Awnings
Retractable awnings fall into two main housing styles — open-frame and cassette — and can be specified with manual or motorized operation. Each combination suits different coverage needs, facade conditions, and budgets.
Open-frame and cassette retractable awnings solve different priorities. Open-frame awnings lead on coverage, deeper projection, and budget; cassette awnings lead on housing appearance, fabric protection, and architectural integration.
Most projects also come down to whether manual crank operation is enough or whether motorized operation — with wall switches, remotes, and optional sun or wind sensors — fits daily use better. Comparing these tradeoffs early makes it easier to narrow the right awning.
Housing Styles
The two main retractable awning housing styles solve different priorities around coverage, appearance, and fabric protection.
Open frame — arms and roller exposed when retracted, with an optional hood as an upgrade. Best for larger backyard patios, rear decks, and value-driven projects where broader overhead coverage matters more than a closed architectural housing.
Learn MoreSemi-closed or fully closed cassette housing that protects the fabric and arms when retracted. Best for residential patios, decks, balconies, terraces, and design-led outdoor spaces where a cleaner facade look, better fabric protection, or architectural integration matters.
Learn MoreHow They Differ
Coverage, housing appearance, fabric protection, and operation style each change the right pick.
Choose open-frame when broader width, deeper projection, or a value-tier budget lead the decision and the exposed roller is acceptable on the facade.
Learn MoreChoose cassette when the housing will be visible year-round, long-term fabric protection matters, or the space is compact enough that the visual size of the housing is important.
Learn MoreManual crank operation is still a reasonable choice on smaller awnings used occasionally — most common on compact open-frame models.
Learn MoreMotorized awnings with wall switch, remote, and optional sun or wind sensors are the right match for daily use and for most cassette-tier projects.
Learn MoreApplications
Common applications help show where open-frame or cassette awnings tend to fit best, from everyday patios and decks to balconies, rooftops, and hospitality areas.
Retractable awnings for rear patios, outdoor dining zones, and everyday backyard shade control.
Learn MoreShade systems for raised and ground-level decks where late-day exposure and comfort are the main concern.
Learn MoreRetractable awnings for condo and house balconies where compact outdoor spaces need flexible shade without permanent overhead structures.
Learn MoreRetractable awnings for open terraces where sun exposure, flexible shade, and cleaner overhead coverage matter.
Learn MoreAwning systems for outdoor kitchens and adjacent prep, dining, and entertaining zones that need dependable seasonal shade.
Learn MoreRetractable shade for poolside lounge areas, seating zones, and backyard cabana-adjacent spaces.
Learn MoreCommercial retractable awnings for restaurant patios that need customer comfort, flexible shade, and cleaner seasonal coverage.
Learn MoreRetractable awnings for cafe patios and sidewalk seating where compact footprints still need practical shade.
Learn MoreAwning applications for storefronts, entrances, and customer-facing commercial frontages that benefit from shade and curb appeal.
Learn MoreRetractable awnings for condo amenity terraces, shared lounges, and outdoor resident gathering areas.
Learn MoreAwning systems for rooftop patios where open exposure, glare, and flexible shade coverage are key planning concerns.
Learn MoreRetractable awnings for hotel patios, terraces, and guest-facing outdoor hospitality spaces.
Learn MoreCities
Use these city pages to compare where different awning styles fit best across strong GTA service areas.
Retractable awnings for newer Vaughan patios, decks, and backyard entertaining spaces.
Learn MoreCustom awnings for Richmond Hill homes with exposed rear patios, decks, and pergola-adjacent seating areas.
Learn MoreRetractable awnings for Markham patios, balconies, decks, and townhouse outdoor spaces that need flexible overhead shade.
Learn MoreRetractable awnings for Aurora patios, decks, and backyard seating areas that need broader overhead shade coverage.
Learn MoreWe can review your patio, deck, balcony, or terrace and recommend whether an open-frame or cassette awning — and manual or motorized operation — is the right fit for your project.
