You want to enjoy your outdoor space more this summer, maybe it is a backyard patio in Maryland, or rooftop deck in DC, or restaurant terrace in Northern Virginia, but the first choice you will encounter is this: pergola or awning?
Both keep the sun and rain away. Each is an addition to your property. They are however different in how they work, they are different in cost and they are different in needs. This guide simplifies all the information that you need to know in order to make the right call before investing.
What Is a Pergola?
A pergola is an outdoor framework that is free-standing or wall-mounted with a defined frame usually aluminium or wood and a roofing system that may be open or covered in retractable fabric or have motorized adjustable louvers. The systems of modern pergolas extend well beyond the traditional open beam garden design. The current high-end products such as the Pergola retractable fabric roof systems and motorized louvered pergolas which we install in Maryland and DC provide you with the exact ability to control sunlight, airflow and rain cover at the press of the button.
Pergolas are ideal for:
- Homeowners wishing a permanent architectural element in their garden or patio
- Hotels and restaurants with large outdoor seating spaces
- Anyone wishing to have outdoor use all year round regardless of the weather
- Areas that require a statement structure and not shade alone
What Is an Awning?
An awning is an extension of a building wall that is covered with fabric or aluminium to shade a deck, patio, window, or doorway. Retractable awnings are folded away when not in use, fixed canopy awnings are constantly in place. Awnings are among the quickest and cheapest methods of providing shade and weather protection to an already existing building, be it a home or business building, without the footprint of an entire pergola frame.
Awnings are ideal for:
- House owners desiring adjustable, on-demand shade on a deck or patio
- Companies that wish to sign their storefront or color a commercial entrance
- Homes that lack the room or the finances to install a full pergola
- Anyone who desires a shade that fades away when not in use
Pergola vs. Awning: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Pergola | Awning |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Freestanding or wall-mounted frame | Wall-mounted only |
| Coverage area | Large – up to 40 or more feet wide | Moderate — typically up to 20 feet |
| Rain protection | Full (with retractable fabric or retractable louvered roof) | Partial to good |
| Sun control | Motorized louvers that can be adjusted | Good with UV fabric |
| Best for | Residential & commercial large spaces | Residential patios & commercial fronts |
| Motorized options | Yes – remote, application, wind sensor | Yes – remote, app, wind sensor |
| Permanence | Permanent structure | Retractable or fixed |
| Investment level | Higher | Lower to moderate |
| Adds property value | Significantly | Moderately |
The Case for a Motorized Louvered Pergola
When the budget permits and you desire complete outdoor control, you can have a motorized louvered pergola which is the highest quality. The movable roof blades can be turned to any position – filter the afternoon sun, make maximum use of air in hot evenings, or keep the rain out completely. Most of the models can be connected to the smart home system, which means that you can schedule them or control your pergola via your phone.
This is particularly persuasive to restaurant owners in Maryland, Virginia, and DC. The spring showers and summer heat will not stop the revenue of your outdoor seating business; a louvered pergola will keep your business going all month long. Commercial louvered pergola is frequently paid off in terms of extra covers per week, rather than comfort.
To the homeowner, it makes your patio what you use three months out of the year to be one that you use nine.
The Case for a Retractable Deck & Patio Awning
All people do not require the complete structure of a pergola. When you want simple shade and weather protection of a patio or residential deck and you need to be able to close it when you do not need it, a motorized retractable awning will provide a great value.
On a hot afternoon in Maryland, a good retractable awning made of a UV-resistant material will lower the amount of heat in the area under the awning by 15 degrees, lower your cooling costs inside the house, and keep your outdoor furniture out of the sun. The wind sensors have the ability to automatically roll up the awning when the wind blows, hence you need not be afraid of damaging the awning when you are not at home.
In storefronts and business entrances, fixed canopy awnings are the best solution to serve two purposes: keep your customers dry and provide a very strong visual branding statement to your business.
Which One Is Right for Your Space?
Choose a pergola if:
- You desire an architectural, permanent outdoor room
- You need to cover a large area (over 15 feet wide)
- You own a restaurant or hotel, and you must be able to seat people in any weather
- You desire motorized louvered control of sun, air, and rain
- You desire to add greatly to the value of your property
Choose an awning if:
- You desire a patio or deck shade that can be closed away
- Your budget is medium and you desire a quicker, easier install
- You must brand a commercial entrance or store front
- You have less space outdoors or can be covered with the walls
- You would like a shade that fades away when not in use
Serving Maryland, Virginia & Washington DC
We install pergola systems and awnings to the entire DMV area, whether it is the backyard of a home in Beltsville and Bethesda, or a commercial terrace in Georgetown and Tysons Corner. Each of the systems that we suggest is tailored to your space, sun exposure, and budget. Our in-home consultations are free with no pressure and obligation.
Call us at (301) 847-7000 or book your free consultation online today.
Frequently Asked Questions Pergola vs. Awnings
Q: Does a pergola protect from rain?
Basic pergola is an open beam that has little rain protection. A pergola with a canopy that closes over with a retractable fabric canopy or motorized louvered canopy, however, offers a complete shield against the rain. The Pergola® retractable roof systems are uniquely made to withstand moderate rain and to be completely waterproof.
Q: What is the difference between a pergola and an awning?
An awning is a wall-mounted fabric covering that covers a patio or a window and a pergola is an independent or wall-mounted structure that has a frame and roof structure of its own. Pergolas are generally larger, more structural and offer greater control over the sun and rainfall with motorized capabilities. Awnings are less complex, cheaper and completely retractable.
Q: Can a motorized awning be controlled by a smartphone?
Yes. Our motorized retractable awnings are controlled through remote, wall switch, or smartphone application. A lot of models also have wind sensors which automatically roll up the awning when the wind becomes too strong to be safe, and your investment is still safe when you are not at home.
Q: How long does a pergola or awning last?
A good quality aluminium pergola with UV-resistant cloth roof has a life span of 15-20 years and requires minimum maintenance. Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics on aluminium frames are often used to make retractable awnings, which last 10-15 years. They are both greatly lengthened with due care, shortened at heavy storms, and subjected to professional examination yearly.
Q: Do I need planning permission to install a pergola in Maryland?
A freestanding pergola smaller than a specific size may be installed without permit in most residential zones of Maryland, Virginia and DC. But the county and HOA rules differ in requirements. We will counsel you on any local permit requirements of your property and project during your free consultation.
Q: What is a louvered pergola?
A pergola that has a motorized roof that consists of adjustable horizontal blades (louvers) is called a louvered pergola. The blades can be turned in any direction to manage the sun and airflow or they can be entirely closed to keep off rain. They are the high quality option to residential outdoor furniture and commercial outdoor seating, which can be used all year long with the highest level of flexibility.
Q: Can awnings and pergolas be installed for commercial restaurants?
Absolutely. We are installers of commercial grade retractable fabric roof, motorized louvered pergolas, and permanent canopy awnings on restaurants, hotels, and commercial properties in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC. Business systems are designed to operate in high traffic and are designed to last years of operation.