Both door canopies and awnings provide shade and shelter over doorways, but there are some key differences between the two structures. In this article, we’ll compare door canopies and awnings, looking at their design, installation, costs, and usage to help you determine which option may be best for your home.
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What is a Door Canopy?
A door canopy is a rigid, permanent structure installed above an exterior door to provide shelter from the elements. Door canopies are typically made of aluminum, steel, or wood and are custom designed and built to fit precisely over the entryway.
Door canopies come in a variety of styles, ranging from simple square or rectangular designs to more ornate gabled or curved styles. They are usually supported on the wall above the door and project outwards to extend several feet over the door. This provides adequate coverage over the door landing and entrance. Some key features of door canopies include:
- Permanent structure – Door canopies are fixed installations, designed and built specifically for the space above the door.
- Rigid/solid roof – The roof is made of solid materials like aluminum or steel that do not flap or move.
- Custom design – Door canopies are custom made to fit the space above the door perfectly.
- Variety of styles – From simple to ornate, door canopies come in many architectural styles.
- Drainage system – Door canopies often have integrated gutters and downspouts to control water runoff.
What is an Awning?
An awning is a retractable or fixed shade structure installed over doors, windows, storefronts, or other exterior openings. Awnings are made of cloth, vinyl, acrylic fabric or other lightweight materials tautly stretched over a frame. The awning extends out from the exterior wall to provide shade and shelter from sun and light rain.
Retractable awnings can be extended out or rolled back against the building using a manual or electric system. This allows versatility in controlling shade. Fixed awnings remain stationary. Key features of awnings include:
- Retractable or stationary – Awnings can be fixed or retractable for adjustable shade.
- Lightweight fabric construction – Made of cloth, vinyl or acrylic materials rather than solid construction.
- Angled shade structure – Awnings are mounted at an angle to cast shade downwards.
- Add-on structure – Awnings are accessories installed onto the exterior wall rather than custom built structures.
- Variety of styles – Awnings come in numerous colors and patterns.
Differences Between Door Canopies and Awnings
While both door canopies and awnings provide shade and shelter, there are some notable differences between these two structures:
| Criteria | Door Canopy | Awning |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Rigid, permanent | Flexible, retractable or stationary |
| Material | Aluminum, steel, wood | Fabric like canvas, acrylic |
| Installation | Custom designed and built for space | Prefabricated and installed onto existing structure |
| Coverage | Typically covers door landing and entryway | Covers over doors, windows or limited exterior space |
| Style | Wide range from simple to ornate | Often decorative with color/pattern options |
| Water protection | Has integrated gutter/drainage system | Provides shade only, not water protection |
| Cost | Higher, $1000+ | Lower, $100s |
Door Canopy Design and Installation
Door canopies require professional design and installation to create a structure customized to fit the entryway space. The process includes:
- Take precise measurements of the door and surrounding wall area.
- Design a door canopy structure suited to the architecture and needs.
- Fabricate the frame and roof from durable materials like aluminum or steel.
- Integrate features like lighting, gutters, downspouts as needed.
- Securely mount the canopy to the structural wall and door frame.
- Seal connections and roof to prevent leaks.
- Finish with exterior grade paint or other coatings.
Proper installation is key to creating a door canopy that is structurally sound, weathertight, and visually appealing. Trying to DIY a door canopy is difficult and the finished product is rarely satisfactory. Professional installation has added benefits like warranties and insured work.
Cost of Door Canopies
Professionally built and installed door canopies typically cost between $1,000-$4,000 or more depending on:
- Size – Larger canopies cost more.
- Materials – Aluminum, steel, wood, etc.
- Features – Lighting, gutters, etc. add expense.
- Ornamentation – More decorative canopies cost more.
- Labor – Design, fabrication and installation costs factor in.
- Location – Prices vary by region.
High end, ornate door canopies with lighting can cost upwards of $10,000. But a basic aluminum canopy runs $1,000-$2,000 in most cases. Door canopies should be viewed as long term investments that enhance the home’s curb appeal and function.
Awning Types and Installation
There are several common options when selecting a new awning for over a door, window or patio:
- Retractable awnings – Manual or motorized systems allow the awning to extend out and retract against the wall for adjustable shade.
- Fixed or stationary awnings – Permanently mounted in position, providing constant shade.
- Freestanding awnings – Frame mounts to exterior ground rather than the wall.
- Patio and window awnings – Specifically sized to fit over other exterior openings.
Installing a new awning involves:
- Measure the area where awning will be placed.
- Select appropriate awning size and style.
- Mount awning frame securely to exterior wall surface.
- Attach awning fabric to the frame following manufacturer’s instructions.
- For retractable awnings, install the retraction mechanism.
- Make final adjustments so the awning angles down properly.
Awnings typically take less than a day to be fully installed. Many homeowners choose to DIY awning installation since it is relatively straightforward. However, hiring an awning professional ensures proper installation and operation.
Cost of Awnings
Like door canopies, awning costs depend on various factors:
- Type – Retractable awnings cost more than fixed types.
- Size – Larger awnings cost more.
- Fabric – Better grades of fabric increase cost.
- Features – Motorization, sensors, etc. add expense.
- Frame material – Aluminum vs steel.
- Professional installation – Adds labor costs.
Fixed rectangular canvas awnings can be purchased for $100 – $500. High end motorized retractable awnings with sensors cost $2,000+. Average costs:
- Fixed awning – $250 – $800
- Manual retractable awning – $800 – $1500
- Motorized retractable awning – $1000 – $2500
Consider longevity and performance rather than just initial cost when choosing awnings. Higher quality options last longer and function better.
Usage of Door Canopies vs. Awnings
There are some differences in how door canopies and awnings are best used:
Door Canopies
- Provide permanent shelter over entryways exposed to weather.
- Work well over doors that get high traffic and need durable structure.
- Help define a home’s architecture and create visual interest.
- Allow for lighting fixtures to illuminate entryways at night.
- Can be designed to seamlessly match style of home.
- Offer continuous protection from sun, rain, snow year-round.
Awnings
- Great for supplementing shade over doors, windows, patios seasonally.
- Retractable option allows shade to be adjusted as needed.
- Can use brighter colors/patterns to add visual pop.
- Easily removable/storable during off seasons if detachable.
- Inexpensive way to add shade that complements architecture.
- Provide shade without confining, enclosed feeling of a canopy.
Conclusion
In summary, door canopies and awnings serve similar purposes but have some key differences:
- Door canopies are permanent structures custom built for the space while awnings are add-ons installed onto existing walls.
- Canopies use rigid construction while awnings feature lightweight fabric
- Awnings can be retractable but canopies provide constant coverage.
- Canopies have integrated drainage while awnings only provide shade.
- Canopies have a higher upfront cost compared to awnings.
- Canopies offer full weather protection year-round while awnings are more seasonal.
There are pros and cons to both options. Door canopies excel at providing permanent shelter over entryways and work well with high traffic. Awnings are ideal for flexibly shading exterior living spaces during peak seasons. Consider your home’s needs, architecture, and budget when deciding on which option would suit you best.