It costs $350 to $900 to install a retractable awning above a window or door and $1,000 to $6,000 to cover a patio or deck. Most homeowners pay $12.50 to $27.50 per square foot, including installation.
The low end of the price range covers models with a manual retraction system and more affordable materials and designs. Motorized awnings with premium materials are on the high end of the price range.
We base our price ranges on averages from our survey of awning prices in cities across the U.S. Your specific cost depends on the type of awning, its placement and size, materials, retracting system, and where you live.
For information on a wider variety of awning styles (not just the retractable kind), see our general awning cost guide.
In this guide:
- Cost by Placement and Size
- Cost by Location
- Professional Installation Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Type of Awning
- Cost by Retracting System
- Cost by Material
- Cost of Permits
- Cost by Brand
- Awning Cleaning
- Awning Mildew Treatments
- Related Home Improvement Projects
- FAQ
Cost by Placement and Size
Some locations require larger awnings, which may be more expensive. For example, window and door awnings are small, typically 4 to 8 feet wide, and will cost less than an awning to cover your entire patio or pool that can be 20 feet by 20 feet or larger.
The chart below exemplifies some typical locations for awnings and the average costs associated with them:
| Awning Location | Average Installation Costs |
| Windows | $350 – $900 |
| Doors | $350 – $900 |
| Balconies | $350 – $2,000 |
| Patios and Decks | $1,000 – $6,000 |
| Pool | $1,200 – $25,000 |
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.
You can use the table below to estimate the costs for your retractable awning based on the planned size:
Cost by Location
How much you’ll pay to install an awning also depends on the cost of materials and labor in your area. If you live in a more expensive city, expect to pay over the national average for the installation of a retractable awning as well as for other home improvement projects.
The table below shows the typical cost of installing retractable awnings in a sample of major cities and small towns nationwide.
| Northeast U.S. | Cost of retractable awnings for doors and windows (6×3.5 to 8×3.5) | Cost of retractable awnings for patios and decks (8×10 to 20×12) |
| New York, NY | $415 – $780 | $1,575 – $6,700 |
| Pawtucket, RI | $370 – $690 | $1,420 – $5,880 |
| Southeast U.S. | ||
| Atlanta, GA | $360 – $650 | $1,360 – $5,590 |
| Dothan, AL | $350 – $625 | $1,330 – $5,350 |
| Midwest U.S. | ||
| Chicago, IL | $385 – $715 | $1,465 – $6,120 |
| South Bend, IN | $370 – $675 | $1,400 – $5,784 |
| Northwest U.S. | ||
| Seattle, WA | $380 – $705 | $1,450 – $5,810 |
| Corvallis, OR | $370 – $680 | $1,410 – $5,810 |
| Southwest U.S. | ||
| San Diego, CA | $380 – $705 | $1,450 – $6,050 |
| Roswell, NM | $360 – $650 | $1,360 – $5,590 |
Use these cost estimates to determine where you stand as price level for retractable awnings based on the region you live in and the size of your city.
Professional Installation Cost vs. DIY Cost
You can install your awning DIY and save $200 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. You risk damaging the awning and hurting yourself.
Find out more about installing an awning from our guides:
- How to Install a Retractable Awning DIY
- Cost to Install a Retractable Awning DIY
Cost by Type of Awning
Retractable awnings are fast becoming the most popular type 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.
Shade cloth or sailcloth
Shade cloth awnings cost from $40 to $100. Also known as sailcloth awnings, they 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.
Shade cloths 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.
Retractable freestanding awning
Retractable freestanding awnings cost between $535 and $7,000, depending on the size and material.
A retractable freestanding awning is designed to provide shade and shelter from the elements without attaching 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 canopy
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 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.
Retractable drop-arm
Retractable drop-arm awnings cost between $650 and $6,335. The low-end price refers to manual models, while the high end refers to motorized awnings.
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.
Retractable vertical
Retractable vertical awnings cost from $835 to $7,335, depending on whether they are motorized, manual, or operated by a crank.
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.
Cost by Retracting System
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 you should consider, depending on your needs.
Manual Retractable Awnings
Manual retracting systems cost between $350 and $1,650 with installation, depending on the awning size.
Retractable awnings with manual systems are easier to install and often require less money and labor. They usually last longer and need fewer repairs. However, manual retractable awnings are operated by hand, which might not be adequate for larger and heavier awnings.
Motorized Retractable Awnings
The costs for a motorized awning range from $2,060 to $10,740, including installation. A motor controls motorized retractable awnings, so you won’t 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.
Cost by 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 (without installation) |
| Advaning | $800 – $4,000 |
| Aleko | $200 – $2,000 |
| Awntech | $300 – $5,000 |
| KE | $700 – $3,000 |
| Sunesta | $900 – $4,000 |
| Sunair | $2,200 – $7,000 |
| SunSetter | $2,800 – $7,500 |
Cost by Material
Retractable awnings are usually made with vinyl or acrylic fabric. They offer the same functionality: shade for your patio or deck on hot summer days, mildew, UV, and water resistance.
As far as costs go, there’s a slight difference between the two fabrics, with acrylic fabric ($400 – $4,500) costing slightly more than vinyl ($350 – $4,500). The awning’s size, type, and retracting system are more significant in determining the final costs, so the material is a matter of personal preference.
Cost of Permits
It’s rare to need a permit to install an awning, but some jurisdictions require it along with a fee of $25 to $100. If your installation requires electric equipment, an inspection might also be required. Check with the pro handling the installation.
Awning Cleaning
Dust, pollutants, tree sap, pollens, and bird droppings are just a few causes of dirty, unsightly awnings. Retractable awnings can be made squeaky clean again for $0.35 to $1.75 per square foot. The service should include the reapplication of waterproof treatments and UV sealants.
Awning Mildew Treatments
It costs $50 to $100 per treatment to make your awning mildew-resistant and prolong its lifespan. Multiple treatments might be necessary during a year, depending on where you live and the weather.
Related Home Improvement Projects
Here are other projects you might want to consider as part of the home improvement project:
- Window repairs – Repair any broken windows before installing retractable awnings. The cost to repair a window ranges between $170 and $565.
- Pool enclosure – It protects your pool from chilly winds and keeps debris and bugs from falling into the water. Pool enclosures cost $6,333 to $19,666.
- Installing a pergola – The price of a pergola ranges from $2,100 to $6,000, depending on how large you want the pergola to be and the materials used.
- Building a deck – It costs $3,920 to $10,540 to build a deck in your yard for summer leisure, depending on the deck size and materials.
FAQ About Retractable Awnings
How long do retractable awnings last?
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.
How much wind can a retractable awning withstand?
Most retractable awnings can withstand winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour, while high-quality models with sturdier structures can tolerate winds of up to 40 miles per hour without damage.
Is a retractable awning worth it?
Yes, a retractable awning is worth it. Patio and deck awnings can keep your outdoor space cooler by providing shade. Window and door awnings also can lower your home’s temperature, conserving energy. In addition, retractable awnings add curb appeal to your home, making reselling easier.
Find a Professional Awning Installer Near You
Retractable awnings offer an elegant, convenient way to add style to your home. On the other hand, they’re a bit tricky to install. Find a professional awning installer near you through Window Gnome and enjoy blissful shade today!
Main Photo by: European Rolling Shutters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
