The Differences Between a Canopy and an Awning

Creating more outdoor living space is an economical way to add living space to your property. Whether you’re seeking to create shelter from the rain and snow or looking for a way to have more shade during sunny days, canopies and awnings are two great solutions. Both can be custom-designed to fit just about any area, and options for colors, fabrics, and finishes mean it’s easy to match them to your home’s exterior style. Possibilities are seemingly endless, and you may likely wonder about the differences between a canopy and an awning. At Deluxe Awning Company, we help our customers design the perfect outdoor living areas and assist them in finding the right selections for their needs.

Key Differences Between a Canopy and an Awning

There are really only two significant differences between a canopy and an awning:  structure and shape.

• Structure. Awnings are affixed to a building. For example, awnings are commonly found above windows, doors, or covering decks. Canopies, on the other hand, are usually attached to a free-standing structure away from the building. One of the most common structures for a canopy is a pergola; thus, another common name for a canopy is a pergola cover. Sometimes a canopy may be attached to the building where rooflines intersect.
• Shape. Awnings are generally affixed to the building on one side, leaving three sides open. Because of this, an awning over a patio or deck allows for tremendous movement and flow beneath it. Canopies are usually affixed to a frame on three or four sides.

 

Commonalities Between the Two

Canopies and awnings are both fantastic ways to add more functional areas to your outdoor space for fun and relaxation. Both styles can be permanent or retractable (by command or programmable.). Most modern canopies and awnings are constructed of flexible canvas material that allows homeowners tremendous flexibility in design.

How to Decide Between a Canopy and an Awning

Make it easy on yourself and call the professionals at Deluxe Awning Company. We’ll come on-site to meet with you and examine the areas you want to enhance. Our expert team members will walk through the options and help you choose the right style and size system to give you the outdoor protection you and your family are looking for. Located in Ashland, Oregon, we’ve been serving businesses and homeowners in Southern Oregon and Northern California since 1982. Make this the year you achieve the outdoor living space of your dreams.