What Is an Awning?
An awning is a secondary covering attached to the exterior of a building that provides shade, weather protection, and enhanced visual appeal. Whether crafted from fabric, aluminum, or other durable materials, awnings offer functional and aesthetic benefits for both residential and commercial properties.
At Austin Canvas & Awning, we specialize in designing and fabricating custom awnings tailored to our clients’ unique needs. This guide explores the different types, materials, and components of awnings, as well as why they are an essential addition to your property.
Fabric Awnings: Timeless Elegance and Versatility
Fabric awnings are a popular choice for adding charm, personality, and practical value to any building. They provide shade, reduce energy costs, and protect outdoor spaces from the elements. At Austin Canvas & Awning, we use premium fabrics such as canvas, vinyl, and coating-based materials to ensure long-lasting quality and performance.
Styles of Fabric Awnings
Our custom fabric awnings come in a variety of styles to match any architectural design:
Traditional Straight Slope: Clean and straightforward for a classic look.
Open Traditional Straight Slope: Similar to the traditional style but with an open framework.
Dome: Rounded shape for a soft, elegant aesthetic.
Long Dome: Extended version of the dome awning, perfect for larger windows or entryways.
Half Barrel & Quarter Barrel: Curved designs that add depth and style.
A-Frame & Hipped: Steeply sloped for a dynamic appearance.
Concave & Convex: Inward or outward curves for a unique profile.
Flat Panels: Simple and modern with a sleek, flat finish.
Eyebrow: Subtle awnings that frame windows with a minimalist design.
Pyramid: A geometric, standout shape.
Valances: Decorative Edges for Fabric Awnings
Valances are the decorative trims found at the edges of fabric awnings. These can be soft valances (fabric) or hard valances (rigid). We offer customizable styles for valances, including:
Straight: A clean, uniform finish.
Greek Key: A classic, interlocking design.
French, English, Roman: Timeless decorative patterns.
Wave & Serpentine: Fluid, curved edges for a playful look.
Spanish: A bold, ornate style.
Applique Trims
Valances can also feature applique trims, allowing for added customization with logos, graphics, or intricate designs. These options are ideal for businesses looking to brand their storefront or create a unique aesthetic.
Custom Graphics for Fabric Awnings
At Austin Canvas & Awning, we provide custom graphic solutions for fabric awnings. Whether you need branding for your business or decorative enhancements, we can apply graphics to various parts of your awning, including:
Valances
Slopes
Sides
Fabric Types We Use
Austin Canvas & Awning focuses on high-quality, durable materials for our fabric awnings:
Canvas: A traditional choice with excellent durability and aesthetic appeal.
Vinyl: Perfect for waterproofing and easy maintenance.
Coating-Based Fabrics: Including flame-coated materials for enhanced safety and weather resistance.
We also offer solution-dyed acrylic and acrylic-coated polyester options for specialized projects.
Custom Powder-Coated Frames
We build powder-coated frames in-house to complement your fabric awnings. Powder coating provides a durable, rust-resistant finish in a wide range of colors, ensuring your awning frame matches your property’s style.
Aluminum Awnings: Durable and Customizable Solutions
For clients seeking modern, durable, and highly customizable shading solutions, our aluminum awnings are the perfect choice. Each aluminum canopy is carefully designed to meet the exact dimensions and specifications of the client’s property.
Types of Aluminum Awnings We Offer
Hanger Rod Canopies:
Suspended canopies supported by rods, ideal for commercial properties.
Designed to accommodate lighting fixtures (Austin Canvas & Awning builds canopies to support lighting but does not install the fixtures).
Sunshades:
Provide effective shading for gardens, patios, and outdoor areas.
Walkway Canopies:
Post-supported structures offering protection for outdoor corridors or entrances.
Louvers:
Provide sun control, ventilation, and privacy for windows and outdoor spaces.
Curves & Arches:
Architectural accents that enhance entryways and facades.
Trellises & Pergolas:
Stylish solutions for outdoor dining areas, gardens, and patios.
Cantilevered Canopies:
Sleek, modern designs perfect for storefronts, doors, and windows.
Decorative Accents:
Laser-cut aluminum designs for a customized, architectural flair.
Lighting Fixture Support
While we don’t install lighting fixtures, our aluminum canopies can be built to support integrated lighting systems, making them ideal for commercial and retail applications.
Powder-Coated Aluminum
All our aluminum awnings and canopies are powder-coated in-house to ensure a durable, weather-resistant finish that complements your property’s style.
The Parts of an Awning: Fabric and Aluminum
An awning is composed of multiple components, each playing a crucial role in its functionality and appearance:
Key Components of Fabric Awnings
Fabric Covering: The main material that provides shade and protection.
Frame: Powder-coated metal structures that support the fabric.
Valances: Decorative edges that enhance the awning’s aesthetic.
Mounting Brackets: Secure the awning to the building’s structure.
Key Components of Aluminum Canopies
Aluminum Panels: Durable, weather-resistant materials that provide shading.
Support Structure: Can include hanger rods, posts, or cantilevered designs.
Integrated Design Features: Such as curved or louvered panels for added functionality.
Renderings: Visualizing Your Custom Awning
At Austin Canvas & Awning, we provide renderings for select projects to help clients visualize how their awnings will look on their properties. This is especially useful for complex aluminum canopy designs or custom fabric awnings with unique features.
Why Choose Austin Canvas & Awning?
For over 75 years, Austin Canvas & Awning has been the trusted name in custom awning solutions. Here’s why clients choose us:
Expert Craftsmanship: From initial design to final installation, we handle every step in-house.
Custom Solutions: Every awning is tailored to meet your specific needs and style.
Durable Materials: High-quality fabrics and aluminum ensure long-lasting performance.
Powder Coating: On-site finishing for a polished, weather-resistant product.
Renderings: Visual previews for a confident design choice.
Customer Satisfaction: Our team is dedicated to exceeding your expectations.
Contact Us for Custom Awning Solutions
Whether you need a stylish fabric awning or a durable aluminum canopy, Austin Canvas & Awning has the expertise to deliver the perfect solution.
Contact Information:
Phone: 704-921-0129
Email: info@austincanvas.com
Address: 2901 Stewart Creek Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28216, USA