Folding-arm awnings for the patio you actually want to use

Retractable fabric awnings on spring-tensioned folding arms — no posts, no permanent roof, shade on demand over the patio, deck or braai area, disappearing into a cassette when you don't need it.

Why they suit estate patios so well

A lot of the patios and entertaining areas in Broadacres and Cedar Lakes clusters face north or west to catch the light and the view over the estate — which is exactly the exposure that turns a patio into an oven by mid-afternoon in summer. A folding-arm awning turns that space back into somewhere you'll actually sit, and retracts fully to let the low winter sun through when you want it. No posts means no interrupted sightline to the green and no obstacle in the braai area.

Projection runs to around 3–4m over wide spans, and solution-dyed acrylic fabrics are built to hold their colour under South African UV year after year.

Mounting and control options

• Full cassette — fabric and arms sealed away when retracted — the right call for anything weather-exposed, semi-cassette, or open mounting for sheltered positions.
• Crank handle or fully motorised. Motor plus a wind sensor is what we consider the responsible spec here: an awning caught open in a fast-moving highveld gust can be destroyed in seconds, and auto-retract protects the investment without you having to be home to do it.
• LED lighting and a vertical drop-valance are available on premium lines for evening entertaining.

Being honest about limitations

An awning is a shade product, not a rain product — it'll handle light drizzle at a pitch, never a highveld downpour or standing water. Wind ratings are real engineering limits, not suggestions, and the fixing substrate matters — brick, timber and steel fascias all need a different fixing approach, which is exactly what the site assessment during your free measure is for.