What Size Awning Do I Need? A Guide to Measuring Your Space
What Size Awning Do I Need? A Guide to Measuring Your Space
When it comes to buying an awning, size matters. Getting the measurements right is key to ensuring your awning is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
If you're wondering "What size awning do I need?", you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll take you through how to measure your space correctly, what to consider before buying, and a few expert tips to avoid common mistakes.
Why Size Is Important When Choosing an Awning
An awning isn’t just a nice-to-have garden accessory—it’s an investment in comfort, shade, usable living space, and even your home’s energy efficiency. But if you get the size wrong, it can lead to problems:
☀ Too Small – Won’t provide enough shade, especially as the sun moves throughout the day.
💨 Too Large – May look out of proportion especially if you have limited wall space and could end up costing more than necessary.
🌧 Incorrect Projection – If the awning doesn’t extend far enough, you won’t be protected from drizzle or sun at certain angles.
So, let’s make sure you get the Goldilocks of awnings—not too big, not too small, but just right.
Step 1: Measure the Width of Your Awning
The first thing to measure is how wide your awning needs to be. This will depend on the space available on your wall or ceiling (depending on how it’s mounted).
How to measure the width:
Measure the total width of the space where you want the awning installed.
- If mounting on a solid brick wall, measure the available width between windows, doors, or other obstacles.
- If installing under a soffit or eaves, check how much space you have.
Factor in door and window clearance.
- You’ll want your awning to be wide enough to cover your patio doors (especially if they’re bi-fold doors).
- A general rule is that your awning should be at least 30cm wider than your door width to provide proper coverage.
Typical Awning Widths:
✔ 3m – 3.5m – Suitable for small patios or balcony spaces.
✔ 4m – 5m – Ideal for standard patios and French doors.
✔ 6m – 7m+ – Designed for large gardens, outdoor dining areas, or commercial use.
💡 Tip: If your patio doors are wide but you don’t have enough wall space, consider a pergola-style awning with support posts for added stability.
Step 2: Measure the Projection (Depth) of Your Awning
Now that you’ve got the width sorted, it’s time to figure out how far out the awning should extend to give you the right amount of shade and weather protection.
How much projection do you need?
✔ 2m – 2.5m – Provides shade for a small bistro table or a compact seating area.
✔ 3m – 3.5m – Ideal for larger patios, BBQ setups, or small dining areas.
✔ 4m+ – Great for large outdoor entertaining spaces, providing full shade for multiple seating areas.
☀ Sun Position Matters!
Even if 2.5m seems like enough, remember that the sun moves—a short projection might mean shade at midday but not in the evening.
💡 Tip: If your garden gets late afternoon sun, consider an awning with an adjustable drop valance to block low-angle rays.
Step 3: Check Mounting Height & Angle
Your awning’s mounting height is crucial for clearance and usability.
🔹 Minimum Recommended Mounting Height: 2.5m above the ground.
🔹 Ideal Angle: 14° – 20° for rain runoff and optimal shade.
💡 Why the angle matters:
- If your awning is flat, rainwater will pool on top, potentially damaging the fabric.
- A proper slope ensures rain runs off smoothly rather than collecting or dripping near your seating area.
Step 4: Consider Space for Accessories & Wind Resistance
If you’re planning on adding LED lighting, side screens, or wind sensors, make sure you account for the extra space and installation requirements.
- Motorized Awnings need extra clearance for the motor casing.
- Wind Sensors can automatically retract the awning in high winds, protecting your investment.
- Side Screens add privacy and extra wind protection, but require additional mounting space.
💡 Top Tip: If your garden is exposed to high winds, consider a Markilux pergola awning, which has fixed posts for extra stability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Underestimating Sun Angle: Just because your awning provides shade at noon doesn’t mean it will at 4pm.
🚫 Ignoring Wind Conditions: If your garden is windy, choose a wind-rated awning or consider a pergola-style option.
🚫 Forgetting Drainage: Awnings need to be angled to prevent water pooling.
🚫 Not Measuring Twice: Don’t assume—double-check your measurements before ordering!
Final Checklist: Measuring Your Awning Correctly
✅ Width: Measure your available space and go at least 30cm wider than your doors/windows.
✅ Projection: Consider how much shade you need at different times of day.
✅ Mounting Height: Ensure at least 2.5m clearance.
✅ Angle: Set at a minimum of 14° for rain runoff.
✅ Wind & Weather: Choose a sturdy design if your garden is exposed.
✅ Future Accessories: Leave room for lighting, side screens, or heaters.
Conclusion: Getting the Right Awning Size for Your Home
Choosing the right awning size doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By following these steps, you can be sure that your awning will provide the perfect amount of shade, comfort, and weather protection.
At GDCG, we specialize in helping UK homeowners find and install the perfect awning. If you’re unsure what size is right for your space, our team can offer expert advice and professional installation. Measuring your awning at home will help get the ball rolling and allow us to give estimated costs. However, for every install GDCG will always undertake a full site survey with a trained surveyor so we can make sure that your new awning is sized perfectly for your needs.
📞 Need help choosing the right size awning? Contact us today for a FREE consultation or come down to our showroom in Grantham and take a look at the range of awnings and fabrics we have on show!