Reasons to Purchase a Custom Awning Instead of a Prefabricated Awning

Denise O'Leary • November 17, 2021
0 minute read
Yellow custom awning over patio furniture

Nearly every awning needs to be custom built to some extent. The lengths and widths of windows vary. The angles at which the sun hits one home or business might be entirely different than the way it hits another home or business. The sizes of patios and seating areas are far from consistent.


There’s really no one-size-fits all shade sail, patio awning, retractable awning, window awning, door awning or sun shade. You may be able to find low-cost prefabricated alternatives online, but chances are the sizes won’t be exactly right and the installation instructions and materials you receive in a kit will leave a lot to be desired.


If you are interested in investing in an awning, shade sail or patio awning solution that will last for years or even decades to come, it’s in your best interest to speak with professional Phoenix awning designers and installers like those at Arizona Awnings.


Color, Fabric and Valance Options


Most home and business owners want window awnings, patio awnings or shade structures that match the décor of their property and color palette of their landscaping. Ordering an awning kit or fabric online may limit your choice of color or fabric options. You might also find that the color doesn’t exactly match your home’s exterior color or backyard once you finally have a chance to see it in person.


Working with a company like Arizona Awnings gives you the chance to inspect color options and fabric choices in person. Our sales associates and awning designers will be happy to visit your home and walk you through your many color and valance options so don’t have to do guesswork on a website or in a hardware store.


Avoid Unexpected and Unwelcome Complications


There might be scenarios in which a set of blinds you buy online are perfectly adequate for a window in a guest bedroom. Awnings are a little different since the style, shape, size and angles needed aren’t nearly as static as the length or height of a window in a bedroom.


There are a lot of variables that may impact what type of awning looks or works best for your home and shade needs.


There may even be factors you overlook when making your prefab awning purchase. For example, the distance between a window and your roof’s fascia might limit or expand your potential awning style options.


It’s also difficult to judge the quality, durability and longevity of products like patio awnings based on pictures you see online. A retractable awning you purchase on the internet may turn out to be flimsy, too short and difficult to install.


How those window awnings, patio awnings or shades are anchored can affect not only their usability and shade protection but also how well they weather monsoon storms and high winds.


Working with a company that installs custom awnings ensures you get an awning that looks great and has the strength and durability to stand up to whatever the weather throws at you.


Know the Truth About Your Options


There are many people who see the price of kits online and assume the money they save on installation justifies the DIY approach to home improvement. Unfortunately, it’s hard to get all the information you need to make an informed decision from a product page on a website. For example, should you get a motorized retractable awning or a manual retractable awning? There are both potential benefits and problems with either option.


Another problem is those kits are often difficult to install and the end result on your home rarely looks so perfectly measured and taught as the example image you saw on the internet.


Pictures you find online might provide a starting point for your own awning project, but only an expert in the field can provide a thorough list of pros and cons for your awning ideas. They understand which shade solutions provide the best performance in certain situations and can explain any problems that might arise during installation or from a performance standpoint.


Buying a prefab DIY awning may result in you paying a lot of money on a patio or retractable awning that you could never get to work right, or one that broke in a matter of months. Working with a reputable custom awning company ensures you’re protected by warranties and guarantees on work quality.


You might be an accomplished DIYer, but chances are you haven’t installed literally thousands of patio awnings, window awnings and commercial shade solutions all around the Phoenix area. The professionals at Arizona Awnings know their stuff, and they’re far more likely to provide the sharp and flawless results you want when your awning project is complete.


Get the Best Possible Patio Awning, Window Awning or Shade Solution for Your Home in Phoenix


Arizona Awnings is committed to designing and installing awnings to our customers’ exacting expectations. Whether you’re a business that needs window awnings that align with your brand guidelines or you’re a homeowner who wants to make sure the colors of your awning match up perfectly with your landscaping or home, we can help.


Call our awning design experts at 602-252-3430 for a free, no-obligation estimate. 

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