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For any outdoor space, it’s important to have some sort of covering to provide shade and protect against the elements. There are several options available for outdoor patio coverings, but two of the most popular are awnings and umbrellas. Which option is best for your deck or patio depends on several different factors.
In this quick guide, you’ll find out the differences between an umbrella vs. awning covering. You’ll also get some easy outdoor patio umbrella ideas to upgrade your space.
Before getting into which covering is best for your space, here’s a quick overview of the difference between an umbrella and an awning.
An awning is a rectangular, slanted covering typically attached to an existing structure. An umbrella, on the other hand, is a circular covering that folds outward from a central post.
Both awnings and umbrellas provide shade and shelter. However, they each offer different benefits depending on the purpose.
While awnings can be either fixed or retractable, they typically can’t be moved without uninstalling and reinstalling them. However, they can usually cover a larger area than an umbrella.
Umbrellas are portable and easy to move, and you can adjust the angle, making them a more flexible covering. Most umbrellas are freestanding and able to attach to a weighted base or table.
Here are some of the advantages offered by awnings:
These are some of the various types of awnings:
Yes, there are many cases where it makes sense to use both an awning and an umbrella. In fact, layering shade sources works especially well in large spaces or multi-zone patios.
Yes, in most cases, awnings provide better UV protection than umbrellas, especially awnings with UV-blocking fabric or solid polycarbonate panels.
Free-standing umbrellas with wind vents are great for breezy conditions, since they allow some air to escape out of the top. Fixed awnings are sturdier than most umbrellas, but require proper installation, which may mean hiring an installer.
Retractable awnings aren’t necessarily difficult to operate. Many come with manual cranks or motorized controls for convenient extension and retraction.
While some awnings can work for rental homes, umbrellas are usually the more renter-friendly option. Not only are they free-standing, but they’re also portable and don’t require professional installation.
Umbrellas also have their advantages over awnings, such as:
Here are some situations where an awning might be the best choice:
Umbrellas, on the other hand, are more suitable for:
Consider these visual design options for awnings:
When it comes to the cost of a retractable awning vs umbrella, awnings are almost always going to be the more expensive option. However, there are a few cost factors to keep in mind:
For an exciting variety of shading options, check out Patio Heat and Shade's line of umbrellas by SimplyShade!