Patio awnings are a handy way to create shade over a patio or to shelter a decked or paved area in the garden. Additionally, they can also provide a decorative touch to a balcony or outdoor space.

When it comes to picking a patio awning, the most important factor to bear in mind is where it will be installed.

- A patio awning can be placed over a patio or balcony, or over a shop front.

- Also known as patio canopies, these awnings are installed over exterior walls to provide shade. They can be tilted to maximise coverage.

- A side awning can also provide protection from the wind and UV rays. These screens can also be used as decoration.

- Patio awnings are easy to assemble and disassemble when the sun gives way to rain and snow. A freestanding model can be moved aroundto suit your needs.

The dimensions of the awning must match the area you want to cover. In order to achieve this, there are a couple of factors to consider:

- The awning must be as wide as possible to cover the length of your patio, balcony or window.

- The projection must also be correctly calculated as this determines the depth of the shadow cast on the ground. For example, an awning with a 2.5-metre projection offers a shade depth of 1.2 metres in full sunlight compared to 2.3 metres for a model with a 3.5-metre projection.

Choosing the right fabric is another important part of selecting an awning, both in terms of style and comfort. Three types of materials are commonly used.

- Polyester has the advantage of being inexpensive, but the colours are more likely to weather.

- Acrylic is highly resistant to UV rays. In addition, it is easy to maintain.

- Micro-perforated PVC fabric filters UV rays while allowing air to pass through for better ventilation. This ensures maximum comfort.

Quick tip: if you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, opt for a waterproof fabric. For sunnier parts of the world, a breathable material will work best.

In summary, your choice of patio awning depends largely on location, climate, the size of area to be covered and your own design tastes.

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