You might have never given it much thought before, but choosing the right awning material is essential to make sure your awning does its job correctly and stays in excellent condition for years to come.
There are a number of different awning materials and fabrics to choose from, but which one is the best? And what factors are important to consider when making your decision?
In our awning materials guide, we’ll answer these questions to help you find the perfect material that will keep you sheltered from the elements and last long into the future.
Looking for a high-quality awning to elevate your outdoor space? Explore our fantastic range today or get in touch for a free upfront quote.
What to consider when choosing your awning material
When choosing a material for your awning, there are several different factors you should consider:
UV and sun protection
Awnings are primarily used to shelter an outdoor area from harsh sunlight and UV rays, so, of course, it’s important for your awning materials to provide a high level of UV and sun protection.
The best awnings will provide UPF50+ sun protection, which means no harmful UV rays can penetrate the material. It also means the area under the awning will stay cooler for longer, which is essential on those particularly hot summer days.
Water resistance
Water resistance is another factor to consider when choosing your awning material. Not only do you want to make sure your awning can still be used even when it’s raining, but you also want to make sure it won’t sustain any water damage over time.
The ideal awning materials are water-repellant, which means any rainwater will roll straight off without seeping into the fabric.
Durability
The British weather can be relentless, which is why your awning needs to be able to withstand anything. An awning made with durable materials is likely to last for decades before it needs replacing, even when faced with intense sunlight and heavy rain.
Of course, even the more durable awning materials can still be damaged by very strong winds, so you should also make sure the awning comes with a sturdy cassette that the fabric and mechanism can be retracted into on particularly blustery days.
Ease of cleaning
To make your life easier, it’s best to choose an awning material that can easily be cleaned. Cleaning your awning regularly is key to extending its lifespan and keeping it in the best possible condition.
Many awning fabrics don’t even have to be removed for you to clean them. These materials can be wiped clean using ordinary cleaning products, including straight bleach to remove any tough stains.
What’s more, many materials only require cleaning once every few months. This is the case with water-repellent materials, for example, as rainwater glides right off the fabric and takes any dirt with it.
What awning material is the best?
Most outdoor living experts agree that acrylic is the best material to use for an awning. Acrylic is the most durable awning material and comes with a number of benefits:
- UPF50+ sun protection: Acrylic awnings offer excellent protection from the sun, preventing harmful UV rays from passing through the material.
- Water-resistant: Acrylic is a water-resistant fabric. You won’t have to worry about any rainwater coming into contact with your awning and causing damage, as it will run straight off rather than seeping through.
- Non-fading: Acrylic won’t fade in the sun. Instead, you can expect your awning material to look as good as new even years after its initial installation.
- Dirt-repellent: Acrylic repels dirt, which means it’s very easy to maintain and doesn’t require much cleaning. When it rains, any dirt should just roll straight off the fabric.
- 10-year lifespan guaranteed: Thanks to their incredible durability, acrylic awnings are guaranteed to last for at least 10 years. However, we often find that well-looked-after acrylic awnings last for much longer than this.
At Open Space Concepts, all of our contemporary awnings are made from acrylic, ensuring that they can be used all year round and will last for years to come. For more guidance on what to consider when choosing your awning, read our Guide to Best Awnings.
Design your dream bespoke awning with Open Space Concepts
If you’re eager to get your bespoke awning project underway, we’d love to hear from you. Our team has over 25 years of experience in the outdoor living industry, which means we’re well and truly masters of our craft.
We’ll work with you to design an awning that perfectly meets your requirements and stays within your budget.
To make an enquiry or request a free quote, get in touch with us via our online form or call us directly on 0808 168 0043.
