What Size Awning Do I Need?
An awning that is too small casts shade on the patio slabs rather than on you. Here is how to size it properly.
Awnings are described by two measurements: the width along the wall and the projection, which is how far the awning comes out from the wall when it is fully open. Getting both right is what makes the difference between a patio that is genuinely comfortable and one where the shade falls just out of reach.
An installer will always measure up before ordering, but understanding the basics helps you know what to ask for – and spot a quote that has been sized to sell rather than to suit.
Width: cover the seating area and a little more
Measure the area you want to shade – usually a dining table and chairs, or a sofa – and add around 30–50cm on each side. As the sun moves across the sky, shade shifts sideways, so a little extra width keeps you covered for longer.
Check what is on the wall too. Windows, doors, downpipes, outside lights and vents can all limit where the brackets can go.
Projection: allow for the angle of the sun
In the UK, the midday sun in high summer is roughly 55 to 62 degrees above the horizon, lower in the morning, evening and spring. That means the shadow of an awning falls closer to the wall than the awning itself reaches. As a rule of thumb, choose a projection that is at least as deep as the area you want shaded, and add more if the awning faces west and you use the patio in the evening.
A 2.5m to 3m projection suits most patios with a table and chairs. Beyond about 3.5m, the awning becomes more sensitive to wind and needs a very solid wall.
- Small table for two: about 3m wide x 2m projection
- Dining table for six: about 4–4.5m wide x 3m projection
- Lounge set and dining area: 5–6m wide x 3–3.5m projection
Fitting height and pitch
The front bar of an open awning should clear head height comfortably, and rain needs a slope of roughly 14 degrees or more to run off. To achieve both, most awnings are fixed at least 2.5m above the patio, and often higher for longer projections. If the wall is not tall enough, roof or rafter brackets can mount the awning higher, under the eaves.
Remember doors and windows that open outwards: the folded arms and front bar must clear them.
How size affects price (motorised semi-cassette, supplied and fitted)
| Job | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| 3m wide x 2m projection | £1,600–£2,600 |
| 4m wide x 3m projection | £1,900–£3,500 |
| 5m wide x 3m projection | £2,400–£4,000 |
| 6m wide x 3.5m projection | £3,000–£5,000 |
Indicative UK prices. Full cassette models and premium fabrics cost more; very wide areas may be better served by two coupled awnings.
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Awning size guide: common questions
Can the projection be wider than the awning?
Usually not. The folded arms need to fit within the width of the awning, so the width generally has to be greater than the projection – often by at least 50cm.
What if my wall is too wide for one awning?
Two or more awnings can be coupled together and driven by one motor, or fitted side by side. This also lets you shade only part of the patio when you prefer.
How high should an awning be fitted?
Typically at least 2.5m above the ground, so the front bar clears head height when the fabric is pitched enough to shed rain.
Can an awning go above a first-floor window?
Yes, some homes have awnings fitted under the eaves above the first floor. Access equipment will be needed, which adds to the installation cost.
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