Our Retractable Open Cassette Awnings, Full Cassette Awnings and Electric Awnings are a great way of shading your garden and patio in the bright, summer months, offering beautiful style, precise light control, and improved privacy for overlooked spaces. In this blog, we’ll cover the differences between each type of Awning and their benefits so you can decide which is best for your outdoor space.
What are Open Cassette Awnings?
Open Cassette Awnings feature a robust sheet of fabric that fully extends to cover your patio area, and retracts around a roller tube when it’s not in use. Operated via a crank mechanism, the handle can be attached and detached, providing a neat, streamlined appearance when it’s extended. The fabric and valance can be removed for storage during the winter months to keep it looking as good as new for summer.
What are Full Cassette Awnings?
Full Cassette Awnings feature a fully enclosed frame system that protects the fabric from the wind, rain, and more when retracted in. Similar to open cassette options, a crank mechanism is used to adjust the fabric, so you can enjoy versatile shading all day long.
Its slimline casing ensures the fabric is guarded all year round, meaning there’s little to no maintenance for keeping them clean. Plus, the cassette is available in a white or anthracite shade to complement your space perfectly.
What are Electric Awnings?
Electric Awnings are designed for maximum convenience, and offer a hands-free, effortless way to shade your garden. Operated with a single click of the simple remote control, these Awnings offer the easiest and most stylish sun protection for your patio, garden or decking area.
Our Electric Awnings require connection to your mains to power them, and we provide a standard plug that can be used in an outdoor socket or extension cable from inside. Similar to our Full Cassette version, they come with a housing system that protects the fabric from the outside elements when retracted.
The Key Differences Between Open Cassette, Full Cassette and Electric Awnings
| Features | Open Cassette | Full Cassette | Electric |
| Available in a plethora of colours | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Made from a hard-wearing performance fabric | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Operated manually | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Comes with a cassette to protect the fabric | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Minimum sizes (width / drop) | 200cm / 150cm | 100cm / 100cm | 100cm / 100cm |
| Maximum sizes (width / drop) | 300cm / 200cm | 400cm / 400cm | 400cm / 400cm |
- Available in a plethora of colours – Whether you’re looking for a light shade to brighten your space or a dark tone that makes a contemporary statement, we have a range of options available across all three designs to suit your outdoor scheme.
- Made from a hard-wearing performance fabric – Although we recommend retracting the Awning to avoid wear and tear in adverse weather conditions, the fabric can withstand light rain and wind.
- Operated Manually – Open Cassette and Full Cassette Awnings both feature a crank mechanism that is controlled via an attachable handle, whereas our Electric versions are operated remotely with a simple touch of a button.
- Comes with a cassette – Our Full Cassette and Electric Awnings both feature a slimline cassette that protects the retracted fabric all year round. For our Open Cassette option, we recommend removing the fabric from the brackets during the colder months and storing it indoors to prevent damage.
Explore Our Awnings Collections Today
Found the perfect style for your outdoor space? Shop our beautiful awnings collections today. Alternatively, for more inspiration, view our buyers guide, including tips on measuring, installing and cleaning them plus more.
