Outdoor Living Guides & Tips

Every Sunflexx® and SunScape® is built to order, so measuring right the first time matters. Here's how to do it in about 15 minutes with a tape measure and a helper.

1. Decide what you want to shade

Put your table, chairs or lounge set where you'll actually use them. The shade should cover that area at the time of day you'll be outside, not just the slab.

2. Measure width

Width is the side-to-side length of the awning along the wall.

• Measure the area you want covered, then add about 1–2 feet on each side if the wall allows. The sun comes in at an angle, so a little extra width keeps the edges shaded.
• Check for obstructions on the wall: downspouts, light fixtures, vents, gutters, door trim, hose bibs.
• Width options run up to 80' on the SunScape and are built to exact width on the Sunflexx. Online you can order 8'–24'; call for larger.

3. Choose projection

Projection is how far the awning reaches out from the wall when fully open.

• SunScape: 6', 8', 10' or 11'6"
• Sunflexx: 6', 8', 10', 12' or 14', plus custom

Keep in mind: projection is measured with the awning straight out. When you pitch it down (for rain runoff or low sun), the ground it covers gets shorter. The steeper the pitch, the less ground coverage. Both models adjust up to 45°.

Rule of thumb: choose a projection at least as deep as the area you want shaded, and go one size up if you'll use it in the late afternoon or want extra pitch.

One more check: the awning's projection generally shouldn't be more than its width. If you need deep projection on a narrow wall, call us.

4. Check mounting height

Most awnings mount on the wall above the door or windows. You need:

• Enough clear wall above the door to fit the mounting brackets and roller (see the installation manual on the product page, or send us a photo and we'll check)
• Enough height that the front bar clears heads once the awning is pitched. With a 10' projection at modest pitch, the front edge drops noticeably; mount high enough that people can walk under it.
• Solid structure behind the mounting point (studs, header, block or brick). Vinyl or siding alone won't hold an awning.

5. No wall space? Roof or soffit mount

If a roofline sits too close above the door, both models offer roof-mount brackets, and the SunScape also offers soffit-mount brackets. Measure the roof overhang depth and the fascia or soffit construction and send us photos.

6. Motor? Plan the power

A motorized awning needs a nearby outdoor-rated power source. Note where the nearest outlet or junction box is, and which side of the awning you'd like the motor on.

7. Send us your numbers

Before you order, send us your width, projection, mounting height and a few photos of the wall. We'll confirm the size and model. Call 1-800-AWNINGS or email sales@1800awnings.com.

Measuring checklist

• ☐ Width of area to shade, plus side overlap
• ☐ Obstructions on the wall noted
• ☐ Projection chosen
• ☐ Mounting height and clearance measured
• ☐ Wall structure confirmed
• ☐ Power location noted (if motorized)
• ☐ Photos taken

1800Awnings.com is the National Master Dealer of Eastern Awning Systems, shipping Sunflexx and SunScape awnings free to all 48 contiguous states.