Manual retractable awnings
A hand-crank system for projects where straightforward operation and limited electrical work are priorities.
Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings for adjustable patio shade.
Universal Awning installs wall-mounted retractable awnings for restaurant patios, hotel terraces, commercial properties, multifamily amenities, and homes. Each system is selected around the mounting surface, required projection, fabric, operation, and exposure at the property.
Marriott hotelRetractable fabric awnings for adjustable balcony shade
OperationManual crank or motorized control, depending on the system and project
Typical locationsPatios, terraces, balconies, outdoor dining areas, and residential yards
Planning pointsMounting, width, projection, fabric, controls, power, clearance, and exposure
Planning the system
Retractable shade gives a patio two useful configurations
A folding-arm awning extends outward from a wall to shade the area below, then closes back toward the building when the cover is not needed. That makes it useful for patios that benefit from shade during part of the day but should remain open at other times.
The awning has to be sized for the wall and the area it is expected to cover. We review the mounting surface, available height, doors and windows, desired projection, sun direction, electrical access, furniture, and operating conditions before recommending a system.
Adjust patio shadeExtend the awning when direct sun reaches seating, then retract it when an open patio is preferred.
Keep posts off the patioUse a wall-mounted system where a freestanding frame would interrupt tables, doors, or circulation.
Coordinate with the facadeSelect fabric, frame finish, width, projection, and visible details that fit the building.
Choose practical controlsMatch manual or motorized operation to the size, frequency of use, and property staff or homeowner needs.
Available configurations
Manual and motorized retractable awning layouts
The correct configuration depends on the awning size, how often it will move, who will operate it, where power is available, and how the awning should relate to the facade.
Explore all shade systemsMotorized retractable awnings
Powered extension and retraction for larger units, frequent use, or properties that want easier day-to-day control.
Single-area patio awnings
One awning sized around a restaurant patio, hotel terrace, multifamily amenity, or residential outdoor area.
Repeated facade awnings
Multiple units coordinated across balconies, storefront bays, or other repeated building openings.
Project planning
The mounting surface determines what is possible
The wall, beam, roof edge, or other attachment area must be reviewed before width and projection are finalized. Mounting height also affects pitch, door clearance, headroom, and the position of the front bar when the awning is open.
Wall and attachmentConfirm construction, available connection points, obstructions, and waterproofing details.
Width and projectionSize the unit around the patio footprint, sun angle, clearances, and product limits.
Controls and powerPlan switch, remote, motor, electrical route, and responsible trades when power is required.
Operation and weatherSet clear operating practices and retract the awning when conditions exceed manufacturer guidance.
Common applications
Where retractable awnings are commonly used
Retractable awnings are best suited to areas where adjustable overhead shade is more useful than a permanent roof or a fixed fabric frame.
Restaurants and cafes
Outdoor dining, sidewalk patios, upper terraces, and customer seating next to a building.
Restaurant projectsHotels and resorts
Guest balconies, poolside areas, dining terraces, and hospitality patios.
Hotel and resort projectsMultifamily and commercial
Resident amenities, shared courtyards, office patios, and tenant outdoor areas.
Multifamily projectsResidential properties
Backyard patios, decks, windows, and outdoor dining next to the home.
Residential projectsSelected work
Retractable awnings on commercial and residential properties
These installations show a larger commercial opening and a residential patio application with a traditional striped fabric cover.
Project process
How a retractable awning project moves forward
The opening, attachment, operation, fabric, and installation access are resolved before the awning is ordered or fabricated.
Review the wall and patio
Measure the area and document mounting conditions, doors, windows, utilities, furniture, sun exposure, and access.
Select the awning system
Set the width, projection, pitch, fabric, frame finish, housing, and manual or motorized controls.
Confirm attachment and power
Resolve connection details, clearances, electrical requirements, approvals, and installation responsibilities.
Install and review operation
Mount and adjust the system, verify its travel and clearances, and review normal operation with the property.
Retractable Awnings questions
Frequently asked questions
How far can a retractable awning extend?
It depends on the system Universal Awning installs and the wall it mounts to, so projection is set per site rather than from one standard number. We measure the patio and check the sun angle, doors, windows, furniture and electrical access, then size the width and projection around the area to cover.
What does a retractable awning mount to?
A Universal Awning retractable awning can mount to a wall, a beam, a roof edge or another attachment area on the building. Mounting height changes the pitch, door clearance, headroom and where the front bar sits when open, so the construction, connection points and waterproofing at the mount are confirmed first.
Can a retractable awning stay open in wind or rain?
Only within the manufacturer's limits. A Universal Awning retractable awning is adjustable shade, not a permanent roof, and it should be retracted when wind or rain goes beyond the product guidance. We set clear operating practices when the awning is planned and review normal operation with you after installation. For cover that stays up year round, look at our metal awnings.
What is the difference between a retractable awning and a slide wire canopy?
A Universal Awning retractable awning uses folding arms to push fabric out from a wall, then closes back toward the building when you do not need shade. A slide wire canopy uses fabric panels that travel along parallel cables and stack toward one side, so it needs its own overhead frame or supports.
Can I get a retractable awning for my home?
Yes. Universal Awning installs wall mounted retractable awnings for homes as well as restaurant patios, hotel terraces and commercial properties. At a house they shade backyard patios, decks, windows and outdoor dining next to the home, with manual crank or motorized control depending on the size and how often it moves.
What should I send for a retractable awning estimate?
For a Universal Awning retractable awning estimate, send the property address, photos of the wall and patio, the approximate width and how far out you want shade, the mounting height if you know it, and whether you prefer manual or motorized operation. We review the mounting conditions and options, and the estimate is free. Request the estimate through the quote form on our contact page or by phone at (818) 882-0027, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. You get a fast, detailed proposal with 3D renderings and a cost breakdown.
Request a retractable awning estimate
Share photographs of the wall and patio, approximate dimensions, desired shade area, and whether manual or motorized operation is preferred. We will review the mounting conditions and available options. If you have an existing retractable awning that needs new fabric, see our awning repair and recovering page.