Whether you're looking to provide shade for clientele at a restaurant or for a backyard at a private residence, you're faced with the same dilemma: which fabric works best for the client. In this guide we aim to help you make a choice for an awning that your client will love.

Even though most manufacturers can customize the fit of the awning, it's important to note the physical space where the awning will be in such as a residential, suburban, urban or commercial environment. Additionally, it's also important to note the exact placement for the awning - entrance, patio, street/sidewalk, walkway, or window.

After determining the location for the awning, the next step is to figure out the dimensions for it to ensure the client will get appropriate coverage. If you're looking at a freestanding structure like the one above, then the most important measurements involve the height and length of the desired space. If you are, however, looking for awnings to cover windows in a commercial environment, then you'll need to consider the length, depth, and height of the doors or windows that you're looking to cover.

Once you have the dimensions for the awning, you'll need to consider the aesthetic properties next. This is perhaps the most time consuming task as you'll need to choose the material, shape, and desired color for the project. First, you should decide the material you want to use. Some of the more popular choices include fabric, metal, glass, or vinyl. Next, you'll want to specify the shape of the awning. Common shapes include domed, convex, and gabled. Typically the shape of the awning is influenced by the use of it. For example, an awning designed for windows or doors may follow a dome, arch, or gable design. This would vary from an awning intended to cover a walkway or patio since it would often be flatter in design.

The last specification you want to make is the desired performance standard for the awning. Does your client want it to be retractable? What kind of retraction do they want - manual, motorized, fixed, or remote control? Are they seeking one that is flame retardant, fade resistant, and easy to clean? Luckily, most awning fabrics already exhibit these qualities and also offer additional qualities like: abrasion resistance, UV resistance, anti-microbial & anti-fungal, breath-ability, weather resistance, stain resistance and light control.

Ready to choose an awning for your next project? Browse 'awning' on CADdetails.com