Choosing the most appropriate Patio Cover for your garden can sometimes be a daunting task. There are so many options to choose from!
Here we break down each Canopy type to help you decide which is the best outdoor cover solution for you.
Nationwide have been installing a range of Outdoor Canopies including Awnings, Verandas & Aluminium Pergolas for many years. If you are looking for a quality product with top class service to match then why not request a free brochure and see how we can help you make the most from your outdoor living space?
If you are looking to keep a room in your home shade and protected from the UV rays of the sun then you may like to consider a Window Canopy.
Window Canopies (also known as Drop Arm Awnings) have the primary function of covering a window or door to provide internal shade to the home.
You can define the amount of shade and light levels by controlling how much you lower the blind which is generally operated using a simple remote control.
Drop Arm Awnings typically open to 90 degrees but it is possible to extend this further to 125 degrees if you require extra sun protection.
You can read more about our Sun Canopies here.
Retractable Patio Awnings are the ideal patio covering for those who are looking for a large area of shade that can be used for both shading the internal rooms of the home whilst also provide a cool shady retreat to sit under.
One huge advantage of the Patio Awning is the neat cassette that it retracts into. So discreet that, unless you were looking for it, you wouldn't know it was even there. This cassette keeps the Awning fabric and mechanism in a pristine condition.
At the press of the remote control, the Awning can extend out creating the ideal area for relaxing or even a little alfresco dining.
All of our Awning Canopies are provided with an automatic wind sensor which will retract the Canopy when the wind reaches the desired threshold. Sun sensors are also available as an option.
learn more about our range of Patio Awnings.
Whilst these types of Canopies are typically designed for sun protection, they will also do a great job of protecting you from a light shower. HOWEVER...
...it is extremely important to never let water pool on the fabric. To minimise this risk, it always recommended that the Awning has a pitch of at least 14 degrees if it is intended to be used in the rain. It should also only be used in light showers and only ever whilst someone is in attendance.
If the sole purpose is for use in rain, it is far better to consider a Patio Cover that is specifically designed for this purpose.
In a single unit, we can manufacture a standard Patio Awning Canopy up to 7m (~23ft) in width. The width is the overall dimension of the cassette so the fabric itself will always be a little shorter than this.
We can manufacture our Patio Awning Canopies up to a projection of 4m. Under normal circumstances, you always require 500mm more of width that your desired projection. As an example, for a 2.5m projection you would require an Awning width of at least 3m.
For those wanting a larger projection, without the ability to have the required width, we do provide a solution in the form of a Cross Arm Awning. This is a special type of design which allows up to a 4m projection with just a 2.5m width.
The projection of an Awning is always measured from the wall and along the pitch of the Awning. So the steeper the pitch, the less distance the Awning will actually project from the wall.
There are several reasons why people may choose to cover the patio with a freestanding Canopy.
The first distinct advantage to this design is the huge amount of shade and shelter that is possible - doubling that of a standard Patio Awning Canopy.
For those looking for a more flexible approach to shading, then consider the Freestanding Awning on Wheels where it is easy to cover any desired area of your patio and move the canopy fully out of the way when not in use.
As well as the wheeled version, we also provide a similar version with fixed posts.
Sometimes, installing an Awning to a wall can be problematic. This can be due to obstructions, or walls without the structural strength to support an Awning. Timber framed building, static & park homes are typical cases where a freestanding framework may be best implemented.
Bespoke freestanding designs can cover your patio in the most efficient manner.
If the goal in covering your patio area is for rain protection as well as shade, and you still require a retractable solution, then the Sun & Rain Canopy might be the solution for you.
Providing all of the UV protection that a Patio Awning provides, yet capable of much larger sizes. Thanks to the slimline framework, the structure provides much more rigidity in adverse weather conditions meaning it can stay extended for longer.
Our new Tumba Rain Canopy has the ability to provide shelter even in heavy rain conditions with only an 8-degree pitch whereas other typical models require at least 14 degrees.
It integrates a gutter system to divert rainwater down the front columns. With large widths and projections available, you can enjoy outdoor living come rain or shine.
See more Canopies for use in rain.
For those looking for a more permanent patio cover then a glass or polycarbonate Canopy might be the right consideration for you.
Consisting of an aluminium frame that is mounted to the wall (or independent framework where there is no suitable wall space) it forms a lean-to configuration and slopes down to two or more posts at the front.
We can provide a comprehensive selection of different Glass Canopies & Veranda products, each with distinct advantages.
We can provide Glass Canopy options for both contemporary and traditional style Verandas. Our Canopies come inclusive of integral drainage systems and for our traditional model, optional guttering systems can be provided.
If you still require shade for your patio then we can provide a remote-controlled Underside Blind for your canopy as well as outdoor heating and integral lighting options.
See more Glass Verandas & Canopies.
One of the newest options for covering your patio area is the Louvered Roof Canopy system.
