Retractable awnings are a practical, energy-saving investment—and they give your home an elegant finishing touch that may even help increase your property value. They dress up windows and doors like icing on a cake—a scalloped valance with white piping will give you a classic look, while a black-and-white striped one can offer Paris bistro vibes—and they provide more shade for your patio or deck than a standard cantilever umbrella or patio umbrella.
While retractable awnings can certainly be a major expense if you go for a high-end motorized model, there are plenty of lower-cost options on the market that’ll only set you back a few hundred dollars, even if you have a large area to cover. And, buying one on the cheap doesn’t mean you’ll have to sacrifice quality or style.
BEST OVERALL
Key Specs
- Type: Manual
- Dimensions (W x L): 8 x 7 feet
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Fabric: Polyester
- Options: 1 size; 9 colors
If you don’t want to spend more than couple hundred dollars on a retractable awning for your patio or deck, this manual option is an excellent choice.
The medium-weight, water-resistant polyester awning comes in nine solids and stripes, all with a scalloped, white-trimmed valance. The hand crank extends down nearly 5 feet, and all mounting hardware is included, with the exception of screws for wood.
Key Specs
- Type: Manual
- Dimensions (W x L): 13 x 8 feet
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Fabric: Polyester
- Options: 1 size; 4 colors
This retractable awning is a standout for value and for the color selection offered. There are four gorgeous hues, including coffee, wine red, and pretty mint green. All have a white-trimmed scalloped valance.
It’s supported by a rust-resistant powder-coated aluminum frame, which spans a generous 13 feet wide and extends to 8 feet, and features a manual crank handle. The awning itself is made of a medium weight water- and fade-resistant polyester fabric.
