How Much Do Retractable Awnings Cost in 2025?
Retractable awnings cost an average of $2,000
A retractable awning costs an average of $2,000 for most homeowners, with an average range of $1,500 and $3,500.
Motorized models generally cost more than manual, hand-crank awnings.
Other key pricing factors include location, placement, framing, and the cost of fabric materials. Plan for labor and possible permit fees as well.
Once in place, an awning adds shade, boosts outdoor comfort, and can even trim cooling costs by blocking direct sun.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, retractable awnings cost between $1,500 and $3,500 with an average total of $2,000. Your final price depends on factors like location, size, fabric quality, and the type of awning you choose. The right option keeps your outdoor space cooler and protects it from the sun and light rain, without stretching your budget. Hiring a professional ensures your awnings are securely installed and can save you from costly mistakes.
Retractable Awning Cost Factors
To estimate your budget, consider key factors such as size, materials, and type when determining the cost of a retractable awning. Consult with local awning installation companies who can help you decide on the best solution for your home.
Size
The most common awning size is 10 feet by 12 feet. Retractable awnings vary in price depending on size; larger awnings cost more.
Cost by Type
There are several retractable-awning styles, and prices hinge on materials and installation complexity. For instance, a large, motorized canopy can cost $7,500 or more, while a simple window awning can cost $300.
Canopy
Manual retractable canopies are the most common type of retractable awning. They attach to the home, roof, or pergola and can be operated by a crank or motor.
Drop-Arm
As indicated in the name, the fabric on this type of canopy attaches to an arm that stretches and supports it from underneath when fully opened, then retracts when the canopy is closed.
Freestanding
Freestanding retractable awnings sit apart from the house, and their costs vary widely with size, frame material, and extra features.
For example, a 10-by-10-foot freestanding pergola with a metal frame that isn’t retractable would run at the lower end of the cost range, while a 15-by-20-foot canopy with built-in lights and a Bluetooth speaker would fall at the higher end of this price range. This is a good choice if you don’t want to permanently change your home's structure.
Motorized
Motorized canopies are the easiest to maneuver as they come with a motor that does the work for you, though you will need to hire a local licensed electrician to help you install it.
Vertical
They can be either manually run or motorized. A retractable vertical drop works similarly to a window shade as you pull it down to shield a patio or sunroom from light.
Material
A retractable awning consists of two main parts: the fabric and the frame. Each component has its own pricing considerations.
Awning Fabric
Retractable awning fabric is made of either vinyl or acrylic and is priced between $300 and $2,000. Both are similar in price for the awning fabric itself, depending on size and design. A small shade cloth for a patio would fall at the lower end of the pricing spectrum, while a large retractable awning would cost more. Consider the differences in awning fabric replacement cost when budgeting to install a retractable awning for the first time.
Frame Material
Prices for awning frame materials vary widely, depending on which material you choose. A metal awning costs more than an equivalent wooden frame, but it will almost certainly have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance than a wooden one.
Brand
Like all products, the brand of retractable awning you choose influences how much you pay for it. While prices vary significantly, the following brands remain among the most popular.
| Brand | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Aleko | $150–$700 |
| Awntech | $250–$4,000 |
| Beauty-Mark | $300–$2,500 |
| SunSetter | $800–$4,000 |
Placement
Where you want to place your awning can also impact how much your retractable awning installation costs. Installing a fully motorized awning over a pool, for example, is more costly than placing a crank awning on a pergola away from your home.
Patio awnings cover the widest price range because of all the available designs. A freestanding model costs less than an attached version, and manual controls are cheaper than motorized systems.
Labor
Plan to spend $250 to $3,000 on professional installation. That price covers a general contractor to mount the awning and, if it’s motorized, a licensed electrician to wire the motor. Rates rise with larger sizes, premium materials, and any added prep work.
Permits
Homeowners rarely need permits before installing a retractable awning. If your jurisdiction requires one, building permits cost an average of $25 for this type of project. Your pro will know the specifics. If your installation requires electrical work, you may also need an inspection. Confirm with your pro for local requirements.
Technology Upgrades
To protect them from the elements, some awnings have a sensor option that automatically closes the canopy when there’s precipitation or high wind. They may also open automatically when they sense sunshine.
Does Installing Retractable Awnings Increase Home Value?
Retractable awnings rarely deliver a dollar-for-dollar return, but they do boost curb appeal and expand usable outdoor space—two features that help a home show better to prospective buyers.
Budgeting for Retractable Awnings
When installing a new retractable awning, careful planning and strategic decision-making can help ensure you get good value and the most functionality for your money:
Discuss your options with at least three local contractors to compare pricing and availability.
Pay close attention to your property’s sun patterns to determine the optimal awning location that maximizes shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Choose awning fabrics that offer UV protection, water resistance, and mildew resistance to prolong the lifespan of your investment.
Confirm local building rules and HOA guidelines before purchasing to avoid unexpected fees or compliance issues.
For motorized awnings, opt for high-quality motors for peace of mind regarding long-term reliability.
Consider extended warranty options to offset possible awning repair costs in the future.
Budget for long-term maintenance, including regular cleaning, motor servicing, and fabric replacements.
Compare wind resistance ratings, especially in areas with high winds and severe weather conditions.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Durability varies by component. A sturdy aluminum frame often lasts 20 years or more, while fabric needs replacing every 10 years, longer if it’s coated for UV and moisture protection. Motorized parts have a shorter lifespan, from five to 15 years, depending on how often the awning is used and how well it is protected from wind and rain.
Retractable awnings are not designed to be used in the rain. They are intended to provide shade on dry, sunny days, rather than protecting people and furnishings from precipitation, and certainly not against heavy storms. The retractable awning may be fine with a light drizzle, but you should retract it if you expect inclement weather or severe storms.
Depending on your local climate conditions, some retractable awnings can be used year-round, including during both winter and summer. However, you should carefully check the instructions for your specific product and find out what steps you should take to winterize the awning fabric. Sometimes, you can purchase a special cover to place over the material during winter.
Retractable awnings offer significant benefits by instantly enhancing outdoor comfort and protecting your furniture and living spaces from harmful UV exposure and inclement weather. They provide efficient shade that lowers cooling expenses and add a modern, stylish touch to your home’s exterior. Their installation extends the usable area of patios and decks while reducing maintenance needs by safeguarding surfaces against sun damage and rain.
Get our Angi-powered app
