When searching for functional and stylish shelter solutions for your patio or garden, you may discover both retractable pergolas and awnings. On the surface, they look and sound the same as they both provide shade and shelter. So how do they differ, and how do you know which solution to choose?

The simplest answer here is that, regardless of what the websites may state, the two options are quite different from each other. Let’s explore the differences that set them apart from one another.

Inclusions and Set Up

An awning is basically a fabric overhang which is attached to the wall of your house. It rolls out from a roller mechanism that is mounted above your patio doors. When it’s extended, it is held out by a pair of folding arms that collapse when you open or close the mechanism. This is a wall-mounted set up, and that’s all there is to it.

In contrast, a retractable pergola is a fully integrated structure with either a set of four posts (or two if it’s wall-mounted) and a louvered roof system that opens and closes. This is usually achieved with a motorised mechanism or a sliding fabric canopy. It’s a substantial piece of construction. You can think of it as an outdoor room other than just a sunshade.

This covers the difference in installations. Awnings require a solid wall and reliable fixing points. Retractable pergolas require either a concrete base for the posts or extremely secure wall mounting for a lean-to. The pergola choice is often more complicated to install and usually requires a pro for the electrical work, especially if you want it motorised.

In terms of size, standard awnings max out at around 3.5 to 4 metres in projection, which is how far they extend from the wall. Width is more variable, but it also comes with practical limits. Perpendicular to the wall, you’re also limited to where the wall is.

Retractable pergolas, on the other hand, cover much larger areas. You can get up to 6 meters in width with comparable depth options. Since they are freestanding, you can place them wherever makes sense in the garden, unlike the placement against the house with the awning.

Weather Protection

Retractable awnings are fine for light rain and sun but offer little or no protection against wind. They do need to be retracted when it gets too gusty or else they are at risk for damage. They are designed to be unable to deal with heavy rain, as water will pool onto the fabric and weigh it down.

Retractable pergolas look much nicer and deal with weather concerns much more effectively. It is more difficult for rain to pool, and the rigid structure makes wind less of an issue. Some systems even partially close in moderate wind, allowing for more use.

Cost Reality

Retractable awnings do offer more options, but the costs for pergola systems are higher. Most retractable awnings start at approximately £400 and go as high as £3,000 –  £4,000 for decent motorised one with good fabric.

Retractable pergolas start at around £3,000 for the basics. Good motorised louver systems go for £10,000.

Design and Aesthetic

Many people like awnings for how subtle and uniform they look. Some people may see awnings as cheap looking; cassettes are boxes on the wall that are small and covered and have nothing hanging down. When an awning is extended, they have the traditional, plain, and sometimes striped awning they people have. In retractable awnings, people have personal ownership of downgrading the appearance of their business or home.

Retractable pergolas on the other hand, look and act as a functional garden accessory. It builds an outdoor room and becoming part of the outdoor decor. When the roof is open, the frame, and vertical posts close it in, unlike an awning, and fully open. This can make a performance that is either outstanding or awful, depending on the taste of the observers. It makes a large visual attraction within a space.

Which One Makes Sense?  

A small to medium sized patio right up against the house is a good candidate for an awning. These are preference outdoor features of the house. A retractable pergola is comparable to a room of the house without walls that provides an outdoor living space and outdoor entertaining, The retractable pergola is more expensive and more complex and is practical and provides greater comfort of living.

Consider fixed pergolas with retractable shade cloth if you want the structural elements of a pergola without the full investment.

The Honest Takeaway

In reality, these are not competing products. They each solve different problems at different price points. An awning is a functional shade solution. A pergola, retractable or otherwise, is outdoor architecture.

Consider how much you plan to utilise your outdoor area, what weather protection you truly need, and your budget. That will guide you in the right direction. And if you are still uncertain, begin with something less permanent. You can always make changes later once you’ve determined how you use the space.