Houstonian Awning Alternative: What You Get When You Step Up to a Welded Standing Seam Awning
Quick answer: If you like the look of the Awntech Houstonian but want a standing seam awning built to last as part of your home or storefront, the step up is a welded aluminum frame and a powder coat on the top and underside, sized to your opening. That's how 1800Awnings builds its O-Series and S-Series standing seam awnings in Tampa, starting at $1,375. The Houstonian costs much less and ships faster; ours is built to order for strength, finish and fit.
The Houstonian is one of the most popular standing seam awnings sold online and at big-box stores, and for good reason: it's affordable, it looks sharp, and it's easy to buy. This guide lays out, fairly, what changes when you move up to a welded, made-to-order standing seam awning, so you can decide which one your project needs.
Houstonian vs. 1800Awnings standing seam awnings
| Awntech Houstonian | 1800Awnings O-Series / S-Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Modular, bolt-together; galvanized steel or aluminum | Fully welded aluminum, one rigid piece |
| Finish | Powder coated; 4 matte colors (black, bronze, copper, pewter) | Powder coated top and underside of panels, full frame and brackets; full color range plus wood grain |
| Roof panels | Standing seam steel | Galvalume interlocking standing seam panels |
| Wall connection | Installer supplies mounting hardware | Integrated flashing at the roof-to-wall connection |
| Sizes | Stock widths | Standard 44"–104", 24" or 36" projection; custom sizes built to order |
| Ends | Open-side and closed-side models | O-Series open ends or S-Series closed ends |
| Typical price | About $350–$500 | $1,375–$3,250 (O-Series), $1,558–$3,683 (S-Series), plus quoted shipping |
| Ships | Within a few business days | Built to order; typically 2–3 weeks |
| Warranty | 5-year limited, prorated | 5 years on powder-coated finish, 2 years on workmanship |
Houstonian details from Awntech and major retailer listings, checked September 2026. Specs and prices change; confirm with the seller.
What you gain by stepping up
A welded aluminum frame
The Houstonian's modular design is what makes it quick to ship and assemble. The trade-off is that every bolted joint is a connection that can work loose over years of wind and vibration, rack out of square, or hold water in the gap. Our frames are cut from aluminum extrusions and welded in our Tampa shop, so the whole frame is one rigid piece. It stays square, spreads wind and rain loads across the full structure, has no bolt holes at the joints where corrosion starts, and aluminum won't rust.
Powder coat on the top and underside
We powder coat the top and the underside of every Galvalume panel, plus the whole frame inside and out and every bracket. The underside of an awning sits in shade and humidity, collecting condensation and salt, which is where corrosion usually begins. It's also the side you look up at every day from your door or porch, so we finish it like the top.
A size that fits your opening
Stock widths mean you pick the closest box and live with the difference. Ours come in six standard widths from 44" to 104", with 24" or 36" projection at the same price, and we build custom widths, projections and drops to order. A properly proportioned awning looks like part of the building rather than something added later.
Your color, or wood grain
Instead of four matte colors, we powder coat in-house across a full color range and offer wood grain sublimation on the panels, so the awning can match trim, shutters, a metal roof or a storefront brand color.
Flashing at the wall
Every 1800Awnings standing seam awning includes integrated flashing where it meets the wall, so water runs off the wall instead of behind the awning.
What you give up
To be straight with you:
- Price. Ours cost several times as much, depending on size and style.
- Speed. The Houstonian ships in days. Ours are built to order and typically ship in 2–3 weeks.
- Warranty length. Both are 5 years on paper; ours covers finish for 5 years and workmanship for 2.
- Returns. Because every unit is made to your size and color, our sales are final. We recommend ordering finish samples first.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Houstonian for a back door, side entry or outbuilding where a stock width fits, the budget is tight, and you want it this week.
- Choose an 1800Awnings standing seam awning for the front of your home or business, coastal and humid locations, a size stock kits don't come in, or when you want the awning to match your building's colors and last as part of it.
Open ends or closed ends?
The O-Series has open ends that let heat and moisture escape from underneath, a plus in humid climates, and starts at $1,375. The S-Series has closed ends that block low-angle side sun and wind-driven rain, making it the pick for west-facing windows, and starts at $1,558.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a stronger alternative to the Houstonian awning?
Yes. A standing seam awning with a welded aluminum frame, rather than a bolt-together frame, is one rigid piece with no joints to loosen. 1800Awnings builds its O-Series and S-Series this way in Tampa, powder coated on the top and underside.
Why does the Houstonian cost so much less?
It's mass-produced in stock sizes as a modular kit, which keeps manufacturing and shipping costs low. A welded, made-to-order awning costs more to build because each frame is cut, welded and finished to your size and color.
Can I get a standing seam awning in a size the Houstonian doesn't come in?
Yes. Our standard widths run from 44" to 104" with 24" or 36" projection, and we build custom widths, projections and drops to order. Request a quote with your measurements.
Do I need a contractor to install an 1800Awnings standing seam awning?
Not necessarily. Many customers install their own using our DIY install guide. Order the welded unit for maximum strength, or a knock-down kit made from the same aluminum and finish for easier handling.
Get a price for your opening
Browse the O-Series and S-Series, or call 1-800-AWNINGS (296-4647) and we'll send a CAD drawing before you buy.
Awntech and Houstonian are trademarks of their respective owner. 1800Awnings is not affiliated with Awntech.
Written by Corey Courtright | 1800Awnings.com | Tampa, FL
Written by Corey Courtright
Second-Generation Awning Manufacturer & Industry Expert
Corey Courtright is a second-generation awning manufacturer and a recognized innovator in aluminum TIG-welded structures within the awning industry. With over 38 years of hands-on experience, he has worked across every facet of the business—from fabrication and sewing to welding, installation, sales, and service—giving him a rare, comprehensive understanding of the craft. Starting his career as a pipe threader, Corey went on to build and lead multiple successful awning companies. Now based in Florida since 2016, he brings deep technical expertise, proven leadership, and a legacy of innovation to every project and insight he shares.