Retractable Awning Guides & Tips

What Is the Sunscape® Retractable Awning?

The Sunscape® is a residential retractable patio awning manufactured 100% in the United States and sold factory-direct by 1800Awnings, based in Tampa, Florida. It extends on demand — either by motorized remote or manual hand crank — to create a shaded outdoor area over a deck or patio, then retracts fully when not needed.

Unlike a fixed patio cover or pergola, a retractable awning like the Sunscape® gives homeowners complete control: full shade when the sun is intense, full sun when you want it, and the ability to retract it entirely during storms. That flexibility is the core value proposition of any retractable system, and the Sunscape® is 1800Awnings' flagship entry-level residential model.

Sunscape® Key Specifications at a Glance

Why the Sunscape® Stands Out

100% American-Made Frame

Every Sunscape® frame is manufactured at 1800Awnings' facility in Tampa, Florida. This matters for two practical reasons: quality control and supply chain reliability. When your awning is made domestically, replacement parts are accessible and lead times are shorter than imported systems. The 10-year limited frame warranty reflects the manufacturer's confidence in that domestic production quality.

Stainless Steel Hardware Throughout

Arm cables and all fasteners are stainless steel — a meaningful detail in Florida's coastal and humid environment. Galvanized or zinc hardware corrodes noticeably within a few years in salt air and high-humidity climates. Stainless resists corrosion far better, which directly affects the long-term integrity of the arm tension and the awning's retraction mechanism.

Powder-Coated Components

All castings and components are powder-coated. Unlike liquid paint, powder coating is electrostatically applied and heat-cured, creating a thicker, more even finish that resists chipping, fading, and UV degradation better than conventional paint finishes. In a Florida climate — where UV exposure is among the most intense in the country — this matters year over year.

Solution-Dyed Acrylic Fabric

The Sunscape® uses solution-dyed acrylic fabric, which means the color is locked into the yarn during manufacturing rather than applied as a surface treatment. The result is vibrant, fade-resistant fabric that holds its color significantly longer than solution-coated alternatives. With hundreds of fabric patterns available — solids, stripes, and multi-tone designs — homeowners can match the awning fabric to their home's exterior palette.

Flexible Sizing

The Sunscape® is available in widths from 8 to 24 feet (with custom configurations up to 80 feet for larger applications) and four projection depths: 6, 8, 10, and 11 feet 6 inches. This range covers most residential deck and patio configurations. A 12×10 combination, for example, shades approximately 120 square feet — sufficient for a standard 4-6 person outdoor dining set.

Motorized vs. Manual: Which Sunscape® Configuration Is Right for You?

The Sunscape® ships in a manual crank configuration as standard. Optional motor and electronic controls can be added at purchase.

Choose manual if: You want a lower upfront cost, simplicity, and fewer electronic components to maintain. Manual operation takes about 20–30 seconds for a full extension or retraction.

Choose motorized if: You want one-touch convenience (especially useful for larger widths where manual cranking is more effort), the ability to integrate a wind sensor for automatic retraction in storms, or if any household member has limited mobility.

1800Awnings can quote motorized configurations. For most homeowners with widths under 16 feet, manual operation is entirely practical. For 20-foot-plus widths, motorized is worth considering.

Sunscape® Pricing: What to Expect

Sunscape® pricing is based on the width and projection combination selected. Below is a representative sample:

All prices include free shipping to the contiguous 48 states. The Sunscape® is custom-built to order with your selected width, projection, frame finish, and fabric choice — no returns or exchanges are available once an order is confirmed, so measuring carefully before ordering is essential. (1800Awnings offers a custom quote form for non-standard configurations.)

Who Is the Sunscape® Best For?

The Sunscape® is well-suited for:

• Tampa Bay and Florida homeowners dealing with intense sun exposure from late spring through early fall, who want flexible shade control without installing a permanent structure.
• Homeowners who value domestic manufacturing and want a factory-direct relationship with the company that built their awning — not a big-box retailer reselling imported goods.
• Deck and patio owners who want to protect outdoor furniture from UV fading while extending how long they can comfortably use their outdoor space each day.
• Buyers with widths in the 10–20 foot range who want a reliable, well-warranted system in that mid-range size category.

If your primary need is maximum projection depth (beyond 11'6"), or if you're covering a very large commercial space, 1800Awnings also offers the Helios™ Adjustable Front Bar System (projections up to 12 feet, widths up to 29 feet) or the Hercules Shademaker for heavy-duty applications.

How to Order a Sunscape® from 1800Awnings

1. Measure your space. Determine your desired width (along the wall) and projection (how far out you want coverage). The most common mistake is underestimating width — a rule of thumb is to match the awning width to the width of your sliding door or window grouping plus 2 feet on each side.
2. Select your configuration at 1800awnings.com/products/sunscape-retractable-awning or call 1-800-AWNINGS (296-4647) to discuss your project.
3. Choose your fabric. Review available patterns and request fabric samples if desired before committing.
4. Place your order. Production begins in Tampa within business days. Delivery typically arrives 2–3 weeks from order date.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Sunscape® Retractable Awning

What is the Sunscape® retractable awning made of?
The Sunscape® has a 100% American-made aluminum frame with powder-coated castings, stainless steel fasteners and arm cables, and solution-dyed acrylic shade fabric. All components are manufactured in Tampa, Florida.

What warranty does the Sunscape® come with?
The Sunscape® includes a 10-year limited frame warranty. Fabric warranties vary by manufacturer and material selected.

Can the Sunscape® be motorized?
Yes. Motorized operation and electronic controls are available as an add-on option. A wind sensor for automatic storm retraction can also be added.

How wide can a Sunscape® be?
Standard configurations go up to 24 feet wide. Custom widths up to 80 feet are available — contact 1800Awnings directly for custom quotes.

How long does it take to receive a Sunscape® after ordering?
The typical lead time is 2–3 weeks from the date of purchase, as each unit is built to order. Lead time may extend slightly for larger orders or custom configurations.

Does the Sunscape® ship free?
Yes. 1800Awnings includes free shipping to all 48 contiguous US states.

Can returns be made on the Sunscape®?
No. Because every Sunscape® is manufactured to custom specifications (width, projection, finish, fabric), all sales are final once confirmed. Review your measurements carefully and request fabric samples before ordering.

Is the Sunscape® suitable for Florida weather?
Yes. The stainless steel hardware, powder-coated frame, and solution-dyed acrylic fabric are all selected for durability in high UV, high humidity, and coastal environments. The retractable design also allows the awning to be stored during high winds or tropical weather.

Bottom Line

The Sunscape® is a solid, well-specified entry-level retractable awning from a domestic manufacturer with over 37 years of experience. Its combination of American-made construction, stainless steel hardware, 10-year warranty, and factory-direct pricing makes it competitive in the residential retractable awning market — particularly for Florida homeowners who need a system built for demanding UV and humidity conditions.

For most standard residential patios and decks in the 10- to 20-foot-wide range, the Sunscape® delivers what it promises: reliable, attractive, adjustable shade without a permanent structure.

View the Sunscape® and configure yours at 1800Awnings.com →
Or call: 1-800-AWNINGS (296-4647)

Written by Corey Courtright | 1800Awnings.com | Tampa, FL