As spring approaches, and boy am I looking forward to it after this harsh winter, many of us are thinking about getting outside and enjoying the warm weather with our families. But relatively speaking we want to be able to enjoy being outside but still have some protection from the elements and the harsh rays of the sun. And that is where choosing an outdoor covering that will meet your needs comes into play.
So what is the difference between an awning and a canopy? Many people use the two words interchangeably, and I guess that is really okay. But when I think of a canopy, I usually am not referring to the overhead fabric covering, I am thinking about an entire structure that can be permanently installed or a portable model that you can take with you on the go.
An awning is typically a structure that is permanently installed directly to your home, condo or apartment building. This type of outdoor covering can be made of many different kinds of materials. These materials can be made of canvas, aluminum or even vinyl or PVC based material.
Like I mentioned before, awnings are typically a permanently installed structure. But they do not have to be permanently in place. There are so many models on the market these days that are retractable and made of fabric or vinyl. This allows them to be kept out of the elements during the off season so they can last for multiple years. You probably have seen lots of commercial marketing the different retractable models that they have for sale.
Think about which options are important to you. A professionally installed awning could cost you hundreds or even a few thousand dollars depending upon its size, features and complexity. But a good quality portable canopy can only cost a couple of hundred dollars and more than adequately meet your needs.
