Adding an awning to your backyard is the perfect way to create indoor/outdoor living. While awnings are often known for providing shade from the summer sun, this time of year in the PNW, homeowners are looking for a way to protect themselves from the rain while enjoying some fresh air. There are multiple different types of awnings, each with their own unique lists of pros and cons, but when it comes to choosing the awning, you plan on adding to your outdoor space, make sure you choose a material that fits your specific list of wants and needs.
Common Types of Awnings
Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the most popular choices for homeowners looking to add shade and sun protection to their yard. Vinyl also create a beautiful aesthetic with a sleek and glossy finish creating crisp lines and a clean, well-kept appearance. The main perks to choosing a vinyl awning:
- Waterproof: Vinyl is extremely waterproof which is why it’s such a popular choice for those who live in cooler, wet climates that see heavy rainfall.
- Durability: With the heavy rainfall in the PNW another worry with outdoor living is the presence of mildew. Vinyl is non-porous which helps to limit the risk of potential mold and mildew.
Metal
Metal, or aluminum awnings have many perks. They are known for being low maintenance and extremely durable and long lasting. Boasting a fully waterproof barrier, metal is a great choice for those looking for a rustic or minimalistic design. The main perks to choosing a metal awning:
- Durability: One of the longest lasting materials on the market for awnings, metal/aluminum is a great choice.
- Maintenance: Metal awnings create a very low maintenance addition to your yard. While they are prone to rust, they are long lasting and don’t require constant maintenance and cleaning.
Natural Materials
There are a few popular natural materials that many people choose to use, such as bamboo or reed. While this is mainly popular in sunnier climates or popular for shade options near a pool, some people choose to go the more natural route if they are hoping for a greener, or more natural appeal within their landscape. The main perks to choosing an awning with natural materials:
- Eco-Friendly: The biggest perk is that your awning will help contribute to an eco-friendlier landscape, making it a popular choice amongst environmentally conscious homeowners.
- Aesthetics: If you’re hoping to make your lawn feel more tropical, then natural elements are a great choice. Creating a resort-styled space, you can relax in your outdoor space while feeling as if you’re in the tropics.
Other materials that many homeowners choose to use include polyester-coated fabrics and acrylic fabrics, and while both do provide shade and protection from UV rays, they are only mildly waterproof, making them a popular choice for the summer months, however, not as popular or useful during the Fall and Winter months.
Whether you’re adding an awning to an already landscaped outdoor space, or you’re hoping to create a whole new landscaped space, our team of professional landscapers can help provide you with a full landscaping plan to create the outdoor space of your dreams! Contact our team today to get your next landscaping project started.