How Much Do Retractable Awnings Cost?
Normal range: $1,500 - $3,500
The cost to install retractable awnings is $2,000 on average, but it can cost between $1,500 and $3,500 or more depending on the size and type of awning.
Retractable awnings add curb appeal to your home and help keep the sun out of your eyes when you're working indoors or lounging on the back patio or deck. If you wish to install an awning, you’ll quickly discover that the materials used (and the corresponding price) can vary greatly. Fortunately, even those working on a limited budget can likely afford some type of awnings for their home. This pricing guide will walk you through how much retractable awnings cost and help you choose the right style for your backyard, windows, or doors.
- Average
- $2,000
- Low end
- $150
- high end
- $7,500
Average Retractable Awning Cost
Including installation, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $3,500 for the retractable awning cost. The range of prices considers the brand of awnings, the type of material your awnings are made of, whether they're mechanical (manually cranked to open or close) or motorized, and their size.
Fortunately, retractable awnings are pretty much a one-time fee. As long as you take care of them after installation, there's not a whole lot of maintenance required.
“Retractable awnings are a great alternative to a pergola or porch roof,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “Not only is the cost significantly less, in most cases, an awning can be installed in a day or two versus weeks or even months for the other options.”
Retractable Awnings Cost Breakdown
Here are the major cost factors to consider when buying and installing retractable awnings.
Type
The cost of retractable awnings comes down mainly to how much fabric or material is needed to cover your space. Windows and doors, which may only need two to four feet of fabric, will cost significantly less than a patio that requires a 15’ x 20’ piece of material.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Window awning | $250 – $500 |
| Door awning | $250 – $700 |
| Patio/deck awning | Up to $3,500 |
Material
Retractable awnings are generally made from all-weather fabric or metal (usually aluminum). Metal costs slightly more and often comes with a motorized component, so you'll probably pay extra for them.
Brand
Several popular brands occupy the outdoor living space market, and many offer mechanical and retractable awnings for patios, windows, and doors.
| Brand | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Awntech | $250 – $4,000 |
| ALEKO | $150 – $700 |
| Beauty-Mark | $300 – $2,500 |
| Americana Building Products | $200 – $4,000 |
| SunSetter | $800 – $4,000 |
A local company that installs carports or backyard canopies may also offer awnings.
Motorized or Mechanical
Motorized retractable awnings come with a remote or button that automatically retracts and rolls out your awnings when you want them. This system is definitely more convenient but could add $1,000 to $3,000 to your project's budget.
Basic rollup mechanical retractable awnings are typically made of fabric. You can find them for as low as $150.
“We have found that people with motorized awnings tend to use them more often,” says Tschudi. “But motorized awnings might have a shorter service life, so consider the annual maintenance cost into your overall budget.”
Installation Costs
Depending on where you're installing awnings, the type, and if they're motorized, you could pay as little as $250 and as much as $3,000 to have them installed.
Permits and Fees
Some states require a nominal permit fee for overhead structures in residential properties. Be sure to look this up before starting your project to avoid fines or penalties.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Retractable Awnings by Type?
There are three types of awnings you might consider for your home. To save money, try bundling them together if you want to add shade to multiple areas.
Retractable Awnings for Windows
Retractable awnings for windows cost between $250 and $500.
Non-rollup awnings for windows are also an option. They offer less flexibility (you can't adjust them if it's sunny out) but could cost less than $250.
Retractable Awnings for Doors
Covering your doors will cost around the same as covering windows—between $250 and $700 is a good range to consider.
Retractable Awnings for Patios and Decks
Depending on patio and deck size, you could pay up to $3,500 (or more) for retractable awnings.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Retractable Awnings Near You?
The price of retractable awnings will be similar regardless of where you live, but some areas may have more options, which could help lower the cost.
State
In most cases, you don’t need a permit to install retractable awnings. But in some states, you have to pay a small fee (approximately $25) to get your project started.
For example, Florida requires a permit for any type of overhang, be it awnings, carports, or canopies, for any residential or commercial building.
Region
Sunny and warm states are more likely to have a plethora of local awning specialists to choose from, especially those who install awnings that hang over outdoor living spaces such as porches, patios, and decks. If you're looking to save money, try hiring someone out of season (in fall or winter).
Rural or Suburban vs. Urban
Retractable awnings for a porch or patio are more frequently installed in areas with larger yards due to space considerations. You may be able to find better deals by comparing quotes in your area.
In urban areas, you may be able to find more companies that install retractable awnings on windows. However, urban area prices tend to be higher for most home improvement projects.
What Retractable Awnings Can I Get on My Budget?
Your retractable awning project doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg—but if you're looking for hassle-free shade, it may be worth paying extra.
$150 to $700
It's definitely possible to purchase retractable awnings for your patio or window(s) for under $700. You may even be able to hire a specialist to install them, as it only takes about two to three hours. To stay within your budget, you could also opt to install them yourself.
Brands like ALEKO and Beauty Mark both offer basic mechanical retractable awnings for under $500.
$700 to $1,500
In this price range, you can get a high-end set of mechanical metal or fabric retractable awnings for your deck or patio. Both types of retractable awnings have their pros and cons, but paying more for motorized awnings could make your life a little easier.
Awntech, Beautymark, and Americana Building Products all sell retractable awnings for patios and windows for under $1,500.
$1,500 to $3,500
Your options as a homeowner open up considerably beyond the $1,500 mark. Here, you'll be able to select from several different motorized retractable awnings brands made with both metal and fabric. Slightly different options, such as a canopy for your deck or patio, are also available for under $2,500.
One benefit of paying a little more is the extended warranty higher-end models offer. Many motorized retractable awnings come with a five-year warranty, which could save you money if something goes wrong with your motor.
$3,500+
You might exceed the $3,500 mark if your deck is quite large or you're outfitting both windows and outdoor living spaces with retractable awnings.
You can still save money by hiring an awnings company in the offseason or opting for lower-cost materials.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Retractable Awnings Yourself?
Installing retractable awnings yourself could save you hundreds, if not thousands. Retractable awning installation for windows and doors typically costs between $250 and $700. For your patio or deck, you'll pay between $500 and $3,000 on average.
However, DIY projects are probably best suited for mechanical retractable awnings installation. Motorized equipment can be tricky, and if you make an error or damage your new awnings, you may wind up paying more than the cost of just hiring a pro.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
While someone itching to tackle a DIY project might prefer installing a retractable awning themself, the motorized equipment may make a DIY installation too difficult. If you’re unsure about any part of the installation process, you can hire a local awning specialist to handle it.
Sara Coleman contributed to this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're a handy person, it might be worth a try to install retractable awnings yourself. Just keep in mind, motorized retractable awnings require much more know-how, and the risk of something costly going wrong (such as you damaging your new awnings) is higher.
For the average person with some handyperson skills, mechanical awnings shouldn't be that difficult of a task to install.
Metal awnings last much longer than fabric thanks to their durability and resistance to fading, sun damage, and damage from the outside elements. They also need less maintenance than fabric options. Both items add curb appeal to your home, but you shouldn't expect either type of awning to add property value to your home.
Retractable awnings offer numerous advantages for homeowners, including protecting your outdoor furniture against the elements. It can also help keep your deck in better shape since it adds a layer of protection against sun and precipitation.