Having an outdoor dining space for your restaurant is a fantastic way to attract customers and give them a different dining experience than being cramped up indoors. However, if you’re going for an outdoor dining space, you’ll need to create shade to protect your customers from the sun or rain. This can be easily remedied by putting an awning over your outdoor space. Awnings offer the right amount of protection for your patio area and allow customers to dine in peace without being disturbed by the heat of the sun or if it suddenly rains. If you’re planning on getting a custom awning installed, here’s what you need to know about them.
1. Select the Awning Type
There are different awning styles available for you to choose from. The most commonly used one is the fixed awning. There are also pergola-style awnings if you want a more unique-looking one installed. Retractable awnings, on the other hand, are a convenient way of setting up a shade and removing it once it’s closing time. They can be manual or motor-controlled, allowing you to pack them up when they’re no longer needed. These different types of awning can also be customized based on whatever color, fabric, design, or frame that’s suitable for your restaurant.
2. Choosing the Size
The canopy size will depend on where you want your awning to be fixed, how much space you have available, and how much area you intend to create. The safest option for you is to go for a larger awning rather than making the mistake of getting a small one which could limit your available space. If the awning is to be attached to the side of your restaurant through your windows or doors, a minimal size could be suitable. If you want to ensure that the entire outdoor dining area is covered, choose a pergola-style awning size.
3. Using the Right Awning Material
Now that you have an idea of the type and size of the awning, you then need to choose the suitable material for it. They’re available in a variety of fabric types with their own design and pattern, depending on what works best with your restaurant’s overall look. Some of the fabrics to choose from include:
- Canvas
- Coating-Based Fabrics
- Vinyl Fabrics
- Solution-Dyed Acrylic
- Vinyl and Polyester Composite
These materials have their own unique characteristics. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s made from quality materials and is UV-protected. It’s also recommended to choose a mold and rot-resistant material so it would last a long time even if subjected to too much moisture.
4. Finalize it with the Color of Your Choice
Finally, the color of the awning should make it stand out from the rest of your restaurant. Awnings can be a colorful addition or something that compliments your restaurant’s existing color scheme. There’s practically no limit on the color choices. Just remember that brighter colors like red and orange look amazing and eye-catching. However, they do fade quicker than darker shades like black or navy blue. Lastly, you can also opt for a custom awning with your business logo on it, so your customers will know exactly where your restaurant is located once they see your awning.
Conclusion
Installing an awning is the best decision you could ever make for an outdoor dining experience for your restaurant. It’ll make your building stand out more and attract your customers’ attention, especially those who prefer al fresco dining.
Van Nuys Awning Co.® is the go-to place for custom awnings, shade structures, canopies, and patio covers. We offer the best shading solution for any outdoor living or commercial space that you have. If you’re looking for a custom awning company you can trust, we are the ones to call. Contact us today to get a free quote.
