Outdoor Living Guides & Tips

The Hercules Shademaker heavy-duty retractable awning runs from $9,477 to $23,225 with a Somfy motor included. See exact prices for every width from 17 to 40 feet and both projections, plus what is included and who it fits best.

The Shademaker Zeus™ full-cassette retractable awning starts at $4,322 and tops out at $14,965, with the Somfy® motor and free shipping to the lower 48 included. See real prices by width and projection, plus what LED lighting adds.

Every Helios™ Adjustable Front Bar System ships motorized, and all three motor options — Altus RTS wireless, 4-Wire hardwired, and 4-Wire with manual override — are included in the $4,655–$9,757 price. Here's how each one works, how they compare for sensors, smart-home integration, and power outages, and which one Tampa Bay and Florida buyers should choose.

A complete guide to the Somfy RTS motor accessories at 1800Awnings.com — handheld remotes, smartphone-enabled control, and automatic motion sensors for motorized retractable awnings. Exact 2026 pricing ($109.93–$887.83), which bundle fits your setup, and how each option protects your awning in Florida weather.

The Sunscape® retractable awning can be upgraded from manual crank to one-touch motorized operation with three factory Somfy RTS CMO motor options — 35 Nm, 50 Nm, and 60 Nm — priced from $665.24 to $806.35. This guide explains what each motor does, how to choose the right torque for your awning size, and why every option keeps a manual override for...

The Helios™ Adjustable Front Bar System is a premium motorized retractable awning with post-extension pitch control, widths up to 29 feet, projections to 12 feet, and 150+ Sunbrella® fabrics. Here's a full 2026 breakdown of specs, pricing from $4,655, smart Somfy® automation, and who it's best for.