Awning fabric replacement costs $768 on average, and most people pay between $279 and $1,269, depending on the awning’s size and materials.
Awning fabric replacement costs $768 on average, although you could spend around $90 to replace a small, 40-square-foot cotton awning to over $3,300 for a 240-square-foot vinyl awning that covers your outdoor patio or deck.
Awnings can provide shade and improve the look of your home, but the fabric can become worn out, torn, or simply outdated over the years. Awning fabric replacement is a good way to refresh your home without totally replacing the awning.
Awning fabric replacement is important to consider when you’re budgeting for your initial awning installation cost. Here’s what you can expect to pay for awning maintenance down the road.
The cost to replace awning fabric ranges from around $4 to $8 per square foot, so the larger the awning, the more it will cost. Awnings can range widely in size, from a small awning on an RV or over a window to large awnings that cover an entire outdoor patio. Check out some of the most common awning sizes and their costs.
| Awning Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 40 | $160–$320 |
| 80 | $320–$640 |
| 100 | $400–$800 |
| 120 | $480–$960 |
| 144 | $570–$1,150 |
| 160 | $640–$1,280 |
| 192 | $770–$1,540 |
| 200 | $800–$1,600 |
| 240 | $960–$1,920 |
Awning fabric replacement costs primarily depend on the fabric you choose. Cotton canvas prices fall on the lower end of the spectrum, while vinyl is one of the most expensive fabric options (but also the most durable).
Awnings can also have non-fabric coverings made from materials like fiberglass or metal. Metal awnings cost $450 to $1,250, while you may spend $600 to $3,500 for a fiberglass awning replacement.
| Awning Material | Repair Cost | Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton canvas | $100–$200 | $200–$700 |
| Polyester | $150–$300 | $300–$1,150 |
| Acrylic-coated polyester | $150–$250 | $500–$2,500 |
| Vinyl | $200–$400 | $500–$2,500 |
If you hire a pro to install your new awning fabric, you’ll pay $50 to $120 per hour. An awning repair pro can quickly remove the worn-out or damaged fabric covering and expertly install the new fabric so that it will stand up to the elements. Best of all, the entire process takes only about an hour for a pro, so you can get your outdoor space looking new again in time for last-minute guests.
A pro can remove and properly dispose of your old awning fabric covering for an additional fee of around $20. Otherwise, you could save money on awning fabric replacement costs by removing and disposing of the awning cover yourself. If the awning cover is still in good condition and you’re replacing it for aesthetic purposes, consider donating or selling the old awning cover.
Awning fabric replacement ranges from about $200 for cotton canvas covers to $2,500 for a vinyl cover. There are benefits to each type of material to factor in when deciding which fabric is best for your awning.
Replacing an awning cover with cotton canvas costs around $200 to $700 to replace or $100 to $200 to repair. Cotton is a popular choice for awnings for many reasons. It’s flexible yet durable, so it holds up well to rain and snow. But be sure to stretch it properly over the awning frame. If you don’t, your cotton canvas awning will quickly start sagging (this is where professional help really comes in handy). Its flexibility, unfortunately, makes cotton canvas less capable of withstanding high winds, and it tends to fade from sunlight.
Polyester is a tough, durable fabric that costs $300 to $1,150 to replace or $150 to $300 to repair. This material holds up well to various types of weather, from bright sunlight to high winds to rain and snow. Polyester has a look that not everyone loves, though, and it doesn’t match every aesthetic.
Acrylic-coated polyester, which costs $500 to $2,500 to replace or $150 to $250 to repair, is a great choice if you’re concerned about weather resistance. This material holds up well to moisture and wind, and it doesn’t stretch much when outdoor temps start rising. However, acrylic-coated polyester fades from UV rays over time.
For humid and rainy areas, vinyl is a good choice for awnings. This waterproof awning cover, which costs $500 to $2,500 to replace or $200 to $400 to repair, will keep mildew at bay, and it’s one of the easiest fabrics to clean. Vinyl will also stand up well to UV damage. However, this is one of the more expensive awning fabric options.
Awnings are a great addition to windows or doors because they can add curb appeal and provide more protection against solar heat gain around your home. But awnings require a bit of upkeep, like repairing the frame after a storm and regular cleanings, so you’ll want to factor in these ongoing expenses.
