Outdoor Living Guides & Tips

Eastern Awning Systems makes two retractable patio awnings: the Sunflexx® and the SunScape®. Both are made in the USA, both use stainless steel hardware, and both can be motorized. As Eastern's National Master Dealer, we get asked which one to buy almost every day. Here's the short answer, then the details.

Short answer: Choose the Sunflexx if you need more than 11½ feet of projection, your patio is exposed to wind, it's a commercial space, or you want the longest warranty. Choose the SunScape if you have a typical home patio, want to spend less, and don't need the Wind & Rain Package.

Side-by-side comparison

The biggest difference: how the arms handle wind

A retractable awning has no posts. The fabric is held out by two or more folding arms anchored to your wall. When wind lifts or pushes down on the fabric, the arms take that force.

The Sunflexx uses Eastern's patented urethane compression shoulder joint. It compresses under load from above or below, then eases back to its set pitch. Eastern says the urethane keeps its properties from −70°F to 180°F and warrants the joint for 10 years. The practical result is an awning that gives a little in a gust instead of fighting it, which is easier on the frame and the wall it's bolted to.

The SunScape uses heavy-duty coated components and stainless cables. It's a sturdy awning for normal residential use, but it doesn't have the flexing joint.

Eastern engineers the Sunflexx to withstand more upward and downward force than any other retractable awning system; see the strongest retractable awning on the market.

Neither awning, and no retractable awning from any brand, should be left extended unattended in a storm. If wind is a concern, add a wind sensor so a motorized awning retracts itself.

Projection: how deep does the shade need to go?

Projection is how far the awning reaches out from the wall. The SunScape tops out at 11'6". The Sunflexx goes to 14' standard, with custom projections available. For a big deck, an outdoor dining table plus walkway, or a restaurant patio, that extra 2½ feet matters. For a typical 10'–12' patio slab, the SunScape usually covers it. Our measuring guide walks through how to choose.

Warranty

The Sunflexx frame is covered for 15 years, which Eastern calls the industry's most comprehensive frame warranty. The SunScape has a limited 10-year frame warranty. Both are far longer than most imported awnings sold online.

Price

At 1800Awnings.com the SunScape starts at $3,064 and the Sunflexx at $3,473, both for an 8' × 6' awning. The gap grows at larger sizes and with options. See the Eastern awning price guide for how size and motors change the total.

What's the same

• Both are manufactured in the USA by Eastern Awning Systems
• Stainless steel nuts, bolts and arm cables
• Powder-coated components
• Fabric wraps the front bar, so no exposed metal rail
• Manual or motorized, with remotes and sensors
• Hundreds of solution-dyed acrylic fabrics
• Pitch adjustable up to 45°
• Free shipping to 48 states from 1800Awnings.com

Our recommendation by situation

• Small or medium home patio, sheltered yard: SunScape
• Very long wall (over 30'): SunScape, which goes to 80' wide
• Deep deck, 12'–14' of shade: Sunflexx
• Open, breezy or waterfront lot: Sunflexx, ideally with a wind sensor
• Restaurant or commercial patio: Sunflexx with Wind & Rain Package
• No usable wall, need soffit mount: SunScape

Still deciding?

Call us at 1-800-AWNINGS. As the National Master Dealer of Eastern Awning Systems, we sell both and will tell you honestly when the less expensive one is enough.