Fabric or Metal Awning? How to Choose the Right Shade Solution

If you’ve been dreaming about adding shade, style, and comfort to your outdoor space, a custom awning is a smart investment. Not only does it enhance curb appeal, but it also provides sun protection, reduces indoor cooling costs, and extends your outdoor living season.

The real question is: Should you choose a fabric awning or a metal awning?

At Coastal Canvas Products, we’ve been designing and installing outdoor living solutions since 1975 for homeowners in Savannah, Hilton Head Island, Charleston, and St. Simons Island. We know the pros and cons of each awning type — and more importantly, how to tailor the right solution to your home’s needs, style, and climate.

Fabric Awnings: Flexible Style and Shade

Fabric awnings are a popular choice for homeowners who want vibrant color options, soft lines, and versatile designs.

Benefits of Fabric Awnings

• Design variety – Available in countless colors, patterns, and shapes to match your home’s exterior.
• UV protection – High-quality outdoor fabrics block harmful rays while keeping spaces cooler.
• Retractable options – Combine with a retractable roof or motorized system for flexible sun and rain control.
• Lightweight construction – Ideal for spaces where minimal structural weight is important.

Considerations

• Maintenance – Fabric can collect pollen, dust, and mildew, requiring periodic cleaning.
• Lifespan – Even premium fabrics eventually fade or wear from prolonged exposure.
• Storm protection – Best retracted or removed during severe weather for longevity.

Our team uses top-tier outdoor fabrics engineered for coastal climates, ensuring your awning resists fading, mildew, and wear for years.

Metal Awnings: Strength and Longevity

If durability is your top priority, metal awnings — especially those crafted from aluminum fabrication — offer unmatched strength.

Benefits of Metal Awnings

• Extreme durability – Withstand wind, rain, and intense sun far longer than most fabrics.
• Low maintenance – Simple cleaning keeps them looking sharp year after year.
• Permanent coverage – Provides reliable shade and rain protection without daily adjustments.
• Custom fabrication – Designed and built to match your home’s exact dimensions and architectural style.

Considerations

• Less flexibility – Unlike retractable or removable fabric options, metal awnings are fixed in place.
• Fewer design variations – While colors and styles are available, metal has a more limited aesthetic range compared to fabric.

Our custom aluminum fabrication process allows us to create metal awnings that balance strength and style, blending seamlessly with your home.

Pairing Awnings with Other Outdoor Living Solutions

Choosing between fabric and metal isn’t the only decision — you can also integrate your awning with other enhancements for a complete outdoor upgrade:

• Patio enclosures – Combine an awning with screened or glass enclosures for all-weather comfort.
• Retractable roofs – Get the flexibility of open sky or shade at the touch of a button.
• Storm protection – We design awnings with consideration for hurricane readiness in the Lowcountry.

How to Decide Which Is Best for You

• Do I want bold color and flexible design? → Fabric may be best.
• Do I need low-maintenance shade that lasts for decades? → Metal may be better.
• Is my space prone to high winds or storms? → Metal offers greater resilience, but retractable fabric options can still work.
• Do I want to integrate with a retractable roof or enclosure? → Fabric systems offer more adaptability.

Still unsure? Our design experts can show you real-life examples from past projects to help you visualize the possibilities.

Why Choose Coastal Canvas Products

Since 1975, Coastal Canvas Products has been the Lowcountry’s go-to source for custom awnings, outdoor living solutions, and storm protection. Every project is built with:

• Craftsmanship – Decades of skill in design and installation.
• Premium materials – From marine-grade fabrics to corrosion-resistant aluminum.
• Local expertise – We know what works in coastal weather conditions.

Shade Solutions Built for the Lowcountry

Whether you choose the vibrant flexibility of fabric or the rugged reliability of metal, a custom awning from Coastal Canvas Products will enhance your outdoor living space for years to come.

Call us today at (912) 236-2416 or submit an inquiry to schedule your consultation. Let’s design the perfect shade solution for your home — built for comfort, style, and the unique demands of Lowcountry living.