Custom Shade, Coastal Style: How We Design Awnings for Southern Living

Southern living is all about enjoying the outdoors — sipping sweet tea on the porch, hosting friends on the patio, or simply relaxing in a shady spot with a view of the water. But in the Lowcountry, intense sun, salty air, and seasonal storms mean your outdoor spaces need more than just style — they need custom shade solutions built to last.

At Coastal Canvas Products, we’ve been crafting custom awnings for homes and businesses in Savannah, Hilton Head Island, Charleston, and St. Simons Island since 1975. Every project blends craftsmanship, coastal durability, and personalized design so you can enjoy outdoor comfort year-round.

Our Approach to Designing Coastal Awnings

Designing an awning for Southern living is about more than picking a color and fabric — it’s about understanding how you use your space, the look you want, and the challenges our climate brings.

1. We Start with Your Lifestyle

We ask questions like:

• Do you want shade for an entertaining space or a quiet reading nook?
• Will your awning be fixed, or do you want the flexibility of a retractable roof system?
• Are you pairing it with patio enclosures or other outdoor living solutions for all-weather use?

This helps us design an awning that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

2. We Engineer for Coastal Conditions

From high humidity to hurricane-force winds, coastal environments demand high-performance materials. That’s why we use:

• Marine-grade fabrics that resist fading, mildew, and UV damage.
• Aluminum fabrication for frames — corrosion-resistant and built for strength.
• Reinforced mounting systems for stability in unpredictable weather.

3. We Match Your Home’s Style

Whether your home is a historic Savannah townhouse or a modern beachfront retreat, we custom-build awnings to complement your architecture. From classic stripes to contemporary solids, every detail is tailored.

Fabric vs. Metal: Choosing the Right Awning Material

We offer both fabric awnings and metal awnings, each with unique advantages for Southern living.

Fabric Awnings

• Soft, welcoming appearance.
• Wide range of colors and patterns.
• Can be retractable for flexible shade.

Metal Awnings

• Exceptional durability and low maintenance.
• Ideal for permanent coverage.
• Modern, clean aesthetic.

Some clients combine both — fabric for covered seating areas and metal for entryways or windows — to balance charm and resilience.

Design Features for Southern Comfort

Awnings can be more than shade — they can enhance your entire outdoor experience. Many homeowners choose to pair their awnings with:

• SummerSpace® Glass Enclosures – Create an enclosed space that’s protected from wind, rain, and insects.
• Retractable roofs – Give you control over sunlight and shelter in seconds.
• Storm protection – Integrate designs that can be quickly secured before severe weather.
• Patio enclosures – Turn an open porch into a multi-season retreat.

The Benefits of a Coastal Canvas Custom Awning

1. Year-Round Comfort – Enjoy your outdoor space in summer without overheating, and extend your use into spring and fall with protection from light rain and wind.
2. Energy Efficiency – By shading windows and doors, awnings reduce indoor cooling costs — an important advantage in the Southeast’s long, hot summers.
3. Increased Curb Appeal – A well-designed awning adds charm and character, making your home stand out while increasing its value.
4. Long-Term Value – Our combination of premium materials and expert installation means your awning will stay beautiful and functional for years, even in a salt-air environment.

Our Process: From Vision to Installation

• Consultation – We listen to your needs, evaluate your space, and discuss style preferences.
• Custom Design – You choose fabrics, frame styles, and special features.
• Precision Fabrication – Using aluminum fabrication and high-grade fabrics, we build your awning for lasting performance.
• Expert Installation – Our experienced team ensures a perfect fit and secure mounting for safety and longevity.

Why Coastal Canvas Products?

For nearly five decades, we’ve been the Lowcountry’s trusted source for custom awnings and outdoor living solutions. Our reputation is built on:

• Craftsmanship – Every awning is made to order with attention to detail.
• Quality Materials – Products designed specifically for coastal environments.
• Local Expertise – We know what works in our climate — and what doesn’t.

Shade Designed for the Southern Lifestyle

The perfect awning doesn’t just block the sun — it transforms how you enjoy your home. At Coastal Canvas Products, we create shade solutions that combine beauty, comfort, and coastal resilience.

Call us today at (912) 236-2416 or submit an inquiry to schedule your consultation. Let’s design a custom awning that captures the charm of Southern living and stands strong season after season.