Patio Awning FAQs

Below are answers to some of the most common patio awning FAQs we receive, including questions about pricing, installation, electricity requirements and planning permission.

These patio awning FAQs are designed to help you understand how awnings work, what preparation may be required and what to expect before installation.

If you cannot find the information you are looking for, our team will be happy to help.

Patio Awnings FAQs

Patio awnings vary in price depending on the product selected, size, projection, fabric and any optional extras such as lighting or heating.

Typical installations start from the guide prices shown on our awning range page.

For a more accurate guide price, simply send us the approximate width, projection and a few photos of the area where the awning would be installed.

Our team will then provide a guide price based on your requirements and explain what the price includes, such as the awning, standard fittings, installation and VAT.

Final pricing is confirmed once measurements and fixing requirements have been checked on site.

In most cases, planning permission is not required for a domestic patio awning.

However, this can vary depending on the type of property and its location. For example, properties in conservation areas, listed buildings or certain developments may have additional restrictions.

If you are unsure, we recommend checking with your local authority before installation.

The most suitable awning depends on several factors, including the available wall space, the width of the area you want to shade, the projection required, and the type of wall or building the awning will be fixed to.

Two-storey properties often provide more fixing height, while single-storey extensions or bungalows may sometimes require additional brackets or careful positioning to achieve the correct height and projection.

You can start by sending us a few photos of the area where the awning would be installed, along with the approximate width and projection you require. Our team can then provide advice and a guide price based on your requirements.

Before installation, the area is measured and the fixing surface checked to ensure the awning selected is suitable for your property.

Patio awnings are available in a range of projections, typically between around 2 metres and 3.75 metres, depending on the model and overall width of the awning.

The available projection will also depend on the wall height and the position where the awning can be installed. The awning must be fitted high enough to allow the front bar to extend while still maintaining safe head height underneath.

The final width and projection are confirmed once the installation position and fixing height have been checked.

Most patio awnings can usually be installed within a single day once the awning has been manufactured and delivered.

Installation time can vary depending on the size of the awning, the wall construction and whether additional accessories such as lighting or heaters are being fitted.

We will confirm the expected installation time once the fixing method and installation requirements have been assessed.

Yes, motorised awnings require a standard mains power supply. Manual awnings do not require electricity.

Motorised awnings are designed to be plug and play, but a suitable external 13amp weatherproof socket must be installed close to the awning location.

If a power supply is not already available, a qualified electrician will need to install the socket before installation.

We will advise on the most suitable location for the power supply and confirm how many sockets may be required if you are also considering optional accessories such as integrated lighting or patio heaters.

All external sockets must be suitable for outdoor use and installed by a qualified electrician in accordance with electrical regulations.

No. Electrical work must be carried out by a qualified electrician.

If a power supply is not already available, your electrician will need to install a suitable external weatherproof socket before the awning installation.

We can advise on the most suitable location for the power supply.

We recommend installing an external weatherproof 13amp socket positioned close to where the awning cassette will be installed.

Having the power supply nearby allows the awning to be connected easily and helps ensure a clean and straightforward installation.

We can also advise if additional sockets may be required for optional accessories such as lighting or patio heaters.

In some situations, an internal power supply may be used, but this is not our preferred option.

We recommend installing an external weatherproof 13amp socket close to the awning location, as this allows for a cleaner and more straightforward installation.

Any electrical work, including running power from inside the property, must be carried out by a qualified electrician. We do not carry out electrical installation work ourselves.

Your electrician can then prepare the correct socket before installation.

Patio awnings are primarily designed to provide shade from the sun.

Most awning fabrics are water-resistant and can cope with light showers, but awnings should not be left extended during heavy rain or strong winds as this can place unnecessary strain on the arms and fabric.

Many motorised awnings can be fitted with optional wind sensors that automatically retract the awning if wind speeds increase.

The sensor detects movement or vibration and signals the awning to close, helping to protect the awning if weather conditions change unexpectedly.

Wind sensors are an optional accessory and are not included as standard. Our team can explain the available options and how they work if you are considering adding one to your awning.

Motorised awnings require a suitable external power supply to be installed before the installation date.

We will confirm the power requirements and advise where the external weatherproof socket should be located so your electrician can prepare this in advance.

If the required power supply is not available when our installation team arrives, the awning cannot be connected and commissioned and the installation may need to be postponed.

In these circumstances a return visit may be required and an additional call-out charge may apply.

We recommend confirming with your electrician that the power supply is in place before the installation date to avoid delays.

Yes. Optional accessories such as infra-red heaters and integrated lighting require a suitable power supply.

Each heater will require its own external 13amp weatherproof socket to operate safely.

Lighting systems are connected differently and require a junction box rather than a separate socket.

We will confirm the power requirements for any accessories so your electrician knows what to prepare before installation.

Light rain does not usually prevent installation. However, strong winds or severe weather may require installation to be postponed for safety reasons and to protect the awning during fitting.

If weather conditions change on the day, the installation team will assess the situation and may reschedule if necessary.

Once installed, awnings should not be left extended during strong winds. Motorised awnings can also be fitted with optional wind sensors that automatically retract the awning if wind speeds increase.

We will always aim to complete the installation as soon as it is safe to do so.

No. Awnings are installed using the appropriate fixings for the construction of your property.

The wall structure is checked beforehand to ensure the correct fixing method is used so the awning is secure and properly supported.

Our aim is always to achieve a strong and reliable installation while keeping any impact to your property to a minimum.

Still Have Questions?

If you’re unsure which patio awning is right for your home, you can send us a few photos of the area you would like to shade along with the approximate width and projection.

Our team can review your space and provide guidance before arranging a home survey.

Alternatively, you can explore our full range of patio awnings in Essex to see the styles and options available.