Awnings & Retractable Shades

Retractable Awnings Online for Patios, Balconies & Outdoor Areas

Explore retractable awnings online at Vartiss Store for patios, balconies, terraces, courtyards and other suitable outdoor areas. The current collection includes manual folding-arm awnings in several widths and projections, providing adjustable shade that can be extended when needed and retracted when not in use.

Current models use powder-coated aluminium frames with 300gsm polyester fabric and manual hand-crank operation. Available dimensions currently range from compact 2.5m × 2m designs through to larger 5m × 3m awnings.

Awnings & Retractable Shades form part of our broader Garden & Patio collection. For portable shade solutions that do not require wall mounting, you can also browse our Umbrellas & Sunshades range.

Choosing the Right Retractable Awning

Choosing an awning starts with the wall area, required shade coverage and the structure to which the awning will be fixed.

Before ordering, compare:

• Awning width: Measure the available wall space and allow appropriate clearance around doors, windows and other fixtures.
• Projection: Check how far the awning extends from the wall when fully opened.
• Mounting surface: Current supplied fixings are specified for brick and concrete walls.
• Frame material: Current products use powder-coated aluminium frames.
• Fabric: Current models use 300gsm polyester fabric with stated UV and water resistance.
• Operation: Current awnings use a manual hand crank rather than electric motors.
• Weather exposure: These awnings should be retracted during strong wind, storms, heavy rain or severe weather.
• Installation: Professional installation by a qualified builder is strongly recommended for the current range.

Always use the individual product specifications and installation instructions as the final reference before purchasing.

Manual Folding-Arm Awnings

All current products in this category use a folding-arm design operated by a manual hand crank.

The articulated arms extend the fabric away from the wall as the awning is opened and fold back toward the building when it is retracted.

Because the current collection is manually operated, no electrical connection or motor is required for normal opening and closing.

Awning Sizes for Different Outdoor Spaces

The current range includes several widths and projections, allowing you to compare coverage according to the size of your outdoor area.

Current sizes include:

• 2.5m × 2m
• 3.5m × 3m
• 4.5m × 3m
• 5m × 3m

These dimensions include the brackets on the current sampled products. Check the individual listing before relying on nominal dimensions for installation planning.

Measuring for a Retractable Awning

Careful measurement is especially important because a folding-arm awning becomes a fixed installation once mounted.

Before ordering:

• Measure the usable wall width.
• Check clearance around windows and doors.
• Allow for the complete projection when the awning is extended.
• Check for downpipes, lights, vents and other wall fixtures.
• Check overhead and side clearance.
• Consider the direction of doors and windows that open outward.
• Confirm the wall structure is suitable for the required fixings.

If you are unsure whether the proposed wall is structurally suitable, have it assessed by a qualified builder before installation.

Patio & Terrace Awnings

Retractable awnings can provide adjustable shade above suitable patio and terrace areas without requiring permanent posts at the outer edge.

Larger 4.5m and 5m models can provide wider coverage for outdoor dining or seating areas, while smaller sizes may suit more restricted wall spaces.

Measure the furniture arrangement as well as the wall to determine whether the projected shade area suits the intended position.

Balcony & Courtyard Awnings

Selected folding-arm awnings may be suitable for balconies and courtyards where the wall construction, installation position and available clearance are appropriate.

Balcony installations can involve additional structural, strata, owners corporation or building requirements, so do not assume that an awning can be installed solely because there is sufficient wall space.

Check any applicable property or building requirements before drilling or making permanent structural changes.

Aluminium Awning Frames

Current awnings use powder-coated aluminium frames.

Aluminium is commonly used for outdoor structures because it is relatively lightweight and does not rust in the same way as untreated steel, while powder coating provides an additional surface finish.

This should not be interpreted as meaning the frame is maintenance-free or suitable for unlimited exposure to severe weather. Inspect the frame and hardware periodically and follow the supplied care instructions.

300gsm Polyester Awning Fabric

The current folding-arm awnings use 300gsm polyester fabric.

Current product specifications describe the fabric as:

• UV-resistant
• Water-resistant
• Dirt-repellent
• Dust-repellent

Water-resistant does not mean waterproof. The current products are not intended to remain extended during heavy rain, storms or other severe weather conditions.

