Practical and aesthetic, the awning allows you to fully enjoy your terrace while effectively protecting yourself from the sun. Alternative to the parasol, the shade sail or the pergola, it adapts to many outdoor development projects. Choice of fabric, dimensions, type of installation, motorization or even comfort options: the possibilities are numerous. Find out everything you need to know to choose the awning that suits your needs.
Timeless for several decades, the awning adorns café terraces as well as those of individuals. Unlike an arbor, a pergola or a shade sail, it offers modular protection thanks to its articulated arm system. It can be deployed as needed to create shade and, depending on the model, provide light protection against light rain.
Another major advantage: the awning does not require any ground posts. Attached to the facade, it completely frees up the space on the terrace while being able to cover a large area. An ideal solution to enjoy a comfortable exterior without compromising its layout.
The manual awning or the electric awning
There are different types of awnings. The simplest installation model is the mechanical version. Requiring no electrical connection, the manual awning attaches to the wall of your terrace and unfolds and folds using a winch and crank system. Note that it is more suitable for small blinds (less than 4m wide).
Although it is the most economical of the awnings, it is also the one which tends to be damaged more quickly due to the repetition of movements on the mechanism.
More expensive but offering more comfort and resistance over time, motorized awning models operate with a simple touch. There are two types: wired motors, connected to a wall switch, and wireless motors, which are operated using a remote control. The latter system is easier to install because it does not require electrical work to connect the blind.
Two versions: the full trunk or the semi-trunk
The awning models are available in two versions. The integral box allows the entire awning and its frame to be folded into a formwork which thus protects the canvas and the articulated arms from bad weather. This type of awning is certainly more expensive, but it guarantees the longevity of your awning. It is also more discreet on the facade of your house once folded.
Also called cassette, the semi-case offers protection for the awning fabric, which is rolled up inside. However, it does not protect the arms which, once folded, remain outside the formwork. Less aesthetic, it is however easier to adjust and repair if necessary.
The standing awning
If you want to modulate the sunshine on your terrace but it is not attached to your home, know that there are free-standing awnings. Made up of a central box, fixed on two posts, the awning unfolds on each side, thus deploying a two-sided sail.
What length of awning to choose?
Before you start, it is important to know the area of the terrace to be protected: its surface but also its orientation, its duration of sunlight, etc. Depending on this, choose the widest possible blind in order to cover your terrace as much as possible. There are awnings from 3 to 7 m wide. It is then essential to calculate the advance of the blind once completely unfolded. This is what will define the shaded area.
Thus, for a medium-sized terrace, we generally recommend a projection of 3.50 m in order to obtain a shade of approximately 2.50 m. For a larger terrace – which can accommodate a table of 6 guests – we recommend extending the awning from 4 m, which guarantees a shade of 3 m depending on the time of day.
How much does an awning cost?
In the major DIY brands (Leroy Merlin, Castorama), the top price for awnings is a manual model, without box, measuring 3 mx 2 m, priced at 79 euros. Mechanical models generally do not exceed 500 euros, depending on their dimensions, whether they offer a full trunk or whether they are free-standing. Electric blinds are more expensive, with a starting price of 800 euros, they can go up to 1,300 euros depending on the size, quality of the canvas and the box.
From a manufacturer like Lapeyre, count between 850 euros and 1,100 euros for a remote-controlled electric blind in a semi-integral box.
