Before You Install a Retractable Awning - New York Times

DECKS and patios are popular gathering places, that is, of course, until scorching sun or annoying drizzle forces folks inside.

Tom Bloom

It is possible, though, to get more use from a deck or patio by installing a retractable awning.

“There are two basic options for homeowners who want a deck or patio awning,” said Ido Eilam, the chief executive of SunSetter Awnings in Malden, Mass., “manual or automatic.” Manual awnings must be hand-cranked open or closed; automatic awnings use a motor to do the work, but are more expensive.

Mr. Eilam said that about 70 percent of SunSetter awnings were sold directly to consumers and that a homeowner with a minimal amount of skill should be able to install an awning in a couple of hours. An instructional DVD is included.

A basic 16-foot-wide-by-10-foot-deep SunSetter awning costs about $1,330 with a hand crank or about $1,650 for a motorized version. Retrofit motor kits are about $300.

Howard Falkow, the owner of Better Living Sunrooms in Baldwin Place in Westchester County, said that he recommends awnings that have both a motor — for convenience — and a manual crank that allows for opening and closing if the power goes out. He said that a good retractable awning should not need ground supports to hold it up and that shoppers should look for models made from extruded steel rather than lightweight aluminum.

A 16-by-10-foot extruded steel awning from Mr. Falkow’s company costs about $3,500, including installation.

CLICK HER FOR THE REST OF THE NEW YORK TIMES STORY

Neal Paskvan is a full time Realtor specializing in Downers grove, Darien,Woodridge, Westmont and Du page county Real Estate