Retractable awnings are some of the most versatile and helpful additions to any home. The cost to install a retractable awning ranges from $1,025 to $4,750, with most homeowners nationwide paying around $2,735.
From keeping out the sun’s dangerous UV rays to protecting your vehicles and prized possessions from the burning heat, retractable awnings do it all. They let you control the sunlight you want in your home or deck while being elegant and stylish.
For information on a wider variety of awning styles (not just the retractable kind), see our general awning cost guide.
In this guide:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Retractable Awning Costs in 2024
National Average Cost | $2,735 |
Typical Price Range | $1,025 – $4,750 |
Extreme Low-End Cost | $250 |
Extreme High-End Cost | $14,495 |
The costs for a retractable awning vary greatly, especially when it comes to being motorized or manual. You can install a retractable manual awning on your window for as low as $250. On the other hand, if you want a big motorized awning covering your deck, you can expect to pay up to $14,495.
You can save money by installing the awning yourself, but larger awnings require help from another person, and motorized awnings can sometimes require electrical expertise.
Retractable Awning Cost Estimator by Size
In general, the larger the awning size, the more it will cost. This is because larger awnings require more material, are more complicated, and take longer to install, increasing both labor and material costs.
You can use the table below to estimate the costs for your retractable awning based on the planned size:
Retractable Awning Size | Average Cost to Install |
8×10 | $1,000 – $2,200 |
10×10 | $1,250 – $2,750 |
10×12 | $1,400 – $3,200 |
12×12 | $1,830 – $4,160 |
20×12 | $3,050 – $6,600 |
20×20 | $4,665 – $10,665 |
The most common awning size is 10×12, so you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $3,200. However, the size of the awning doesn’t totally dictate the cost, and prices can decrease or increase depending on the number of features.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
If you’re planning a retractable awning installation, several things should be considered so you can get the most bang for your buck. Here’s a list of the most important cost factors:
Type
Retractable awnings are fast becoming the most popular type of awning on the market today. They come in many different styles and sizes, so choosing one that works for you and your budget can take time.
The table below shows a cost estimate for the most popular types of retractable awnings:
Shade cloth or sailcloth
Shade awnings are very easy to set up and take down, as you only have to tie their ends in the area you want to be shaded. They don’t have a structure and are only fabric, which means you can roll them up and store them when you’re not using them.
Shade cloths or sailcloths cost from $40 to $100.
Retractable freestanding awning
A retractable freestanding awning is designed to provide shade and shelter from the elements without needing to attach it to your home. Freestanding awnings are an excellent choice if you don’t want the trouble of drilling into your walls for anchors or if you live in a rental.
Retractable freestanding awnings cost between $535 and $7,000, depending on the size and material.
Retractable canopy
Retractable canopies are the most popular type of awning. These products are great for keeping your patio comfortable and extending the life of expensive patio furniture, decking, and floors.
The costs for a retractable canopy range from $600 to $6,000, depending on the size, material, and whether it is manual or motorized.
Retractable drop-arm
While many retractable awnings look similar at a glance, retractable drop-arm awnings differ from others by having an attached side arm that opens and closes the canopy. The process takes seconds and is nearly as fast as rolling up a window on a car or truck.
There are manual and motorized retractable drop-arm awnings, which cost between $650 and $6,335.
Retractable vertical
A retractable vertical drop awning, or screen awning, works like a window shade: you pull it down to shade a particular outdoor living area. They’re different from other awnings, as they’re not overhead but provide shade sideways.
Retractable vertical awnings cost from $835 to $7,335, depending on whether they are motorized, manual, or operated by a crank.
Retractable motorized
If you have a large deck or patio with plenty of exposure to the sun, choosing motorized awnings can be an excellent investment. They may be more expensive than traditional ones, but they add value to your property by offering extra protection from harmful UV rays, all with just a push of the remote control.
Retractable motorized awnings cost between $1,065 and $20,000, with varying prices depending on the size and number of features.
Manual vs. Motorized
When choosing between retractable awnings, you’ll also want to consider the different retracting systems: manual or motorized. While both awnings have their benefits, there are some differences that you should consider, depending on your needs.
Manual Retractable Awnings
Manual retracting systems are easier to install, often requiring less money and labor. They usually last longer and will need less repairing. However, manual retractable awnings are operated by hand, which might not be adequate for larger and heavier awnings.
They cost between $505 and $1,650.
Motorized Retractable Awnings
A motor controls motorized retractable awnings, so you won’t have to struggle to get it up and down when you want it there. Some even come with wind sensors that automatically allow them to retract if there are high winds.
However, motorized retractable awnings may require an electrician to install, which increases costs. The costs to repair or replace a motor are not cheap, either. The costs for a motorized awning range from $2,060 to $10,740.
Material
Retractable awnings are usually made with vinyl or acrylic fabric. They offer the same functionality: shade to your patio or deck on those hot summer days, mildew resistance, UV resistance, and water resistance.