The perfect complement to our existing range of Aluminium Pergolas - it is manufactured using either a freestanding or wall mounted frame with the canopy consisting of rows of louvers (or slats) that, using a remote control, can rotate to either fully close the roof, or open it to control exactly the amount of sunlight or shade that you desire.
Also often known as Bioclimatic Pergolas, the way the air interacts with the louvers will affect the climate beneath providing the maximum comfort for those enjoying the cover.
With the canopy fully closed you are protected from the rain and, thanks to the integrated guttering system, all the rain water is diverted down one or more of the columns.
Our range of Climate Control Screens are a popular enhancement to your Louvered Canopy providing the option, at the press of a button, to fully or partially enclose your structure.
Learn more about our Bioclimatic Louvered Roofs & Pergolas.
With our range of Patio Covers & Canopies, you can continue your outdoor living journey by further enhancing your product with a range of optional extras. The vast majority of these can be installed at the point of initial installation or retro fitted at a later date.
Popular for our Veranda Canopies and Aluminium Roofs, we can provide a range of Sliding Glass Walls and Fixed Glass Panels which can either partially or fully enclose your Patio Cover making it more a more useable garden room in less desirable weather conditions.
Our Climate Control Screens can, at the press of a remote control, provide shade, UV protection, shelter and privacy - all without cutting the light. Thanks to the special way the fabric locks to the guide rails, Screens can be a great way to keep out bugs and insects from beneath your Canopy.
All of our products come with options for outdoor lighting and outdoor heating options - allowing you to enjoy your Patio Cover for more of the day and throughout all the seasons.
See more about our Canopy enhancements by requesting a free brochure.
In addition to our range of Patio Covers & Canopies, we provide other shading solutions which may be of interest. Often these are combined with our Canopies though can be used as independent products for your home.
Anyone who has a conservatory knows of the common issues. They are too cold in the winter months and too hot in the summer months. This makes the conservatory unusable and is often a neglected and unused room of the home.
Our range of Exterior Conservatory Roof Blinds provide a unique solution to keeping your conservatory cool. All thanks to a special, very high quality, fabric that blocks heat and UV yet without blocking the light. As the blinds are mounted on the outside of your conservatory roof, they stop the heat before it even hits the glass. This is significantly more efficient than any type of internal conservatory blind.
Using a remote control, you can instruct the blind to extend either fully out or, to control the desired temperature, partially out.
When not in use the blind retracts neatly into an aluminium cassette, powder coated in a colour of your choice, which keeps the fabric and mechanism protected and ensures your Conservatory Blind remains in pristine condition for many years to come.
You can read more about our Exterior Conservatory Blinds here.
Climate Control Screens are often added to our Glass and Louvered Patio Canopies but they are designed for keeping your home cool and protected from the UV rays of the sun.
The special fabric blocks heat before it even hits your window or door - instantly and efficiently cooling your home without the cost and carbon footprint of using air conditioning units.
Another unique characteristic of the screen fabric is that it does not block the light. You can even see through the screen. This maintains the perfect ambience internally. There is a huge array of colours and styles to choose from to fully customise your screen.
When not in use the screens retract into an aluminium cassette that is powder coated to blend effortlessly with your windows.
You can read more about our climate Control Screens here.
Our ethos is to supply custom made products made from only the highest quality materials. In doing this we are confident that by choosing Nationwide, your product will provide a lifetime of trouble-free enjoyment.
All materials that we use are sourced across Europe whereby we can guarantee the quality is up to the standard we demand. All of our suppliers share the same ethos and principles and no shortcuts are taken. To further ensure the quality control, many of our products are manufactured in our Wareham factory and many items are on display in our Wareham showroom.
If you are considering which Patio Cover solution might be right for you then why not let our teams of experts help guide you? In the first instance we can arrange for a free design consultation whereby our specialist designer will visit your home and discuss your requirements. Measurements will be taken and all available options can be priced for and then a written quote provided.
If you choose to proceed with an order then our Technical Surveyor will visit. They are responsible for making the Canopy design work. They will also run through all aspects of the project and answer any further questions you may have.
Generally, all of our installations are carried out within a single day though larger projects can take slightly longer. Our own teams of installers will arrive on the day of the installation with your Canopy already on their vehicles.
Our teams in the office will be on hand at any part of your journey to keep you updated and answer any questions you may have. Our aftersales team will look after you throughout the lifetime of your product.
Request BrochureMonday - Friday 09:00 - 17:30
Saturday 09:30 - 14:30 (appointment recommended)
Appointments outside these hours available on request
Our designer will visit your home and guide you through the range of products, designs and installation possibilities. You will see a range of samples, swatches and images
Upon placing an order our Technical Surveyor will visit to take the final measurements and run through any further questions.
Manufacture will commence with many of our Awnings & Canopies being manufactured from our Dorset based factory.
Our expert installation teams will bring your product in their Nationwide vehicle and install it - often within a day.
Product questions or technical support? We are here to help for the lifetime of your product.
Find out how Nationwide can help enhance your outdoor living today!
Verandas
Climate Control Screens
Awnings
Conservatory Blinds