Spending time outdoors to enjoy the warm sunlight and fresh air is great—until the sun becomes too intense. Whether you want to create a shaded space or need coverage for outdoor events, you’ve probably come across two popular options: awnings and canopies.
While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. There are key differences between them that set them apart. In this guide, we will break down the key difference between awning and canopy, so you can make the right choice for your space and lifestyle.
What is a canopy?
A canopy is a free-standing covering as well as the top level of leaves in a forest, typically made of fabric, aluminum, and other materials. It provides an enclosed or semi-enclosed space outdoors. These independent canopies are often found in settings like outdoor events, farmers markets, craft fairs, or trade shows. Here are some common canopy types:
1. Pop up canopy: A pop up canopy tent uses aluminum or steel to create an independent structure with four tent poles. The weather resistant tent uses fabric like polyester or vinyl to withstand wind and rain. Most people start with solid-colored pop up tents, such as a classic white canopy tent, which is perfect for any outdoor event. However, if you’re looking to stand out, custom pop up tents offer more versatility. Consider adding custom sidewalls to the canopy tent for better protection and promotion.
For the upcoming Christmas, Westshade provides portable canopy tents on sale with discounts of up to 50% off. To advertise your business, we still offer budget-friendly custom tent packages, including a custom canopy, a table cover, and a flag. Don’t miss out on the last sale of the year!
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2. Pergola: A backyard canopy with posts and crossbeams, often covered with climbing plants or fabric. It serves as architectural outdoor furniture with wood or steel materials. The pergola usually provides partial shade on the patio and deck for residential use.
3. Portable carport: A carport is a permanent or semi-permanent covered structure specifically designed to protect vehicles from the elements. It typically consists of a sturdy steel roof supported by posts, with open sides that allow for easy access.
What is an awning?
An awning is a secondary covering that extends the indoor space. It is typically positioned above windows, doors, or patios. Unlike canopies, awnings are not free-standing structures but rather extensions of your home or business space. There are several awning types on the market:
1. Retractable awnings: These awnings can be pulled out or rolled up, depending on the weather. Some have motors, while others are hand-control. They’re great for changing conditions and often include safety features for security.
2. Solar retractable awnings: Compared to common retractable awnings, the one uses solar sensors on its surface to optimize shade and energy efficiency throughout the day.
3. Solar Screens: The solar screen awning uses specialized mesh screens to block UV rays. They can be installed on windows or larger openings, reducing heat gain while preserving the outdoor view.
4. Fixed window awnings: These outdoor structures are permanent and stay out all the time, providing constant shade. They come in different styles, like dome or waterfall shapes, and are often used for homes and stores.
Canopy vs Awning: Key design differences
The main difference between the two lies in their structure designs. Let’s delve into their materials, sizes, and more to better understand how these two outdoor coverings compare.
Material
Awning: To meet the need for retraction, an awning typically uses solution-dyed acrylic fabric (around 300-350g/m²). Some retractable awnings use thinner materials (200-250g/m²) to enable smooth operation. So the awning may not have the ability to protect against the wind up to 30 mph.Its frame may be constructed from aluminum, steel, or wood.
Canopy: A canopy uses polyester and vinyl. A commercial-grade canopy tent will use 500D-600D polyester to avoid sun damage. This fabric is thicker than an awning. If you make a custom order in Westshade, we provide three industrial printing options with matched fabrics. The UV printing method will match the high-end commercial 900D polyester. This pop up canopy uses aluminum or steel to keep stability.
Size
Awning: Its size depends on the dimensions of the building or space where it will be installed. You will find awnings in standard widths (e.g., 6 ft, 8 ft, 10 ft). They also can be customized to fit specific window or door sizes.
Canopy: Canopy, especially canopy tents, come in a wide range of sizes. Canopy sizes range from the standard 10×10 pop-up tent to larger options, such as the canopy tent 10×20, 10×15, or more.
Function
Awning: An awning provides shade and protection over windows, doors, or patios. It is typically used for long-term coverage in residential or commercial settings, such as a backyard or a deck.
Canopy: A canopy provides temporary shelter for larger areas. The pergola is an aesthetic outdoor furniture that enhances your patio. The canopy tent creates a defined, rectangular space with four sturdy poles, offering a structured and enclosed area. A custom pop up canopy can be used in racing games to unload cars. It also serves as a vendor tent at various outdoor markets.
Installation
Awning: Awnings require permanent installation. Fixed awnings are mounted to the side of a building or wall, while retractable ones may be manually or motorized for easy operation. We recommend professional installation for both types to ensure proper setup and functionality.
Canopy: A tent with canopy covers is designed to be portable and easy to install. Most pop up canopies have foldable frames that allow for quick setup and takedown. Purchase the easiest pop up canopy for one person to save time and energy.
Usage and maintenance
Awning: Awnings are generally low-maintenance as they need to stay outside permanently. They require occasional cleaning to keep them in good shape. Fabric awnings may need to be re-treated every few years to ensure they remain water-resistant and UV-protected.
Canopy: Canopy tents require frequent maintenance, especially after use in varying weather conditions. For example, after a Christmas farmers market, the tent canopy should be cleaned with mild soap for longevity.
Storage
Awning: Since awnings are typically fixed or retractable, they do not require seasonal storage. However, this feature makes them more vulnerable to damage from sun and rain.
Canopy: As the pergola and the carport are fixed in the backyard or other outdoor space, they do not require seasonal storage. For the canopy tent, the tent manufacturer will offer a protective cover for storage. Westshade offers a free wheeled protective cover, along with straps, sandbags, and steel stakes, to ensure easy transport and a secure setup for your pop-up canopy.
Conclusion
After knowing the awning and canopy definition, materials, features, and maintenance, you can make a more informed decision based on your needs. If you want to hold a backyard party or take part in events like trade shows, a pop up canopy will be an ideal solution for a temporary, customizable shelter. On the other hand, If you want aesthesic outdoor furniture for visual appeal and protection, the awning will perform better.
