Are Awnings Worth It In The UK? Get Year Round Living In Your Garden
When you think of an awning, your mind might drift to sun-drenched Mediterranean villas or a Parisian café. But are awnings actually worth it in the UK, where sunshine is often a fleeting visitor, and rain can appear out of nowhere?
The short answer: Yes, absolutely! A high-quality awning, especially from a brand like Markilux, isn’t just about providing shade—it’s about maximising your outdoor space all year round while adding value, comfort, and style to your home.
Let’s break down why awnings are a smart investment for UK homeowners, even with our unpredictable weather.
1. Awnings Offer Sun Protection (Yes, Even in the UK!)
While Britain isn’t exactly known for scorching heat, we do get over 1,500 hours of sunshine per year in most areas. When the sun does appear, it can quickly turn patios into unbearably hot zones, and glare through windows can make your home feel like a greenhouse.
How an Awning Helps:
☀ Blocks direct sunlight, keeping your patio or decking comfortable.
🕶 Reduces glare inside your home, perfect for those with bi-fold doors or large windows.
🏡 Prevents fading of indoor furniture, carpets, and flooring caused by UV rays.
💡 Verdict: Even in a mild UK summer, the sun can be intense. An awning helps create a cool, shaded retreat when you need it most.
2. Enjoy Your Garden in Light Rain (Typical British Weather)
Ah, the great British summer: one minute you’re basking in the sun, the next you’re dashing inside as an unexpected drizzle ruins your BBQ. Awnings allow you to stay outside longer, without worrying about sudden rain showers.
How an Awning Helps:
🌦 Water-resistant awnings & pergolas allow you to enjoy light rain showers without getting wet.
🍽 Perfect for outdoor dining, so your guests don’t have to grab their plates and run inside!
🏡 Creates a sheltered space that allows you to use your patio in all seasons.
💡 Verdict: You can’t predict UK weather, but an awning gives you the flexibility to enjoy your garden more often, without being at the mercy of the rain.
3. Awnings Extend Your Living Space
Many UK homes, particularly those with bi-fold doors and extensions, are designed to seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces. However, without shade or shelter, these open-plan designs can become too hot in summer and underused in bad weather.
How an Awning Helps:
🏡 Turns your patio into an extra ‘room’ that can be used in spring, summer, and autumn.
🌿 Creates a cosy outdoor seating or dining area, perfect for entertaining.
🌡 Helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the ‘greenhouse effect’ of large windows.
💡 Verdict: If you love alfresco living but hate being driven inside by unpredictable weather, an awning is a game-changer.
4. Reduce Energy Costs & Keep Your Home Cooler
Many homeowners don’t realise that an awning can actually reduce energy bills. Large windows and bi-fold doors may flood your home with natural light, but they also let in a lot of heat, making rooms uncomfortably warm in summer.
How an Awning Helps:
💨 Blocks direct sunlight, keeping indoor temperatures cooler.
❄ Reduces the need for air conditioning or fans, lowering energy costs.
🛋 Protects furniture from UV damage, extending its lifespan.
💡 Verdict: Awnings don’t just enhance outdoor comfort—they also improve indoor living conditions by keeping your home cooler in summer.
5. Privacy & Wind Protection
If your garden or patio is overlooked by neighbours, an awning can provide an extra layer of privacy, allowing you to relax without feeling on display.
How an Awning Helps:
🔹 Drop-down valances or side screens block prying eyes.
🔹 Protects against wind, making outdoor seating more comfortable.
🔹 Creates a more intimate, secluded space in busy neighbourhoods.
💡 Verdict: If privacy is a concern, an awning with side screens or drop valances is a great way to make your outdoor space feel more secluded.
6. Awnings Add Value to Your Home
A well-installed, high-quality awning isn’t just a functional addition—it can actually increase the value of your home.
🏡 Improves curb appeal, making your property more attractive to buyers.
📈 Adds functional outdoor space, a huge selling point for home buyers.
💰 Return on investment (ROI): While exact figures vary, estate agents agree that a well-maintained outdoor space can increase a home’s value by 5-10%.
💡 Verdict: If you ever decide to sell, an awning can make your home stand out in the market and justify a higher asking price.
7. Customisation & Smart Features
Modern awnings aren’t just basic fabric canopies. Many premium models, like those from Markilux, come with smart features that enhance functionality and ease of use.
Popular Awning Upgrades:
📱 Smart control & motorisation – Adjust your awning with a remote or app.
💡 Built-in LED lighting – Enjoy your outdoor space in the evening.
🔥 Infrared heating – Stay warm on chilly nights.
🌬 Wind sensors – Automatically retract the awning in strong winds.
💡 Verdict: Modern awnings offer high-tech solutions that make outdoor living more convenient and enjoyable.
Final Verdict: Are Awnings Worth It in the UK?
✅ Yes! Awnings are a practical, stylish, and valuable addition to UK homes. They provide:
✔ Shade & UV protection for hot summer days.
✔ Shelter from light rain, so you can enjoy your patio longer.
✔ Energy savings, reducing indoor temperatures naturally.
✔ Extended living space, making outdoor areas usable year-round.
✔ Privacy & wind protection, creating a more comfortable outdoor environment.
✔ Increased property value, making them a smart investment.
At GDCG, we specialise in professional awning installation for UK homeowners. Whether you’re looking for a retractable awning for your patio or a high-wind-resistant model, we can help you find the perfect solution.
📞 Want to transform your outdoor space? Contact us for a FREE consultation today or come down to our showroom in Grantham and take a look at the range of awnings and fabrics we have on show!