Differences between Aluminium and Canvas Awnings

It’s time for lunch and you decide to eat on your patio to take advantage of the beautiful weather which is cloudy and windy. Then it starts to drizzle a little bit and your canvas awning is stretched over the patio even though it wasn’t in great shape.

That’s when you realised that maybe you should have installed an aluminium awning instead of a canvas awning. Given that the two offer your patio much-needed shelter from the weather, you can't help but wonder how do they differ from each other. 

This is where we come in – to provide you with an overview of the differences between aluminium and canvas awnings. This includes the durability, cost, maintenance, style, lifespan, and degree of shade.

Aluminium Awning vs Canvas Awning

You see, the differences between aluminium and canvas awnings are clear in the materials used in the production of the awnings. But there’s more to this than meets the eye so continue reading!

a) Durability

Awnings for patios are designed to last for years, especially when they’re cared for properly. Unlike the material used for canvas awnings, aluminium awnings are sturdier in nature and can withstand extreme rainfalls and heat. 

Canvas awnings, on the other hand, can grow mould and cause unsightly stains when rainwater accumulates on them. Strong winds can also affect the metal support of your canvas awning if it isn't retracted in time or left stretched out during stormy weather.

b) Cost

Depending on your awning provider, the cost of your canvas awning can vary due to a variety of factors such as the size, material used, operation mechanism, and installation time. Given their popularity in the market, they usually cost less than aluminium awnings.

Aluminium awnings, on the other hand, can be more expensive than canvas awnings but they last longer and look better.

c) Maintenance

When it comes to maintaining your canvas awning, you will need to consider a variety of aspects such as the fabric, the mechanical parts for your retractable canvas awning, and metal support. Should any of these are damaged, you will need to repair them immediately.

Meanwhile, aluminium awnings are typically treated with an anti-corrosive coating that protects them from the elements while protecting against the decomposition of the paint. This means they require the least repair work. But you will need to repaint it if there are signs of corrosion.

d) Style

Canvas awnings can be found in a variety of designs and colours. They are typically used at business premises like cafes, restaurants, bars, and hotels to create brand awareness while adding a nice touch of style outside the premises.

Aluminium awnings, on the other hand, may not have as many colour options but it’s not hard to find a colour that matches your house’s exterior. After all, aluminium awnings offer a clean and classic look that blends well with a variety of home styles.

e) Lifespan

Every awning is designed to last for years, but that depends on how they’re cared for over the years. In the case of canvas awnings, they can typically last up to 20 years with fabric replacement done every 5 years or so.

With an aluminium awning, you can get it installed and then forget about it, unless it gets blown away by strong winds. It also requires less maintenance and can typically last a couple of decades.

f) Degree of shade



When it comes to providing shade for your patio, the differences between both types of awnings are less drastic as they can provide ample shade. However, if you choose a lighter colour for your canvas awning, it might not provide as much shade as you imagined it to be.

Dark-coloured canvas awning, on the other hand, will only absorb more heat, causing your patio to feel warmer than it should be. Additionally, if your canvas awning features some pattern, it may fade over time due to prolonged exposure to weather elements.

If you still have a hard time deciding between an aluminium or canvas awning, consider consulting a specialist like M & N France Fabric Awning as they can advise you accordingly.

As Malaysia’s awning manufacturer, our team of well-trained technicians can design and install awnings efficiently to meet your requirements. For more information, contact 012-9891491 or visit our showroom here.