In this modern age it can be very difficult to decide what type of awning you should get for your home or business. The options on the market are nearly endless and it has become very hard to make a distinction on what fits your needs and style.

There are three main awning styles companies produce today. The first being the aluminum metal awning. These awnings have remained popular, originally introduced to the market in the 1950's in America. The frames and sheeting are all 100 percent aluminum, making it idle for it's maintenance free qualities. Aluminum awnings come in a variety of colors and the style usually consists of stripes on top and a scalap skirt around the bottom. These awnings are the least expensive of all three types and also the most popular in states like New York or New Jersey.

The second type of awning is the plexiglass awning or also sometimes called lexan awnings. These are made with a poly-carbonate sheeting that is bullet-proof, and come in clear or tinted. The style if most notable for allowing sun to shine through and brighten up a porch or patio by up to 75% more then an aluminum awning. Typically a poly-carbonate lexan awning is made with an aluminum frame because of it's anti-rust qualities. Lexan awnings can be roughly 40% more expensive then aluminum awnings, and are usually seen in the front of the home because of it being considered fancy.

The last type of awning is a retractable fabric awning. There are two main styles of retractable awning one is the American version which has arms that sit vertically. The European and more stylish retractable awnings has arms that sit horizontal and consist of lateral arms. Both types of fabric awnings will extend outwards with a remote push button or a manual crank depending on your preference. It's usually suitable to go with an electric remote if the awning extends over 7 feet as it takes a considerate amount of work to crank it out. Retractable awnings are usually placed on the front porch or a back deck. Price wise lexan and retractable awnings are nearly the same. While aluminum and lexan awnings are used to prevent rain or snow on a porch, fabric awnings are only for shading sun and are not made for weather prevention.

For a 10' by 10' porch or deck you can expect to pay $1400 for an aluminum awning, $2000 for a lexan awning, and $2200 for a retractable fabric awning with remote control. If you live in an area with high winds or snowy conditions I wouldn't recommend a retractable fabric awning as the fabric is highly sensitive to bad weather.