The popularity of outdoor living spaces in residential and commercial properties across the globe is directly correlated with an impressive increase in the retractable awning and retractable pergola interest. From expanding space to protecting buildings from weather elements and from saving on energy bills to enhancing a property’s curb appeal, the benefits linked to installing a retractable pergola or retractable awning are virtually endless.
What is the difference between an awning and a pergola?
Awnings and pergolas are both outdoor structures designed to provide shelter from sun and/or rain. The difference between the two products is that an awning is attached to the house or building while a pergola is a more permanent attached or detached structure (to a house or building) with posts, beams and rafters.
The range of pergolas and various awnings is now so extensive that sometimes it is tough to choose. Before you make such a purchase, you should understand what is an awning or pergola. You need to determine what features you need and what you want your yard to look like when you want to spend time in the yard. This article puts together a few essential factors regarding the differences between an awning vs. a pergola.
Material durability differs between a retractable awning and a pergola
If you’ve almost decided between a retractable awning or pergola, next you’ll want to choose the right material. Pergolas are usually long-term installations, so it is worth selecting durable materials like wood or aluminum. For awnings, however, very different materials are used. It can be a durable fabric, also wood (for the frame), plastic, steel or galvanized steel, etc.

Retractable awnings are best for sun protection
It is so pleasant on a hot summer day to sit in the shade, read a book, drink tea, and just relax. Or invite your friends for a little talk. A retractable awning vs. pergola is definitely more useful in this case.
A pergola can be very cozy, but still, it can usually protect from the sun only a minimal area. In contrast, you can cover a large part of the yard, patio, or deck with an awning. Plus, it will allow you to adjust the space where you want to create shade and choose which side you want to hide from the sun.

Consider the aesthetic of a retractable awning vs a pergola
A pergola or awning is a convenient piece of your patio or garden interior. Not only do they cover the area from the sun, but they also enhance your yard’s appearance. It is hard to say which will look more beautiful. It all depends on your imagination and taste.
The pergola will possibly take up less space, but it can become a nice and cozy corner in your garden. Besides, you can decorate the pergola with flowers or surround it with climbing plants. The design of the awning also can be very different: from modest to very pretentious. You can apply different styles, colors, materials to create the desired atmosphere.

Consider mobility when choosing between a retractable awning or pergola
With modern pergolas, you can also choose to fold and move it to wherever you feel the coziest today. But classic pergolas are still a fixed, stationary structure. With retractable awnings, you can fold and adjust them as you like.

Consider the place of installation for a retractable awning vs pergola
Pergolas are usually freestanding. You choose the most suitable place (for example, near a pool, a small pond, or over a spa or hot tub) and install the pergola there. Awnings are usually adjacent to one of the walls of the house while creating a comfortable summer terrace. You can also attach the awning to tall, strong trees in your garden or use a special frame to support it.

Retractable awnings are open and can provide less privacy
The area under an awning is more open. Therefore, it’s best suited for spending time with large groups of people. Whereas, if you opt for a pergola and put it in a quiet far corner of the garden, you can enjoy privacy in a beautiful surrounding.

Pergolas are better suited for locations prone to seasonal changes
The most significant factors in terms of seasons are the ability to be enclosed and used in cooler weather. And this is entirely consistent with the pergola features, which can be enclosed and transformed into a small room in your garden where you can have a warming tea or coffee on chilly fall evenings. A retractable awning usually only provides shade in an outdoor area and cannot be enclosed.

Pergolas can be more costly vs a retractable awning
A pergola vs. patio awning has a more complex design, so it usually costs more. But keep in mind that the cost is influenced by the materials used. A complex awning with an unusual design, made of expensive high quality materials, can also cost you quite a bit.
Consider the size of a retractable awning vs a pergola
As a general rule, a single pergola doesn’t take up much space. It makes the room just for a few people to sit down. An awning, on the other hand, can cover a significant area in your yard.

A pergola installation can be more complex vs a retractable awning
You may need additional construction items like posts/columns to install a pergola. Therefore, its installation is also more complicated than that of an awning. But given that the pergola frame is stronger than an awning frame, this disadvantage is made up for.

Conclusion
From professionalism to reliability and from customization options to materials used, a pergola or patio awning is no simple purchase. With all of our framework and components sourced from Europe and nothing from China, RetractableAwnings.com is proud to have been in business for over 35 years, providing unmatched retractable patio and deck products for clients of all kinds.
Are you or your client interested in purchasing or learning more about our patio awning or pergola products and materials? Contact our residential or commercial awning and pergola experts in the USA or Canada toll-free at (866) 438-2964 or outside the USA or Canada at (305) 628-2424 or use the live help chat tool for more information or for help in selecting a retractable awning or retractable pergola that is perfect for you or your client!