For many years’ awnings and canvas blinds have been the best answers to providing warmth, character and protection to homes and any commercial buildings. Retractable awnings and beautifully decorated canvas blinds date back as far as the ancient Syrian and Egyptian civilizations. Back then and to this day retractable awnings were used for their stalls and as canopies for the market areas. Canvas blinds create a more enclosed area completely protecting the stall. Today similar applications exist for outside areas of cafes or restaurants. Come wind or rain a canvas blind surrounds the outside patio protecting your home or outside dining area.

Generally awnings are constructed from sturdy materials which ensure they are strong, durable and have high wind tolerance. There are even retractable awnings constructed to resist harsh storms and hold snow loads. There are many types of awnings to suit your needs and wants from aluminium awnings to retractable awnings, lateral arm awnings, side or drop arm awnings, portable pop-up canopies and shade sails. Canvas blinds are great for large areas and can be personalised with exquisite decorative illustrations by the home owner or company.

The structure of the awning, retractable or not, is usually a woven canvas of acrylic cotton or polyester fabric stretched over a light-weight construction of aluminium, iron or steel. Up until the 19^th century these light-weight structures were made of timber, which one can still have made on request, but these are scarce as their shelf life is shortened and they are not as strong as modern designsed . In areas with heavy snow fall it is recommended to have retractable awnings constructed of an aluminium structure with aluminium sheeting.

The fabrics can be decorated with acrylic paint. Commercial spaces such as street cafés and sidewalk shops can personalise their awnings easily by painting or printing their logo or company names onto the awnings. Columns of awnings along a sidewalk or a colourful collection of canvas blinds create a European feeling which radiates great street energy for the pedestrians. Columns of awnings are more commonly known as canopies.

Awnings are great to protect windows from letting in too much sun or cold and add that finishing touch to a home or commercial space. Retractable awnings create shade and allow you to let in a bit more light or open up the view to create a more spacious feel to the house, cafe or shop.

Awning Warehouse is supported by a strong well managed organisation with experienced consultants and knowledgeable technical staff.  We have a range of awnings in a variety of colours, sizes and styles to suit any home or business application. Our range of commercial and home awnings include canvas fold arm awnings, canvas blinds, polycarbonate canopies, home patio awnings, aluminium awnings, canvas awnings and louvre awnings.