How Much Does a Retractable Awning Cost?

Average Cost for a Retractable Awning

Retractable Awning Installation Costs

Expect to pay a professional $175 to $450 to install a retractable awning, which includes the cost of a general contractor to install the awning and an electrician to install the motor. 

Professionals usually charge $6 to $9 per square foot, depending on the size, materials, and amount of work involved in the installation.

Retractable Awning Cost by Type

There are many different retractable awning types, and they vary in cost depending on the size, materials, and difficulty of the installation. A manual retractable 10-by-12 canopy, for example, can have a price as low as $500, while a motorized retractable 20-by-20 canopy can cost as high as $6,000.

Canopy 

Retractable canopies are the most common type of retractable awning and cost $500 to $6,000. They attach to the home, roof, or pergola and can be operated by either a crank or motor. 

Drop-Arm 

A retractable drop-arm canopy ranges in price from $500 to $6,500. As indicated in the name, the fabric on this type of canopy attaches to an arm that stretches it and supports it from underneath when it’s fully opened, then retracts when the canopy is closed. 

Freestanding

Designed to stand away from a home or other structure, freestanding retractable canopies run from $300 to $7,000, depending on the design. For example, a 10-by-10 freestanding pergola with a metal frame that isn’t retractable would run at the lower end of the cost range, while a wood-framed 15-by-20 canopy with built-in lights and a Bluetooth speaker would fall at the higher end of this price range. This is a good choice if you don’t want to make a permanent change to the structure of your home.

Motorized

Motorized canopies range from $1,000 to $25,000 and come in various styles, including freestanding. They’re the easiest to maneuver as they come with a motor that does the work for you. A motorized 10-by-10 patio awning that requires self-installation falls at the lower end of the price range, while a 20-by-20 motorized patio enclosure with side panels and full professional installation runs at the higher end of the spectrum. 

Vertical 

These range in cost from $750 to $7,500 and can be either manually run or motorized. A retractable vertical drop works similarly to a window shade as you pull it down to shield a patio or sunroom from light.

Retractable Awning Installation Cost by Size

The most common awning size is 10-by-12, and the average installation price is usually $10 to $25 per square foot. Retractable awnings vary in price depending on their size. The available awning features will also affect the cost.

Retractable Awning Installation Cost Near You

In addition to the awning size and the cost of materials, your location can affect how much it costs to install a retractable awning. Here are some price guides for a few areas across the country.

Retractable Awning Cost Factors

Several factors, in addition to size and material, can affect the cost of a retractable canopy.

Location

Where you want to put your retractable awning can affect its installation cost. Putting a full motorized awning over a pool, for example, is more costly than having a crank awning installed on a pergola away from your home. 

Patio awnings have the highest range of prices because there are so many options. A freestanding one costs less than an attached awning, and a manual one costs less than a motorized one.

Manual vs. Motorized

As a rule, manual awnings cost less to install than motorized ones. An electrician needs to install a motorized awning, whereas you can install some manual awnings yourself with a kit.

Heater

Heating costs around $500 to $1,000. Some awnings come with infrared heating, where small heaters are installed on the canopy frame. 

Mildew Treatment

Depending on the size of the canopy, mildew-resistant treatments cost $50 to $100 and are usually done before installation. If you’re in an area that gets a lot of rain and moisture, a mildew treatment is necessary to keep your canopy from getting damaged.

Technology Upgrades

Sensors are typically available on motorized canopies and can cost up to $15,000. To protect from the elements, some awnings have a sensor option that automatically closes the canopy when there’s precipitation or high wind or automatically opens when they sense sunshine. 

Speakers start at around $200 and are mounted on the inside of the awning. Installing speakers in your awning will allow you to listen to music outdoors without having to bring them outside. 

Retractable Awning Price by Material

Retractable awning fabric is usually made of either vinyl or acrylic. Both are similar in price, generally costing $150 to $2,500 for the awning. Pricing varies based on the fabric type and the square footage as well. 

A small shade cloth for a patio would fall at the lower end of the pricing spectrum, while a larger retractable awning would cost more.

Frame Material

Prices for awning frame materials vary widely, depending on which material you choose. For example, wood costs more than metal and is more aligned with DIYer’s needs. Metal costs more but will almost certainly have a longer lifespan than wood. 

Brand

Like all products, the brand you choose influences how much you pay. While prices range quite a bit, the following brands remain some of the most popular:

• Aleko: $500–$2,000

• KE: $700–$3,000

• Sunesta: $900–$4,000

• SunSetter: $1,000–$3,000

• Sunair: $2,200–$7,000

Permits

Homeowners rarely need permits before installing a retractable awning. If your jurisdiction requires a permit, expect to pay between $25 and $100; your pro will know the specifics. However, if your installation requires electrical work, you may need an inspection. Again, confirm with your pro.

Cost to Install a Retractable Awning Yourself

Kits are available at most home improvement stores and run from $150 to $2,000. If you’re handy and looking for a manual crank awning, a DIY kit is an option. You’ll need some essential tools like a level, drill, sockets, and a ladder, and the kit should include a list of anything else you may need. 

However, hire a licensed electrician near you to install a motorized awning. Any work involving electricity is dangerous, so don't install a motorized one yourself if you’re not a licensed pro. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

If you’re concerned about damaging your home or have safety concerns, hire an awning company near you for the job. With motorized awnings, you may need to hire an electrician and a local general contractor as well, depending on your pro’s certifications.