Awning Fabrics and Colours
The fabric is what you see, sit under and live with every summer. Here is how to pick one that still looks good in ten years.
Awning fabric has a hard life. It is stretched taut in full sun, rolled up damp, rubbed by the arms and exposed to bird droppings, pollen and tree sap. A good fabric resists fading, stays tight without sagging and sheds water and dirt; a poor one can look tired after a single summer.
Most installers offer a book of hundreds of colours and patterns. Before falling for a shade, it is worth understanding the materials behind them.
Main types of awning fabric
Fabric weight is usually quoted in grams per square metre – around 280–300g/m² is typical for a quality awning cloth.
- Solution-dyed acrylic – the colour is added to the fibre before it is spun, so it resists fading for years. Breathable, water-repellent and the standard for good patio awnings
- Polyester – cheaper and strong, but more prone to fading and stretching. Common on budget awnings
- PVC-coated polyester – fully waterproof and easy to wipe clean. Used on commercial awnings and canopies, but can trap heat
- Technical and micro-perforated fabrics – let air through while blocking most UV; popular for screens and vertical blinds
Colour, heat and light
Light colours reflect more heat and feel cooler underneath, but they let more light through and show dirt sooner. Darker colours give deeper shade and a more sheltered feel but absorb heat, so the fabric itself gets warmer. Mid-tones and stripes are a popular compromise and hide marks well.
Think about the house as well as the patio: from inside, the awning colour tints the light in the room behind it. Neutral greys, creams and taupes give a natural light; bright colours can cast a strong hue across a kitchen or living room.
Rain resistance and UV protection
Acrylic awning fabrics are treated to be water-repellent, not waterproof. They will shed a passing shower if the awning is pitched steeply enough, but are not designed to shelter you through a downpour. If rain cover is a priority, ask about waterproof fabrics or consider a pergola with a solid roof.
Most quality fabrics block 90–100% of UV radiation, with darker and more tightly woven cloths at the top of the range. Ask for the UPF or UV rating if this matters to you.
Typical fabric costs
| Job | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Upgrade from polyester to acrylic on a new 4m awning | £150–£400 |
| Re-covering a 3m awning with new acrylic fabric | £400–£800 |
| Re-covering a 5m awning with new acrylic fabric | £600–£1,100 |
| Replacement valance (front drop) | £60–£150 |
Indicative UK prices including fitting. Patterned and premium technical fabrics cost more.
Compare awning quotes
Have a rough width and projection in mind, or just describe the space you want to shade, and compare quotes from awning installers near you.
Get free awning quotes
Describe your job once and compare quotes from local tradespeople who cover your area.
- Free to use
- No obligation
- Compare local tradespeople
- Quick online form
You'll continue to our quotes partner, MyJobQuote, to describe your job.
More awning guides
Plain-English advice on choosing, buying, fitting and looking after an awning.
- How Much Does an Awning Cost in the UK?
- Electric vs Manual Awnings
- Open, Semi-Cassette and Full Cassette Awnings
- What Size Awning Do I Need?
- Awnings in Wind and Rain: Sensors and Safe Use
- Awning Installation: What to Expect
- Do You Need Planning Permission for an Awning?
- Awnings vs Pergolas, Parasols and Shade Sails
- Shop and Café Awnings
- Balcony Awnings for Flats and Apartments
- How to Choose an Awning Installer and Compare Quotes
Awning fabrics: common questions
Will my awning fabric fade?
All fabrics fade a little over time, but solution-dyed acrylic holds its colour far better than piece-dyed polyester. Strong colours such as red and orange show fading sooner than neutrals.
Is awning fabric waterproof?
Most acrylic fabrics are water-repellent rather than waterproof. PVC-coated fabrics are waterproof, but they are less breathable and more common on commercial awnings.
Can I change the fabric on my existing awning?
Yes. As long as the frame and arms are in good condition, a specialist can re-cover the awning with new fabric, often in a single visit.
Which colour awning is coolest?
Lighter colours reflect more heat, so the fabric stays cooler. However, darker colours block more light, so the shade beneath can feel deeper. Mid-greys and stone colours balance both.
Ready to compare awning quotes?
Free, no-obligation quotes from local awning installers.
Get Free Quotes