If you are researching patio awnings, you will quickly notice something confusing. Prices vary dramatically. What should you expect to pay for a high quality, motorised, fully installed awning in the UK.
To set a clear baseline, a motorised awning from WindowTreat typically starts at around £3,000 including VAT and installation.
This is for a smaller, full cassetted system with Somfy motorisation and professional fitting. From there, the price increases depending on the engineering, size, materials, and customisation your home requires.
This guide explains exactly what drives those costs. No jargon. No sales tactics. Just honest transparency so you can understand where your money goes and why two awnings that look similar online can be thousands of pounds apart in real life.
This is the single biggest cost driver for most homeowners.
At 6 metres wide, the difference between an un-cassetted awning and a full cassetted awning can be over £2,000.
Why such a big jump
A full cassette requires significantly more pressure die casted, powder coated aluminium. Aluminium prices have risen sharply over the years, and pressure die casting is essential for rigidity. When your awning is extended, the arms create enormous upward forces. A weak cassette simply cannot cope.
What each option means
Un-cassetted High quality arms, motors, and fabrics, but the fabric roll and arms remain exposed to the weather. In the UK this is rarely advisable because rain, wind, and dirt shorten the lifespan.
Semi Cassette Offers partial protection but still leaves the arms exposed. Better than un-cassetted, but still not ideal the aesthetics.
Full Cassette The fabric, roller, and arms retract into a sealed aluminium housing. Maximum protection. Maximum longevity. Most UK homeowners choose this because of our climate.
The cassette type is not a cosmetic choice. It is structural and protective, and the price reflects that.
Wider awnings cost more because they require more fabric, more aluminium, and more engineering. But the real cost jump happens when you cross the 6 metre threshold.
Up to 6 metres, some awnings can be installed using end fix brackets only.
Beyond 6 metres, you need a multi fix awning with multiple load bearing brackets across the width.
A multi fix system at 6 metres wide can be over £1,000 more than an end fix equivalent at the same width and projection.
Why multi fix costs more
More brackets
More projection arms
Heavier cassette
Larger installation team
More complex handling to get the awning into position
Engineering to distribute forces safely across the wall
A 12 metre multi fix awning can cost twice the price of a 6 metre end fix awning. The scale and structural requirements are completely different.
Projection arms typically come in 1.6m, 2.1m, 2.6m, and 3.1m. Some systems offer giant arms at 3.6m and 4.1m.
The longer the projection, the more the cost increases.
On a 6 metre multi fix awning, the difference between short arms and long arms can be up to £2,000.
Why projection adds cost
Longer arms use more material
More fabric coverage is needed
The forces on the wall increase significantly
Additional arms may be required for fabric stability
This is the most surprising cost factor for many homeowners.
A manual awning can be cheaper, but the upgrade to a Somfy IO motor is usually under £500 for the same size.
Why WindowTreat focuses on motorised awnings
Somfy IO gives two way communication
You can see the exact awning position in the Somfy Tahoma app
Quiet, reliable motors
Worldwide technical support
5 year warranty
Better long term usability
Manual awnings are available, but they do not align with the level of performance and convenience our customers expect.
Lighting transforms how you use your outdoor space. It also adds cost.
Typical lighting pricing
LED arm lighting £450 to £1,000 per pair depending on arm length
Headbox lighting on Sol Invictus LED strip and illuminated end caps
Electrical box Required for the receiver and transformer
All lighting can be controlled from your handset or the Somfy Tahoma app.
A single 1.5 kW radiant heater costs £600 including VAT.
One heater can comfortably cover up to 4 metres width at a 3.1 metre projection.
Radiant heat warms people and objects directly, not the air in between, which makes it ideal for outdoor use.
All WindowTreat awnings use Dickson solar fabrics, engineered for the UK climate.
Why Dickson costs more
Water and dirt resistant
Rain drains off at a 15 degree pitch
100 percent solution dyed acrylic
Colour is locked into the yarn like a carrot, not printed on like a radish
10 year warranty
Fabric is one of the biggest cost influencers because it determines longevity, colour stability, and weather performance.
This is the cost factor homeowners struggle with most, because it depends entirely on your property.
Two storey homes
Usually straightforward. Plenty of brickwork above the doors. You may only need:
Pipe brackets to navigate downpipes Approx £500 per pair
Single storey extensions and bungalows
This is where things change.
For awnings up to 6 metres:
End fix awnings can use spreader plates to distribute forces
Gutter brackets can raise the awning to achieve correct pitch Approx £600
For multi fix awnings:
You may need a crossbar system if the structure cannot take the load
Post build crossbars can cost £3,000+
This is often not budgeted for, but it is essential for safety.
Available only on the Sol Elite up to 6 metres wide.
1.2 metre drop
Retracts fully into the cassette
Excellent for low sun glare
Adds over £2,000 to the awning
Fixed valances are also available for under £200, but they flap in the wind and are mainly cosmetic.
Some companies use expanding anchor bolts. Over time, wind forces can enlarge the hole and compromise the fixing.
WindowTreat uses:
Chemical resin
Anchor bar
Structural integration with the masonry
It adds a few hundred pounds in materials and labour, but it ensures the awning remains secure for years.
Somfy Tahoma app Under £200
Sun and wind sensors Around £200
These protect your awning and automate comfort. You can disable them in winter if needed.
Standard colours include anthracite grey, black, and white.
If you want a custom RAL colour to match your glazing or architecture:
Approx £125 per metre
Minimum spend £500
This applies to both the awning and the bracketry.
Installation varies depending on:
Width
Projection
Weight
Access
Bracketry complexity
Number of installers required
Typical installation costs range from £1,000 to £3,000.
A patio awning is not a simple product. It is a structural, weather resisting, motorised shading system that must be engineered to handle significant forces. The price reflects the materials, the engineering, the safety requirements, and the customisation needed for your home.
If you understand the cost drivers above, you will be able to compare quotes with confidence and avoid the pitfalls of choosing an awning that looks good in a photo but fails in real world conditions.
Ready to learn more? Explore these specific articles to better understand what goes into your awning solutions.
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