As far as costs go, there’s a slight difference between the two fabrics, with acrylic fabric ($350 – $4,500) costing slightly more than vinyl ($400 – $4,500). The awning’s size, type, and retracting system are more significant in determining the final costs, so the material is really a matter of personal preference.
Brand
Finding a retractable awning with precisely the features and functionality you’re looking for can be challenging. Luckily, there are a few brands that sell awnings. Some are more expensive but also have more advanced and innovative awning models.
The table below shows the average costs for each of the most common awning brands on the market today:
Brand | Average Costs |
Aleko | $500 – $2,000 |
KE | $700 – $3,000 |
Sunesta | $900 – $4,000 |
SunSetter | $1,000 – $3,000 |
Sunair | $2,200 – $7,000 |
Labor
Professional installation costs for retractable awnings depend on a few things: if it’s a manual or motorized awning, how big the awning is, and whether it is a complex installation in a difficult area. The table below displays an estimate for labor costs (not including the awning itself), depending on the type of awning:
Type of Awning | Average Labor Costs |
Manual retractable awning | $200 – $400 |
Motorized retractable awning | $500 – $1,000 |
On average, you can expect to pay between $200 and $400 for a manual awning installation and between $500 and $1,000 for a motorized installation. However, these costs can go up to $2,000 for multiple awnings or a retractable patio cover system installation with several added features.
Placement
Another essential factor to consider is the placement of the awning. The actual place where you’ll install the awning doesn’t affect costs, but some locations require larger awnings, which may be more expensive. For example, window and door awnings are small and will cost less than an awning to cover your entire patio or pool.
The chart below exemplifies some typical locations for awnings and the average costs associated with them:
Awning Location | Average Installation Costs |
Windows | $250 – $500 |
Doors | $250 – $600 |
Balconies | $300 – $2,000 |
Patios and Decks | $800 – $6,000 |
Pool | $1,200 – $25,000 |
Related Services
Retractable awnings are a great addition to any home. Still, you might want to consider the following services if you consider installing one.
Awning Repair
Sometimes, awnings can fail well before their time due to mishandling or extreme weather conditions. After a while, they may begin to malfunction due to issues with the wiring, motor, or lateral arm. They can also suffer damage like rips and tears in the fabric.
Repairing an awning costs around $680 on average, with most homeowners paying between $255 and $1,110, depending on the type of repair.
Pool Enclosure
A pool enclosure is a great way to increase the value of your property. Plus, it can protect your pool from chilly winds and keep debris and bugs from falling into the water.
A pool enclosure installation is a little more complex than an awning installation. It can cost as much as $61,033 to install. However, most people pay $12,057, with typical project costs ranging from $6,333 to $19,666.
Pergola
A pergola is a wonderful way to add an attractive focal point and provide shade in your yard or garden while letting light in. You can make a pergola from many types of wood, aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass.
The price for a pergola can range from $2,100 to $6,000, depending on how large you want the pergola to be and the materials used.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
You can easily install your own awning to save from $200 up to $1,000 on labor costs. However, DIY is only recommended for manual and small retractable awnings.
Motorized awnings usually require an electrician and professional installation, so it’s not recommended to do it yourself, as you risk damaging the awning and hurting yourself.
Here is the equipment you’ll need to install your manual awning:
DIY Equipment | Average Cost |
Ladder | $125 |
Cordless drill | $120 |
12 or 14 mm drill bit | $10 |
Hammer | $18 |
Level | $35 |
Total DIY cost: | $323 |
Installing a manual retractable awning costs around $323 if you don’t have any of the tools above at home. Of course, the prices can be even lower if you already have them in your toolbox.
Cost of Retractable Awning Installation by Location
The average cost of a retractable awning also varies depending on where you live. If you’re in a metropolitan area, you’re probably used to paying more for most things, and awning installation is no different.
There is more demand for materials and labor in urban areas than in rural areas. Therefore, awning installation will usually cost more. Get quotes from a few local awning installers to find out exactly how much a retractable awning costs in your area.
FAQ
How long your retractable awning lasts will depend on several factors. Awnings can last up to 20 years if cared for properly, such as retracting when there are high winds or other harsh weather conditions. In addition, with some awning brands, you can get an extended warranty for an extra fee.
However, you might need to replace the awning fabric after about 8 years. Likewise, if it’s motorized, you may need to repair or replace the motor after a few years.
A 12-foot retractable awning costs between $1,400 and $4,160. Prices will vary depending on the material, type, and operational system (whether manual or motorized).
Yes, a retractable awning is worth it. Patio and deck awnings can keep your outdoor space cooler by providing shade. Window and door awnings can also lower your home’s temperature, conserving energy. In addition, retractable awnings add curb appeal to your home, making reselling easier.
Final Thoughts
Retractable awnings offer an elegant, convenient way to add style to your home. On the other hand, they’re a bit tricky to install. Hiring a professional awning installer costs between $1,025 and $4,750, including labor and materials. Find one near you today and start enjoying your outdoor living space year-round.
Main Photo by: European Rolling Shutters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0