Sun & UV Protection

Current awning fabrics are described as UV-resistant and are designed to provide shade from direct sunlight.

Shade coverage changes according to the awning projection, installation height, orientation of the wall, time of day and position of the sun.

Do not assume that the nominal awning dimensions represent the exact shaded area at all times of day.

Manual Hand-Crank Operation

Current awnings open and retract using a manual hand crank.

Operate the awning smoothly and avoid forcing the mechanism if it becomes difficult to move.

Keep hands, fingers and loose clothing clear of the folding arms and moving components while opening or retracting the awning.

Wall Mounting & Installation

A retractable folding-arm awning places significant forces on its mounting points, particularly when extended.

The current product instructions state that supplied fixings are intended for brick and concrete walls. Other wall types may require different structural fixings.

Before installation:

• Confirm the wall construction.
• Check that the mounting location is structurally suitable.
• Check for concealed electrical cables, plumbing and other services.
• Use fixings appropriate for the wall and expected structural load.
• Install all brackets in accordance with the supplied instructions.
• Check the awning is level and properly secured before operation.
• Use a qualified builder where required.

Professional installation by a qualified builder is strongly recommended for the current range.

Brick & Concrete Wall Installation

Current supplied fixings are specified for brick and concrete walls.

Even within those wall types, construction can vary. Brick condition, concrete strength, mortar, wall thickness and the location of structural elements can affect the appropriate installation method.

If there is any uncertainty about the wall, brackets or fixings, seek qualified installation advice rather than substituting different hardware without assessment.

Wind, Rain & Severe Weather

Retractable awnings create a large surface area that can be affected by wind and rain.

Current product instructions specifically state that extreme weather is excluded and that the awning should be retracted during strong winds, storms, heavy rain or severe weather.

For safer use:

• Retract the awning when strong winds are expected.
• Do not leave it extended during storms.
• Retract it during heavy rain.
• Do not treat water-resistant fabric as waterproof storm protection.
• Avoid leaving the awning extended unnecessarily when unattended.
• Inspect the brackets, arms and mounting points periodically.

The awning should be treated as adjustable sun shade rather than a permanent all-weather roof.

Assembly & Setup

Current folding-arm awnings require assembly and installation.

Before use:

• Read the complete installation instructions.
• Check the awning, brackets and supplied hardware.
• Confirm the intended wall position and mounting height.
• Use suitable access equipment for work at height.
• Install all required brackets correctly.
• Check the folding arms and crank operation before normal use.
• Do not use the awning if mounting points or structural components appear loose or damaged.

Because installation involves structural wall mounting and a large overhead product, professional installation is strongly recommended.

Care & Maintenance

Periodic inspection and appropriate care can help keep the awning operating as intended.

• Keep the fabric reasonably clean according to the supplied care instructions.
• Allow wet fabric to dry when conditions permit before prolonged storage in the retracted position.
• Avoid harsh cleaning products unless approved for the fabric.
• Inspect brackets and fasteners periodically.
• Check folding arms and moving parts for damage.
• Keep the hand-crank mechanism operating smoothly.
• Stop using the awning if structural damage, excessive movement or mounting problems develop.

Why Shop Vartiss Store?

Vartiss Store is an Australian online retailer based in Bentleigh, Melbourne. Our Awnings & Retractable Shades collection currently focuses on manual folding-arm awnings in several sizes, with individual specifications to help customers compare dimensions, materials and installation requirements before ordering.

• Australian business based in Bentleigh, Melbourne
• Manual folding-arm retractable awnings
• Several widths and projections
• Powder-coated aluminium frames
• 300gsm polyester shade fabric
• Delivery available to eligible Australian locations
• Free delivery to eligible Australian capital cities, excluding Darwin
• $30 flat delivery fee to eligible regional and remote locations within our delivery network
• In-stock orders generally dispatched within 1–3 business days
• Customer support available before and after purchase
• Australian Consumer Law rights apply to eligible purchases

For current delivery coverage, pricing and estimates, see our Shipping & Delivery page. For information about faulty products, returns and consumer guarantees, see our Returns & Refunds Policy.

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