Awning Vs. Canopy

Ease of Use

• A retractable awning attached to the side of your house is easy to close. You can set up, then take down a fixed canopy, but this is a more difficult job than retracting an awning. To take down a canopy, you must detach, fold and store the tarps. You must then take apart and store the metal poles of the structure. It is advisable to close an awning or take down a canopy in inclement weather.

Mobile

• An awning is attached to the side of your home, while a canopy is free-standing. This gives the canopy more versatility. You can set up a canopy for a picnic and take it down when you are finished. Visit an outdoor craft fair and notice all of the different styles of canopies and temporary structures to get an idea of what you might want.

Sturdiness

• A fixed awning is often made of wood firmly attached to the side of your home. It should be as sturdy as any wall or pillar. The top of an awning is the same as the roof. Many people have this type of awning built over their porch or patio. This type of permanent awning changes the structure of the house, and can provide shade on sunny days or rain protection on wet days. Retractable awnings are not as sturdy as built awnings. Canopies are not as sturdy, either; many canopy owners weight down the legs of the canopy with bags of sand in case a wind starts up.

Expense

• A permanent structure built on the side of your house is your most expensive option. Canopies and retractable awnings will vary in price. Any attached awning adds to the value of your home, while a free-standing canopy does not.