Awnings can add a kind of seclusion to your deck or backyard patio that goes beyond any basic wood barrier. Creating this kind of privacy may require a few innovative design solutions. For example, your deck might benefit from a well-designed planter or an elegant woven fence. Awnings can help you take your privacy to another level by not only framing your patio but also giving overhead coverage and protection, as well as adding style and value to your backyard.

PRIVACY PROTECTION WITH EXTERIOR AWNINGS

Patio awnings are an ideal solution for adding some privacy to your backyard. If your home layout leaves your backyard exposed to upstairs neighbors or extreme exposure to the elements, a couple of well-placed awnings can fix all your problems. 

For many of us, our back patios become the most popular outdoor room in our houses during the summer. A retractable awning will turn your patio into the ultimate summer place, making those backyard barbecues and lazy summer evenings even more delightful. They can also be programmed to automatically deploy, providing shade in the day as well as much-required privacy in the evening.

Retractable awnings are and should be viewed as an investment. That is because the cost for a retractable awning is significantly higher than a stationary awning. This is not necessarily a bad thing though, as a quality retractable awning will actually increase the value of your home.

Drop shade systems like retractable awnings are the fancy sports cars of the awning world. They can be customized, upgraded, and improved with elaborate electronics. They are great at providing shade and protecting outdoor and indoor furniture, but they allow you to customize how much shade you are getting and when. Retractable awnings can come in either a manual form or a fancy motorized version. 

If adequately built with sensors, a motorized retractable awning can protect itself from inclement weather conditions. There are sensors available that can measure wind, rain, and the sun and adjust the settings of your awning accordingly. Not only do they make awning ownership somewhat mindless, they also protect you from unexpected visits from mother nature.

This feature means you won’t have to repair or replace your awning or its components as often as you might with a stationary unit. Stationary options are more likely to be damaged in storms, while the retractable versions can use sensors to protect from high winds and debris.

These awnings can also avoid constant sun damage while you retract them, making them less susceptible to fading. Awnings can also save your furniture and flooring from fading in the summer sun. You can get a sensor that will detect when water begins to pool on top of the awning for heavy rain. Generally speaking, retractable awnings have longer lifespans than stationary awnings.

One of the most attractive features of a motorized retractable awning is the ability to control it remotely. Whether you choose to adjust the awning while lounging in your backyard or lower it from the inside to block the setting sun, it is a luxurious feature. Some awnings even have app integration, so you can control them remotely from your phone or tablet devices.

Retractable awnings can save you money over the length of their life. As your awning shades your home, it lowers the inside temperature of your home up to 15 degrees. This stops your air conditioners from running constantly. While these awnings are more expensive than regular stationary awnings, stationary awnings are not as stable or long-lasting as retractable options. 

The cons to a retractable awning are generally centered around cost. While a manual retractable awning is more affordable than a motorized retractable awning, it can still be too pricey for some people’s taste. While we have mentioned that it is an investment to get a retractable awning, it might not be a viable option for everyone. If you are dead set on getting a retractable awning, ask your local manufacturer if they accept credit cards or layaway. Any investment of this type of home improvement will actually pay off when you go to sell your home.

Whether you are opting for non-retractable or retractable awnings, you will have to be very consistent with the maintenance and cleaning on a seasonal basis. Awnings are more susceptible to collecting dirt, dust, and other things that can damage their quality. You can also encounter some mold growth if the water is getting stored in the fabric awnings. 

Maintenance is something that you need to spend time and money on occasionally. If you chose a motorized retractable awning, you will periodically need to maintain the motor. You may also need to repair or replace the element sensors after a few years. Failing to stay on top of the upkeep may cause your awning to become non-operational or worse, manually operated!

PLANT YARD TREES FOR PRIVACY

Consider an evergreen tree privacy fence idea if you have a larger yard and a larger budget. If you’re patient, trees and plants will form excellent fences. Fast-growing trees like arborvitaes can reach any desired height in a few years, providing a natural barrier between your property and your neighbor’s. Furthermore, planting a tree is simple and inexpensive, requiring only a few shovels, some dirt, and the tree itself.

OUTDOOR CURTAINS PROTECT YOUR INDOORS

Drape some outdoor curtains around your porch, patio, or other seating area using a rope, wire, or rods. You can hang your curtains from trees, porch railings, or any other solid fixture in your yard. Wherever additional support is required, simple wooden posts can be hammered into the ground. Drive wooden posts into the ground and secure the rod or wire to them for added support. Backyard privacy curtains are simple to make and give your yard a distinct flair.

BUILD A PRIVACY SCREEN

A few old doors, either painted to match or left in their natural color, can be used to create a quirky yet functional privacy screen. To make a folding screen, simply connect the hinges on each one. The same may be said for old shutters or, more correctly, antique screens. The possibilities are unlimited with a bit of imagination. Depending on your preferences, you can also buy pre-built screens made of wicker or wood.

FABRICATE A LIVING WALL

Hang multiple flower boxes from a lattice screen or other frame to create a simple living wall. Fill the containers with soil and your favorite greenery. Choose bigger, bushy plants as the main tenants of your boxes for the most coverage. Consider using trailing plants to fill in the gaps between the boxes. This backyard privacy idea comes with the added benefit of enlarging your gardening space for those of us with green thumbs.

INSTALL LARGE POTTED PLANTERS

Purchase a number of large planters and fill them with tall, ornamental grasses or flowers. Arrange the planters in a row along with a piece of your porch or another place where some screening is required. This method is essentially a less expensive variant of the traditional (but more expensive) usage of bushes to create a privacy fence.

PUT UP A SIMPLE LATTICE FENCE

Only a few wooden posts or boards, depending on how solid you want your fence to be, and enough lattice to cover them are required for this project. You may easily paint or stain the lattice to match the color of your house or yard furnishings before putting the fence together. If you prefer a more classic privacy fence, this DIY project is as easy—and inexpensive—as it gets.

ASSEMBLE HEDGE WALLS

For ages, hedges have been a popular privacy landscaping feature, especially along property lines. One advantage is that, depending on the plant material you choose, a well-planned hedge can reach almost any desired height. What’s the drawback? Establishing a long, high hedgerow involves either a lot of money or a lot of time. Hedge walls also necessitate a significant amount of upkeep. However, with the appropriate arrangement, even a small hedge can be highly effective.

DEVISE A TRELLIS

Whether simple or ornate, store-bought or custom-built, a garden trellis provides a straightforward yet discreet solution to the privacy issue. Even though the structure blocks views, it allows for pleasant breezes and dappled sunshine. A trellis can also become an eye-catching focal point in the design of your outdoor living area by providing the proper support for any variety of climbing plants or floral vines.

VISUAL AND PRIVACY IMPROVEMENTS 

The look of your awning is essential. You want to love the way your home and backyard look with an awning, but you might also need to consider association requirements. Some communities require that external home additions meet specific size, color, and pattern restrictions. Don’t make the mistake of investing in an awning that will only get you in trouble with the neighbors.

Make sure that you choose an awning that you enjoy looking at, which suits your home’s style. There are generally two types of retractable awnings – the ‘classic’ style and the hip roof style – also known as the ‘Marchesa.’ Each style has its benefits for different homes with different conditions. Remember that you will have to look at it every day, so choose the look of your retractable awning with careful consideration.

Most awnings manufacturers offer awnings with acrylic fabrics and that is dyed in a unique solution, giving you hundreds of color options to choose from. More often than not, you can get the right color for your home’s exterior.

Call Accent Awnings with any questions about retractable awnings in Orange County, CA and San Diego, CA.