor points to create an area of shade outdoors. They offer unparalleled flexibility when it comes to creating a stylish custom shade solution for the garden. Available in many shapes and sizes, these semi-permanent structures can be mounted in almost any position, at any angle and against most surfaces to provide soothing shade for even the most difficult to reach areas.

With scientific research highlighting the dangers of prolonged sun exposure, a safe shaded area in the garden is a fantastic idea for protecting friends and family from harmful UV rays. A garden sail shade offers invaluable sun protection - with minimum 90% UV ray protection on all Kookaburra models - whilst making a stylish and colourful addition to the garden.

On average, a shade sail should last approximately eight to ten years. However, this depends on how exposed the sail is to inclement weather. If you live in an area that gets a lot of strong wind and heavy rain, you may need to take appropriate measures to prevent any fabric wear and tear, such as installing your sail at an angle to allow any water to run off.

Sail shades are a semi-permanent structure. Permanent garden shade structures like canopies, gazebos and awnings are fantastic for their sturdy, durable framework but sometimes a lightweight alternative is just what's needed. Sail shades are so effective because a single sheet of UV resistant fabric can be tensioned in such a wide variety of ways.

The right size of sail shade can be found by measuring the distance between the fixing points you intend to hang the sail shade from.

It's important to get these measurements right so that there's sufficient tension along the edges of the sail shade to keep it suspended, but there is a small margin either side.

For example, if your measurements are close to 5m x 4m, then a 5m x 4m sail shade will likely be the perfect fit for your garden.

With over 400,000 units sold and a proud 16-year track record, Kookaburra has earned the trust of customers nationwide. Recognized as an IndyBest Buy by The Independent, our products combine proven performance with award-winning quality.

Pergolas are used to create inviting outdoor living spaces, offering a balance of shade and sunlight. They’re perfect for defining areas such as garden lounges, dining spaces, or walkways. Often used to support climbing plants, pergolas can add natural beauty and structure to a garden. They also enhance the usability of patios and terraces, making them ideal for entertaining, relaxing, or enjoying the outdoors in style.

Pergolas provide shade through their open roof design, typically made of horizontal beams or slats. While they don’t offer complete cover, the structure filters sunlight to create a cooler, more comfortable outdoor environment. For added protection, many pergolas can be fitted with retractable canopies, fabric panels, or climbing plants, which increase the amount of shade and shelter throughout the day.

Pergola posts can be slotted into robust, metal brackets that are fixed to the concrete surface of a garden path or the solid wood of the patio, securing the structure to the ground.

Metal brackets are usually secured to the ground by using bolts and a drill, though sometimes fresh concrete is also used.

Please refer to product specification or instructions to identify whether specific Pergolas/Verandas are provided with column/post base plates.

Freestanding Pergolas
For freestanding pergolas, the maximum height without planning permission is 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) when installed at ground level. If the pergola is raised or situated on a platform, this limit increases to 3 metres (9.8 feet).

These height restrictions are designed to align with local planning regulations and to minimise any potential impact on neighbouring properties. Staying within these limits helps prevent disputes and ensures a smooth relationship with planning authorities.

Attached Pergolas
When a pergola is connected to a building, the maximum permitted height is 3 metres (9.8 feet). This allowance enables seamless integration with the existing structure while remaining within the bounds of permitted development rights.

By observing these height rules, you can ensure that your attached pergola complies with legal requirements and complements the overall appearance of your home, creating a stylish and practical outdoor area.

Planning permission for a pergola depends mainly on its size and structure. Since most pergolas are fixed to existing surfaces rather than anchored into the ground, they’re generally considered temporary and usually don’t require approval.

However, size does matter. If the pergola is within 2 metres of your property boundary, its maximum height must not exceed 2.5 metres (8 feet 2 inches) to comply with permitted development rules.

If the pergola is taller, fully enclosed with a roof and walls, or intended as a permanent fixture, planning permission will likely be required, as it may be treated as an extension or outbuilding.