Pricing and Costs of Awnings and Canopies

How to calculate costs of custom awnings and canopies for your business

By Lesley Graybeal

Canopies and awnings add a touch of your business personality to your building front. Awnings and canopies come in many sizes for doors, windows or patios and have a number of financial benefits. Commercial awnings can be used to bring in business and to make your building more energy efficient.

When calculating the cost for awnings, you must consider a number of factors: the type of material used for the canopy, the size of the awning and any special features will all affect the price. Also remember that shipping, maintenance, repairs and accessories can add to the pricing and costs of awnings and canopies.

When pricing custom awnings and canopies, consider the following:

1. Compare do-it-yourself awnings to find the lowest costs.

2. Pay more for versatility with retractable awnings and canopies.

3. Get graphics added to your custom awnings when you buy.

4. Rent awnings and canopies to save on short-term needs.

Opt for do-it-yourself awnings to save money

Choosing do-it-yourself canopies and awnings, either made of canvas or metal, lets you get the lowest rates on your building improvements. You can also order do-it-yourself canopies and awnings to fit many different window, door and patio sizes.
Try: Easy Awn prices canvas do-it-yourself awnings at $120 to $180 for standard rectangular shapes, and at $190 to $250 for dome shapes. Try-Tech metal do-it-yourself awnings cost $80 to $400, depending on the window size. Their patio coverings cost about $10 per square foot.

Get more options for your buck using retractable window and deck awnings

Whether you want to using window awnings only seasonally, or have a patio that needs deck awnings only during some times of day, retractable awnings may be your best, and most cost effective, option. Retractable awnings can get very expensive, particularly the larger sizes, but offer significant energy benefits and can expand your restaurant or business space to include a larger and more accommodating outdoor area.
Try: PYC Awnings sells the Sunflexx retractable awning in sizes ranging from six to 14 feet wide, for $2000 to $4500. Awning Time.com's single window awning prices range from under $400, for the smallest retractable option (two by three feet), to $11,500 for the largest model (18 by 40 feet).

Factor in custom graphics when calculating pricing and costs of awnings and canopies

Custom logos and graphics are a great feature of awnings and canopies. Whether you want to add a full color logo or picture or just your establishment's name or address, awnings or canopies with custom graphics can make your business stand out. Pricing on custom graphics varies depending on the colors you use, and can be calculated when you order your awning or canopy.
Try: Get custom printing on canopy tents in one color, two colors or full color from CustomCanopy. Their canopies are priced from $750 to $1800, depending on number of peaks in the design and colors in the printing. Elite Deals offers quotes on custom graphics added to any awning. Most styles are priced from $300 to $800 plus printing.

Save money by renting awnings and canopies

If you'll be using a canopy for a special outdoor event, consider renting rather than buying and pay less. When pricing rental awnings and canopies, remember to include delivery and assembly, any additions you want such as tent walls or floors and the cost for supplying electricity to the tent, if necessary.
Try: Visit Champion Canopies & Tarps, which rents outdoor event tents for $400 to $1500, depending on size, plus shipping ($130 to $300, depending on your state). Canopy Pro's Party Rentals also offers canopy tents and optional walls, flooring, seating and lighting. Their canopies are priced from $100 to $3000, depending on the size, while delivery and set up costs range from $25 to $1200.

Factor in the cost for accessories when calculating the pricing of awnings. Motors for retractable awnings are usually sold separately, and adequate hardware for installing awnings may or may not be included in your order.
Both metal and canvas awnings require maintenance and care. Factor regular cleaning and repair into the cost of your awnings when considering final prices.