Street view of an awning over a sidewalk cafe/restaurant

2019 Guide to Retractable Awnings in New York City

Awnings are a great feature of many businesses, restaurants, and homes that can provide many benefits such as shade, shelter from the elements, and an attractive look. Awnings come in various shapes and sizes, and they can also be stationary or retractable. A retractable awning is a perfect choice for anyone that needs to be able to utilize the benefits of an awning yet also have the ablility to hide the awning away when it isn’t needed. If you’re planning to use your awning on your business or home, you may wish to consider installing a retractable awning.


This guide was created to give you the low down on retractable awnings, what retractable awnings are, their features, customization options, and costs. Read on to find out more about retractable awnings in New York City.

What is a retractable awning?

Retractable awnings are one of the best ways to deal with rain and sun on a deck or patio without permanently modifying your house or business. The materials typically used in the construction of retractable awnings are polycarbonate, corrugated fiberglass, and aluminum. These materials are durable and can easily stand up to extreme weather. You may also find retractable awnings made of fabric, canvas, and plastic. New York City Signs & Awnings uses Sunbrella Fabrics in all our awning products. Sunbrella fabrics are high-end materials that is designed to look great and withstand the elements.


As the name suggests, this type of awning can be retracted or folded when not in use. When pulled out, these awnings can not only provide shelter for your guests, but they can also protect the front, side or back of your house or business from direct sunlight, heavy rainfall, and even snow. When retracted, these awnings take up very little space and are practically unnoticeable.

What are some features of retractable awnings?

Let’s look at the top features of retractable awnings:

  • They provide ample protection and shade from harmful UV rays of the sun, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snow.
  • By using a retractable awning, you can reduce the temperature inside your house or business to some extent and reduce the usage of air conditioners. This will gradually save energy and reduce your energy bills.
  • They can protect outdoor areas from wind, rain, sun, and snow. They provide you with lots of privacy and protect you from environmental allergens.
  • You can use them in different types of outdoor areas such as backyards, patios, swimming pools, seating areas.
  • Retractable awnings that can be operated manually can be hand reeled and pivoted to offer shade at a specific angle. Using the hand reel, you can tilt them at different angles.
  • Automated awnings can be pivoted at different angles using automated switches or at the push of a button. They don’t wear out as quickly as manual retractable awnings.
  • They can be fitted with smart devices that detect sudden changes in weather to automatically provide ample shade when the sun’s glowing and retract during overcast or windy weather. You can also install wind and sun sensors.
  • They are often less costly than shade construction on patios or deck coverings. You can store them easily when you’re not using them.
  • They are available in different styles, patterns, colors, and shades.

What purpose do retractable awnings serve?

A retractable awning serves as a shade or shelter. You can also use it to enhance the look of your house. Most people use retractable awnings for shade on patios, decks, and porches in New York City. You can also use a retractable awning as a freestanding unit or shade over your pool area or hot tub.


If you’re looking for a durable, versatile, and easy to install solution for protection from sun or other weather elements such as snowfall, heavy rains, and strong winds, retractable awnings can be your best bet. They save energy by reducing indoor temperatures and shading your windows. A study by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRE) has revealed that awnings on the doors of patios and windows can bring down the indoor temperature by at least 8 to 15 degrees, depending upon the material of the window, color of the retractable awning, and method of installation.

Beautify your backyard entertaining space

A stylish retractable awning adds beauty to your backyard and extends the outdoor living area, providing shade and protection from the glaring sun and rain. By installing a beautiful retractable awning, you can transform your patio or deck into a relaxing getaway at a much more affordable cost than a 5-star hotel or luxury resort.

Boost your home curb appeal or business appeal

You can install a customized retractable awning to enhance the charm of your home or business and make sure it complements your style and color theme and reflects its uniqueness. Particularly for businesses in the city, an awning can provide an attractive and noticeable way to advertise your building and differentiate you from the other storefronts. Passersby will immediately notice your awning and business name and feel invited to stop in for a meal or to window shop,

Instant shade or rain cover using a switch or button

By installing a motorized retractable awning, you can control or retract your awning at the mere touch of a button, mobile app, or wall switch.
You can choose between an overhead or side awning. While an overhead retractable awning opens like an umbrella, a side awning serves a different purpose altogether. The key function of an overhead retractable awning is to protect you from sun, snow, wind, and rain, and the key function of a side awning is to become a divider for a space. If you want to add some privacy to your patio, porch, or other outdoor areas, you can use side awnings for multiple divisions since they are adjustable and customizable.

What is a “custom” retractable awning?

Retractable awnings are the best way to get instant, easily affordable shade, and add beauty to your house or business. But there is a huge difference between a standard store-bought awning and a custom designed awning. Custom designed awnings can be fit to your building exactly and made with any shade of fabric you desire. Check out our fabric colors here.


Large retractable awnings often require more area, and it’s true that all areas are not the same. So, there’s a high chance that you may enter a box big retail store looking for a small retractable awning, but all you get is a large retractable awning. This is where the importance of a custom-built retractable awning comes into the picture.


With custom made retractable awnings, you don’t need to settle for a random retractable awning. There are many custom retractable awning manufacturers in New York City who specialize in the construction and designing of customized retractable awnings.


When it comes to custom retractable awnings, size isn’t the only issue. Most retractable awnings are available in limited designs, patterns, and colors. When you hire a professional custom retractable awning manufacturer, you can specify the size of the retractable awning, color, and design of your choice, and other specifications if required.

How much does a custom retractable awning cost in NYC?

In New York City, retractable awnings are available in different price ranges depending on the material of the awning, size, and design. Most manual awnings and motorized awnings generally cost anywhere between $2000 and $5000. The average price of a custom retractable awning including installation is $3800. If you’re planning to buy a motorized retractable awning, the price may increase. On top of this, if you add a sun or motion sensor, the price might increase further.

Retractable awnings are an investment that offer returns in the form of comfort and shelter for you and your guests, energy savings, style, advertising space, and versatility. Simple to employ by either manually pulling out the awning or using a motor, they will provide quick shade day after day, yet they also offer the option of remaining retracted when the awning is not needed.

Looking for custom retractable awning providers?
We’re here to help!

Are you planning to get a retractable awning for your home or business? Get in touch with New York City Signs & Awnings today for a quote on your custom retractable awning. A custom retractable awning ensures the best fit with your building and your brand, so that you have an exact match. Our graphics design team can create any look and color, using your unique graphics and custom fonts or logo.


We’re experts in planning, designing, and manufacturing custom retractable awnings in New York City and New York City Metropolitan Area. Contact us at 212-461-1625 to discuss your retractable awning project with us or request a quote here. Our experts will get in touch with you soon and help you pick the appropriate option for your needs.