Choosing the Right Custom Awning Company: Factors to Consider
Regardless of the service you provide or the industry of your business, providing cover from the weather can improve your commercial space. You may want awnings from a custom awning company over the door or a cover on the patio to keep out the sun.
Canvas Craft is a Minnesota-based company, so we understand the impact of seasonal weather on your commercial awnings. For over 40 years, we’ve provided the Upper Midwest with outdoor fabric products that stand the test of time.
Custom awnings can elevate the aesthetics of businesses, whether you choose fabric or metal. You may also want umbrellas, shade sails, or commercial tents for your outdoor area. We even offer seasonal vestibules, canopies, and retractable awnings so that you can change your business’s look and offerings depending on the weather.
Expertise and Experience
Custom awnings play a pivotal role in the aesthetics and functionality of the outdoor space of your business. They can enhance the appearance of your building and provide shade and protection from the weather.
Awnings should seamlessly fit into your business’s architecture and landscaping. Awning installers with years of expertise will integrate the new elements into your structure.
Don’t choose a company that only offers stock styles—you need a customized solution. The installers will assess your property and patio, suggesting options to enhance the overall aesthetics, whether a retractable awning or covered space.
Experienced installers understand what might happen to your commercial structures outdoors and will address this challenge. They’ll know how to create a custom awning for your business to improve your overall design while providing the practical benefits you need.
Quality of Materials
Commercial awnings and screens can protect your business from the sun’s rays or winter weather. Still, you need a company familiar with Minnesota’s weather to ensure the materials are durable enough to handle heavy rainfall, ice, and snow, without compromising the safety of your property.
Using inferior materials may lead to the fabrics fading quickly due to the sunshine, but Canvas Craft uses the best materials for all types of awnings. If you want fabric, we offer a vast selection of durable options from Sunbrella, Patio 500, Polyfab, and other reputable providers.
The most popular awning fabrics are acrylic or canvas, treated to be more water and UV-resistant than standard materials. These fabrics are easy to clean and will stay bright and vibrant for years, lowering maintenance costs and eliminating the need for regular fabric replacement.
In the awning framework, look for durability and longevity. Manufactured materials should be corrosion-resistant and lightweight. Aluminum and steel are ideal because they’re strong and won’t rust, keeping your awning aesthetics modern and sleek over the years.
Retractable awnings include mechanisms that allow you to extend and retract awnings as necessary. The highest-quality parts will ensure this process happens smoothly and is easy to operate to prevent taxing you or your employees and keep the fabric awning in the best condition with usage.
Customization Options
The best custom awning company for your needs will offer many customization options, including shape, image, and style. Your business has a specific aesthetic, mission, and clients; you want your property to reflect that. Using standard awning options won’t convey the message you want to send, so customization is critical.
Whether you want an entrance awning or a shaded courtyard, the company you choose should be able to make it happen. Customization can include the shade you need, like an awning, table umbrellas, or shade sails over your walkways. If you’re integrating several options, you’ll want them to align and look like a cohesive design statement.
The ideal awning company will let you customize your design by choosing specific fabrics and colors, giving you the final say over the structural design and overall looks. Take your time to consider the designs to ensure they’ll deliver your desired ambiance while providing all the advantages you need for your business.
Changing your outdoor space can feel daunting, so always ask questions and research before committing to a custom project. With over 40 years of experience, Canvas Craft has a proven track record of happy customers, and seeing past work, regardless of the company you select, can help you know you’re making the right choice.
Professionalism and Communication
Awning companies should provide transparent communication during the project so you always know the status of your order. After requesting an estimate, you should have a chance to talk with the professionals about what you need and why so they understand your situation completely.
The awning company stays in touch regarding choosing to customize your shade structures. All communication should be timely, so you collaborate with the company to get the desired custom awnings results.
They should give you a deadline for installation, with frequent updates regarding when they will provide service and install the canopies so that you can plan accordingly. The commercial projects should stay on track so it doesn’t interfere with your daily operations.
Cost Transparency and Estimates
Professional awning installers will come to your property and assess the project, then make time to draft an estimate. The estimate will give you an idea of the total cost of the installation process, including materials and labor. If you get estimates from several companies, you’ll better understand what’s a reasonable price for your ideal outcome.
Once you see the mockups of your awnings and structures, the company should provide a thorough invoice that cites a breakdown of the cost of materials and labor, plus any additional expenses you may encounter. You can then work this expense into your budget and know there will be no surprises after the work starts.
Conclusion
Outstanding awning companies go beyond simply providing shade for their customers. They elevate a property’s aesthetics and the outdoor spaces into something attractive and welcoming. Through customization and collaboration, the commercial awning company you choose will improve the look and effectiveness of your landscape.
If you’re ready to change your business’s exterior positively, call Canvas Craft to request an estimate. We’re a professional custom awning company. We’ll learn everything we need about your company, customers, and property to create custom projects that best suit your needs.