Aside from replacing torn or dated fabric covers, there are several repairs you may need to tackle to keep your awning in good condition. You may see higher costs for retractable awning maintenance, like replacing a motor, compared to repairs for a basic awning.
Some awning repairs to consider and their average costs are listed below.
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Valence | $100–$150 |
| Mounting plate | $100–$200 |
| Brackets | $150–$200 |
| Arm | $80–$300 |
| Springs | $100–$300 |
| Aluminum strips | $200–$550 |
| Motor replacement | $300–$650 |
| Frame | $600–$750 |
Not every type of awning has an operating cost associated with it (unless you’re counting the elbow grease needed for maintenance and opening manual retractable options). Motorized awnings may slightly increase your electricity bill with frequent use.
However, overall, awnings can actually save you money by naturally cooling your home. According to Energy.gov, window attachments like awnings may reduce solar heat gain by 65% for south-facing windows or 77% for west-facing windows in the summer. That means your HVAC system won’t need to work as hard to cool the home, saving you money on utility bills.
To keep your awning looking as good as new, regular cleaning is a must. Use a broom to dust away leaves and cobwebs. You may need a ladder to reach the fabric awning to clean it, which you can do with a sponge, warm water, and a mild cleaning detergent. Finally, you can use a garden hose to rinse off the awning after cleaning it.
If you want to save a couple of hours of your time and the price of a bottle of detergent, consider hiring a house cleaner. Hiring a house cleaner costs $90 to $250 per session.
Awning fabric replacement costs $4 to $8 per square foot without labor. In total, you may save $50 to $240 on labor costs by DIYing, but keep in mind that it will take you more than a couple of hours to tackle this project, especially for large awnings. If there is just a small tear or hole in the fabric, you can buy an awning repair kit for $25 to $100.
An awning won’t help lower utility costs or protect your patio or deck from inclement weather if you don’t properly install it, though, so it’s best to hire a local awning repair pro to replace the fabric on your awning.
With a newly installed awning or fresh fabric on your existing awning, your yard will get a little visual boost. If you want to give your whole outdoor space a refresh, you can take on some additional home improvement projects once the awning is complete. Consider these add-on projects to tackle after installing new awning fabric:
New patio cost: $2,000–$5,850
Landscape lighting cost: $2,000–$6,000
Siding repair cost: $350–$1,450
Painting gutters cost: $160–$960
Window replacement cost: $180–$415
Replacing awning fabric is a simple way to upgrade your home without spending thousands of dollars, but it can still be a costly upfront investment, especially for larger awnings. Thankfully, there are several ways to save on the cost of replacing awning fabric covers. To save more on your project, you can:
Opt for cotton canvas: Cotton awning covers are one of the least expensive options that still offer a pleasant look and are easy to repair when needed.
DIY if possible: If you have experience, you could save $50 to $240 on labor costs by replacing the fabric yourself. However, without the right skills, this task can be dangerous, and it might take longer than having a professional handle it.
Shop in the off-season: Many people schedule awning repairs in spring, so you may be able to score deals if you shop in the off-season.
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Yes, you can replace just the fabric on an awning without having to replace the entire awning frame and hardware. This process will take a professional about one to two hours. If you want to DIY, it could take longer, especially for large or retractable awnings. Replacing the fabric on an awning can improve the look of your home and help naturally cool your interior and exterior spaces.
Awnings offer a variety of materials to choose from, each of which has its own benefits. Cotton is a lower-cost option that’s also more eco-friendly because it’s made from natural materials, while acrylic-coated polyester and vinyl offer better durability against harsh weather. Fiberglass and metal are also resilient to weather, although metal can be vulnerable to corrosion without protective sealant. Ultimately, you’ll need to consider your climate and your budget in deciding the best material for your awning.
Awnings last five to 15 years on average. Vinyl awnings offer a long lifespan, but other fabric types can also last a long time if you regularly clean them and repair them as needed. To extend their lifespan, you should clean your awnings at least twice per year.
Yes, you can convert a fabric awning to a metal one. You just need to swap the fabric for metal panels, which are more durable and weather-resistant. However, the support frame will probably need reinforcement to handle the added weight. You should consult a pro to address any structural concerns.
