We all have that one spot on the patio, deck or balcony that is perfect for a morning coffee, but drenched in the sunlight by 3 PM and no longer possible to enjoy.
There are also cafe and restaurants’ courtyards that are packed with customers… until a 10-minute shower sends everyone inside or away from the premises, resulting in lost revenue.
A motorised Folding Arm Awning is the solution, but choosing the right one can be tricky. Full-cassette? Semi-cassette? What projection do you need?
Getting it wrong is an expensive mistake. Luckily, consultants at Outdoor Blinds and Awnings are here to help and will guide you through the process with their knowledge and expertise. To better facilitate the consultation and help you understand your needs, grab a notepad and follow this 3-step “walk-around” audit to assess your outdoor space like a pro.
Step 1: Assess Your Location (Where and Why?)
First, what is the awning’s main job? Is the awning for a north-facing restaurant courtyard in Surry Hills that needs light rain protection or a west-facing deck in Cronulla that gets hammered by the sun?
Next, check your wall. Are you mounting to a solid brick wall, under the eaves or to the roof that might need custom brackets? Our Folding Arm Awnings are so versatile, they can be installed almost anywhere provided there is access and the space meets height restrictions.
Consider the wind. Is your home in a high-wind area? A Cubebox full-cassette model is one of the strongest outdoor awnings in Sydney because of robust, heavy duty arms. The fully enclosed headbox hides the fabric and arms when retracted, keeping the awning protected from elements and extending its life.
Step 2: Measure Your Space (How Big?)
First, measure the width. How wide is the area you want to cover? As a rule of thumb, you should add about 500mm to each side of the window or door you’re shading for the best protection. Folding Arm Awnings from Outdoor Blinds and Awnings can cover up to 7m in width, depending on the model.
Now, measure the projection. How far out do you want the shade to go? A 3.5-metre projection is great for most terraces, but you might need more. Our Folding Arm Awnings can project up to 4m, which is the furthest on the market.
This measurement is important for getting the right coverage. But do not worry, our consultants will always measure the space before your order is placed so you can be certain the right coverage of your outdoor space will be achieved.
Think about the fabric. A standard polyester will fade and perish in the harsh Australian sun. You need a high-quality, solution-dyed acrylic fabric, water-repellent, UV-resistant, mold resistant and will look great for years. We have over 200 fabrics available to choose from, so whatever your style, house aesthetics or design aspiration, we can cater to this.
Step 3: Choose Your Tech (The Wow Factor)
First, go motorised. A manual crank is fine for a small awning, but for a large Folding Arm Awning, automation is the standard.
We partner with leaders like Somfy for quiet, reliable motors you can operate with a single remote.
Second, add the brains. This is where automated outdoor shading comes in. Make a note to ask us about weather sensors when you call.
A wind sensor can automatically retract your awning in a strong southerly buster, protecting your investment. A sun sensor can automatically extend it, keeping your home cool before you even feel the heat.
Get Your Project Started
Now, you’ve read the theory, let’s start the practical part. Print out this 3-step checklist. This weekend, walk around your patio or deck, completing it and taking a first step to reclaiming your space.
Let us help you create a shaded space for that long lunch, safe from the 3 PM sun-glare, or host family BBQ with confidence, knowing a 10-minute shower won’t send everyone running inside.
As Sydney’s specialists in customised awning solutions, we can show you our selection of durable acrylic fabrics designed for the Aussie sun and even help you select the right motor.
